Thermometer of cultural appreciation

APPRECIATION or APPROPIATION

How to measure it to be objectives?

Erasure (Deepest Appropriation)

3°

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Commercial Exploitation

2°

Appropriation

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Tokenism (Superficial Approp.)

1°

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Awareness (Superficial Apprec.)

1°

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Appreciation

Collaboration

2°

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Cultural Integration (Deepest Appreciation)

3°

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Thermometer of cultural appreciation by Edgar Fernando Anguiano Rangel is marked with CC0 1.0

Erasure

This is the most harmful level, where the cultural element is not only taken but redefined by the appropriator, erasing the original meaning and potentially replacing the source culture's identity. This often leads to the original culture being overlooked or misrepresented.

• Example: Renaming indigenous designs or traditions under a foreign brand’s label, erasing the connection to the original community.

Commercial exploitation

At this level, brands or individuals capitalize on cultural elements for profit without giving credit to the original culture. There’s a clearer financial incentive, and it may involve the misuse of sacred or traditional items.

• Example: A fashion brand mass-producing garments with indigenous Mexican designs without involving or compensating the indigenous communities.

Tokenism (Superficial Appropriation)

This level involves the shallow use of cultural elements as a fashion trend or marketing tool. It shows minimal understanding of the cultural significance and often reduces the culture to stereotypes.

• Example: Using a traditional Mexican pattern or symbol on a t-shirt purely for aesthetic appeal without acknowledging its origins.

Collaboration

This involves active engagement with the original culture, where there is a respectful partnership or collaboration. The cultural bearers are involved in the creation process, and their contributions are recognized and compensated.

• Example: A fashion brand works directly with indigenous artisans to create designs, ensuring fair pay and recognition for their work.

Cultural Integration (Deepest Appreciation)

At this level, cultural elements are integrated in a way that honors, preserves, and promotes the original culture. The individual or brand takes a deep, respectful approach, aiming to support the community by showcasing the cultural element in its full, original context.

• Example: A brand highlights indigenous culture by promoting the artisans, educating the public on the cultural significance, and using the platform to preserve and elevate the culture, not just profit from it.

Awareness (Superficial Appreciation)

This is a minimal level of appreciation, where there’s acknowledgment of the culture but not a deep engagement with its significance. The individual or brand expresses interest in learning but may still be distant from true understanding.

• Example: A brand briefly mentions that a design is "inspired by" indigenous Mexican culture without diving deeper into the cultural meaning.