About two years ago, I was in a living room with two of my friends and we were all applying henna, or mehndi, a paste made from a plant that, when applied to skin, leaves an orange – red stain, on each other.

Mehndi is often used to leave a temporary design on skin, typically one’s hands. The practice originated from south Asian countries where it is popular.

My friends were appropriating my Indian culture, and we were all having fun doing it.

Cultural appropriation is the act of a member of one culture adopting aspects of another culture. Often, the term is used negatively. People have claimed that appropriation should be avoided because culture belongs to its members only.

But I disagree because I do it all the time. The clothes I wear, the music I listen to, and the food I eat are not from a singular culture. They come from many different places. I wear Western clothes as well as Indian ones. I love Arabic music. I think Mexican food is delicious. Why would I limit myself to one culture when I don’t have to?

Also, isn’t it a kind of compliment? Someone thinks my culture is so cool that they want to copy it? Thank you.

A popular argument against cultural appropriation is that people will be quick to adopt the cool parts of a culture and show no respect to its originators. In other words, they like the culture but not the people.

For example, they might be prejudiced against Indians, but like wearing bindis. I’m sure such people exist, and I think they are horrible. But there are many people who are accepting of people of all ethnicities and want to share culture with them. They’re not the bad ones. So, let’s try to avoid blanket statements.

Anger over cultural appropriation stems from a feeling of ownership over a culture. But honestly, no one owns culture. The premise of culture is that it is shared by many people – that’s what makes it a culture. If it was just one person, it would be individualism.

I also feel that the cultural appropriation controversy has made people a little fearful. It’s hard to know what is acceptable and what is not. Personally, I think intent is crucial. If someone doesn’t mean to be disrespectful, they should not be attacked. But if someone is trying to make a mockery of culture, he or she is not doing the right thing.

Appropriate culture, but be respectful. I also feel that those who borrow from another culture should be a little educated on it. Additionally, those who appropriate culture should be ready to explain themselves when faced with opposition.

Happy appropriating.