In May, we posted this video of Morgan Bullock artfully performing Irish Dancing for the #savagechallenge. Her style and work went viral, sparking excitement, conversation and controversy. Some accused her of cultural appropriation.
Check out this article from the Washington Post describing the fallout from Morgan Bullock being a boss and executing Irish Dance like she was born doing it.
So we ask, is this cultural appropriation? Is it cultural appropriation when non-African people dance or perform African dance or music? Tell us your thoughts!
Check out some comments from our community:
“Well, that's a good question. but truth be told, i wouldn't be able to breathe without African dance in my life. i know it is not mine. i know my whiteness well, even though many times it is cause for shame in my life... and i am forever grateful to my African friends for sharing their rich, loving culture with me.” - Mimi
“It is not cultural appropriation for a Black woman to do Irish dancing. Was it cultural appropriation when the Dance Theater of Harlem did Ballet? Of course we put our own stamp on it and make it our own. There are videos of white people doing contemporary African Dance, Asian people rocking Hip Hop dance and the list goes on. The important thing is to acknowledge and honor the people and culture where the dance comes from.” - Leslie
“Hi Cumbe Team,
I think this question of appropriation in African dance is a super important one. As a white dancer who (similar to Morgan Bullock) feels the pull to this style of movement that is outside of their heritage I constantly am asking myself 'should I be here? Would any of the black dancers prefer that I wasn't here? Should I remove myself from this out of respect?'.I do believe that as long as there is respect for the culture and the origins and direct naming and understanding of the history that it can stay outside of the bounds of appropriation and within celebration and honoring and keeping alive these arts.
I think it would be really interesting for Cumbe to put together a 'how to dance from the African diaspora without appropriating guide' for white folks and other POC, to bring this conversation into every classroom. I personally would love to know best practices (should we not wear certain things, should we stand in the back, should we do extra cultural study, etc.) Thank you for having this conversation. I'm happy to discuss more if it is valuable.” - With gratitude for Cumbe, Angela“Dear Cumbe,
Regarding cultural appropriation, I don't see anything wrong with a Black dancer doing Irish dance. Dance is an art. Myself a white person, I tried Afro and Latin, is that a cultural appropriation? As long as done respectfully and with aim to learn and share, why should any of it be a problem? I think it is fun to share all our respective cultures. Furthermore, if a particular Afro dance style combines elements from West Africa while being South African, is that an appropriation from a different region? Where do we draw the lines?
When I dress up in salwar kameez for an Indian function/party, or make a proper Indian-style chai for my friends from that area, they don't see it as appropriation, but as me partaking in their culture.” - Olga