I've got a question for everyone about tribal or other tattoos that mimic the art of other cultures outside the USA. Does that fall into cultural appropriation, or is it appreciation? I've already got a large leg tattoo with mandalas and mehndi-style artwork, but I'm not from India. I'm planning to get a back tattoo with a Polynesian design in May. I'm curious what your opinion is. My feeling is that it's showing appreciation for the artistry of another culture.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.It would be appreciation if you get an artist from that culture to do, if you absorb the meaning of the tattoo etc.
Appropriation is when a white guy makes money using art of a subjulgated culture without giving anything in return. Like a copyright.
So if you want to make a tattoo in this style, look for a real ethnic artist and do not give your money to a random dude doing a job mimicking someone's culture.
Pedrohbds
Level 7
Apr 8, 2019
1
Ok, thank you for your thoughtful comments. My artist is Peruvian, but he's been doing this style for a long time.
@SilviaPark Well, just not being white do not make him from all cultures. Being peruvian do not make him necessarily a quechua (or Inca...) because you know, south america is highly mixed (I myself have at least 3 continents in my bloodline).
So for example, if he is doing a maori tattoo is still appropriation.
I apologize is this sounds judgy, I don’t mean it that way but I’m not sure how else to word it. Also I’m just waking up lol.
My ancestry is primarily German. To me it would make no sense to have Chinese word(s) tattooed on me. I have zero connection to that culture. If I had lived there for a few years then possibly. Or if I adopted a child from China then it would give it meaning.
At the same time I also know mandalas are en vogue now so I do get that as well. And the designs are beautiful.
Maybe I’m too hung up on tattoos having to have meaning since mine do.
I don’t know, i guess I’m rambling at this point. I think it says a lot about your character for asking though. I hope you let us know what you decide.
Marcie1974
Level 8
Apr 7, 2019
1
My parents did live in Pakistan for a year, and I stayed with them when they first moved there, but only for a few weeks. And I do consider myself somewhat Buddhist, in that many of my beliefs/morals coincide with Buddhist ones. I have done some mehndi with Indian friends, and just thought it was such a beautiful tradition. But I don't feel a tattoo has to be something that you've experienced or that only expresses your personal history. I think everyone's tattoos do have meaning to them, whether you know it or not. I appreciate your comments.
@SilviaPark there you go, you do have a connection then....it makes more sense to me.
I guess if it’s something you’ve put thought into then go for it! I haven’t “creeped” on your profile yet but I think my first thought was some regrettable tattoos friends of mine have gotten when they were in their early 20s because that was the fad at the time (think white girls with tribal looking tramp stamps above their ass).
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