My Culture Ain't Your Costume: Why We Need Respect, Not Appropriation
Everyone talks and shares posts about saying no to cultural appropriation, but does anyone know exactly why and how we can fix it? Here are my five cents on the subject.
Let me tell you something. It burns me up to see folks take from traditions like Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Afro-Caribbean magic like they're picking spices off a grocery shelf. These practices ain't some flavor to add to your witchcraft. They're living traditions steeped in history, struggle, and resilience.
Here's the thing: when you grab stuff from our cultures without understanding them, you disrespect what they mean to us. It's like waltzing into a sacred space with your muddy boots on. It's appropriation, plain and simple.
And let's not forget about accuracy. These practices have specific purposes and meanings. Yanking them out of context makes them about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Worse yet, it can straight-up backfire. You wouldn't take a prescription drug without knowing the dosage, would you? The same principle applies here.
But it's bigger than that. This appropriation is part of a long history of discrimination. Our cultures have been stereotyped, mocked, and colonized. Now, folks want to cherry-pick the "cool" bits of our traditions without acknowledging the struggles we face.
Here's the fight we need: Respect the Roots: Understand where these practices come from. Learn about the cultures that birthed them. This shows respect and fosters bridges between traditions.
Practice with Integrity: If you choose to incorporate elements from other cultures, research! Understand the intention and meaning behind them. Use them responsibly.
Fight the Power: Speak out against appropriation. Educate others about the importance of cultural sensitivity. Amplify the voices of BIPOC witches and practitioners.
This isn't about gatekeeping magic. It's about building an inclusive and respectful witchcraft community. It's about recognizing that magic is powerful but also tied to the cultures that created it. Let's honor that power, not exploit it. We can build a more robust Craft together, but it starts with understanding and respect.
Additionally, Consider starting conversations about cultural appropriation within your own covens or online communities. Encourage open dialogue and respectful learning.
This journey of dismantling appropriation and building a more inclusive witchcraft is ongoing. But by educating ourselves and supporting BIPOC voices, we can create a space where magic thrives alongside respect and understanding.
Keep an eye out for BIPOC-owned and operated businesses when purchasing magical supplies. Support their voices and empower their communities.
Deeper Dives: Resources for the Curious Witch
So you're fired up (fired up is a new term I just learned recently, so I am abusing or using it as much as I can) about dismantling appropriation and building a more respectful witchcraft practice? Here are some resources to keep you going:
My Culture Ain't Your Costume: Why We Need Respect, Not Appropriation
Let me tell you something. It burns me up to see folks take from traditions like Voodoo, Hoodoo, and Afro-Caribbean magic like they're picking spices off a grocery shelf. These practices ain't some flavor to add to your witchcraft. They're living traditions steeped in history, struggle, and resilience.
Here's the thing: when you grab stuff from our cultures without understanding them, you disrespect what they mean to us. It's like waltzing into a sacred space with your muddy boots on. It's appropriation, plain and simple.
And let's not forget about accuracy. These practices have specific purposes and meanings. Yanking them out of context makes them about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Worse yet, it can straight-up backfire. You wouldn't take a prescription drug without knowing the dosage, would you? The same principle applies here.
But it's bigger than that. This appropriation is part of a long history of discrimination. Our cultures have been stereotyped, mocked, and colonized. Now, folks want to cherry-pick the "cool" bits of our traditions without acknowledging the struggles we face.
Here's the fight we need: Respect the Roots: Understand where these practices come from. Learn about the cultures that birthed them. This shows respect and fosters bridges between traditions.
Practice with Integrity: If you choose to incorporate elements from other cultures, research! Understand the intention and meaning behind them. Use them responsibly.
Fight the Power: Speak out against appropriation. Educate others about the importance of cultural sensitivity. Amplify the voices of BIPOC witches and practitioners.
This isn't about gatekeeping magic. It's about building an inclusive and respectful witchcraft community. It's about recognizing that magic is powerful but also tied to the cultures that created it. Let's honor that power, not exploit it. We can build a more robust Craft together, but it starts with understanding and respect.
Additionally, Consider starting conversations about cultural appropriation within your own covens or online communities. Encourage open dialogue and respectful learning.
This journey of dismantling appropriation and building a more inclusive witchcraft is ongoing. But by educating ourselves and supporting BIPOC voices, we can create a space where magic thrives alongside respect and understanding.
Keep an eye out for BIPOC-owned and operated businesses when purchasing magical supplies. Support their voices and empower their communities.
Xxo. Elhoim.
Author. Dowser. Witch.
Deeper Dives: Resources for the Curious Witch
So you're fired up (fired up is a new term I just learned recently, so I am abusing or using it as much as I can) about dismantling appropriation and building a more respectful witchcraft practice? Here are some resources to keep you going:
Books:
- "Hoodoo in America: Conjuring Work and Healing Wisdom" by Katrina H. Bell.
- "Vodou: Sacred Spaces and Voodoo Traditions in Haiti" by Mambo Leah Frederick.
- Decolonizing Witchcraft: Decolonize Your Practice and Unleash the Power Within" by Kim Falconer.
- The Association for the Study of African American Life and Culture (https://asalh.org/)
- The National Coalition for Black Girls (https://ncbw.org/)
- Hoodoo Museum & Research Center (https://www.neworleans.com/listing/new-orleans-historic-voodoo-museum/32662/)
- "Spirits with Benefits" by Shaniqua Aisha
- "Black Girl Magic" by Kellee Stewart and Vanessa Zollie
- "Brujas" by Leah Guerrero
CLICK HERE to grab your copy of my book 'The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags' (2017).
CLICK HERE to grab your copy of my book 'Manifestation Magic' (2021).
CLICK HERE to grab your copy of my book 'Dream Witchery' (2023).
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