Appropriation Quote by Sam Abell
“I will just say, appropriation is an intellectual idea until it happens to you. It's a philosophy, and it's got its own intellectual framework. Then there's what happens when it's your photograph. Then it's personal, and that's all I'll say.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Photography magazine, 2018
He argues that cultural appropriation is abstract until it directly affects someone, then it becomes a personal issue.
In simple terms: Appropriation feels distant until it hits you personally.
Consider personal impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art education
- media criticism
- social media discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt personally affected by appropriation?
- How can creators respect cultures without stifling expression?
Not all appropriation is intentional or harmful.