The entire nature of interior design is to create a space which caters to the quirks and preferences of the person who lives in it. Sometimes, however, there is a line that is crossed when it comes to the choice of items being used to create that space. This is when cultural appropriation comes into the picture, when people use “ethnic” or “exotic” items as mere decorations without further researching the meaning and significance behind it.
Cultural appropriation is a term used to describe the occasion when a dominant culture adopts different pieces of a non-dominant culture without any in-depth research into the items or concepts they are using. Asian, Native American and African cultures are usually the main ones being offended, as they are often considered an “aesthetic” to some.
One could see the use of Suzanis to decorate walls, or Hmong fabrics used as pillow covers, or Juju hats or Buddha statues and other cultural items operate as a simple addition to someone’s aesthetic. The problem is that — most of the time — these people would not know any better about the history and cultural significance behind these “decorations”. This is extremely harmful for representation, as it promotes ignorance amongst the community. Many minorities already get little to no representation as is, and the uneducated borrowing of their culture to use as an aesthetic will not benefit anyone.
Some may argue about intention. Perhaps the person had not meant to offend any culture, and they do genuinely appreciate and celebrate the traditions of that demographic. However, as this article would put it, “Remember, it’s not what you intend (e.g. I didn’t mean to offend anyone), it’s the impact of your actions.” Someone’s intention does not stick as strongly as their impact, and their choices in the design of their home will have an impact on the people who surround them. So it makes it all the more inherent that everyone understands the importance and the proper way of treating any foreign items they place in their home.
This particular issue in interior design is common in colonizer countries — where ironically — they would take from the countries they colonized. Despite this supposed enjoyment of “aesthetics”, the people who belong to the appropriated culture would still experience discrimination, racism and even fetishizing. Which makes it even more hurtful of a wound, when design companies use their culture as a mere profitable idea.
Cultural appropriation may not seem as much of a big matter to some, however the effects of it can, and will, harm those it targets. Our homes are such an integral part of ourselves, and while it is important that we surround ourselves with the things we love most, we should also think about what we use and know the proper way of treating it. It is our responsibility to respect each other, just as it is our responsibility to have self-respect.
