Following the riots in LA, I feel that there was a strong emphasis about individual's identities and their culture. After being suppressed for so long, many minority groups felt that their identities should be recognized and respected within mainstream society, not something that would be used to identify them as "black", "Mexican", or "muslim." These groups, who have been disenfranchised by the American public, have embraced and publicly shared their culture to be respected and experienced.
However, this did not end up being the case. Pop artists, social media, and celebrities began to use various characteristics as a stylistic trend instead of respecting the cultural background and identity of many minority groups. African American women who found themselves being discriminating against because of their hair style, found that white celebrities were wearing the same hairstyle as a stylistic trend and was getting praised for it in the media. Individuals at music festival were seen wearing Native American headdresses, because it was "hip" and "cool". Cultural appropriation is a large issue within society today that should be addressed more and not just simply taken as a fashionable trend. While some people may find it as innocent, it is hurting and disenfranchising communities who find these characteristics as defining various aspects of their culture. The lack of respect and consideration that people have in regards to culture is a reflection of American society and its lack of respect for cultures that do not fit into the ideology of "White America." With this in mind, it makes sense then that the identities of African Americans, Latinos, and Koreans during the LA riots is a considerably important topic as the media played on the stereotypes of these communities while overlooking the central issues that each of these groups experienced, similar to how cultural appropriation in present day fails to recognize and show an understanding and respect for cultural backgrounds.
-Mai Lani
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