Maira and Said - 05/09

The Indo-chic article was interesting because it does a great job at displaying the complexities of 'cultural appropriation'. I've always associated negativity with the term 'cultural appropriation'. However, this article provides a contrast to the term when it mentioned the Mendhi Night fundraiser ran by South Asian and South Asian American students. These students were able to capitalize on the reappropriation of Mendhi and other facets of Indian culture, such as food, for monetary gain. There is still a downside to this. By promoting Mendhi Night in their college, it provokes the image of institutions being pro-diversity, which is not the case due to the unequal distribution of resources for students of color in America. The article provides a nuanced stance to the term 'cultural appropriation' by not demonizing it or glorifying it, but providing reasons as to why an aspect of a culture is being used.

Another interesting term is 'polyculturalism'. In the article, it mentions how mendhi has become an amalgamation of different cultures. I thought the response of the girl was thoughtful because she did not resort to defining mendhi as a purely 'Indian thing' appropriated by 'Western people'. Her definition of mendhi refers back to the dynamicity of culture mentioned by Stuart Hall. In this context, it has become apparent that culture is ever changing and that it is possible to see this kind of polyculturalism as a positive in terms of representing other people's culture.