Cultural Appropriation

[Inkling]

I have recently been experimenting with writing poems where the speaker comes from an ethnic background very different from my own, and have found myself at times feeling uncomfortable with the results.

In searching for information on the Internet I came across the term 'cultural appropriation' and suspected that my recent efforts have tended in that direction, which is probably why I feel so uncomfortable.

Does anyone have any further links or information on issues surrounding cultural appropriation in poetry or literature? I'm trying to figure out when the legitimate use of imagining myself in another's shoes crosses the line into "cultural appropriation", specifically in the context of voice.

I've had a look through some of the threads in PFFA on voice, but have not so far found anything that relates. I apologise in advance if I've missed something relevant.

Looking forward to your replies - and to gradually weaning myself off lurking and into participation, particularly in the critical forums.

~ Inkling

[JohnBoddie]

Re:
"I have recently been experimenting with writing poems where the speaker comes from an ethnic background very different from my own, and have found myself at times feeling uncomfortable with the results."

This is hardly surprising. Unless you are familiar with another culture or at least the aspect of the culture you're writing about, the poem is likely to sound inauthentic.

Keep in mind that you probably haven't experienced the full range of experience for your native culture and that it might be equally difficult to write a poem about a doctor's experience, or a professional wrestler's.

As for "cultural appropriation", don't sweat it. That's just the PC police making noise.

JB

[Gabe1]

If the poem works, then it doesn't matter.

[Inkling]

Thank you for your replies, JB and Gabriel.

JB your comment on equally 'foreign' lives in my own culture hit home and helped to put things into perspective. Thanks. (PC huh? No wonder alarms were going off!!!)

Gabriel, I'm not sure if my poems work - I guess I'll have to participate in the critical forums and pay my critiquing dues so I can submit one to General C&C for comment - and so that I can continue to ask questions and participate in the non-critical forums without being a parasite....

Looking into this question has been fascinating to me - I've now begun to explore all sorts of related questions to do with colonialism, race relations, and so forth.

Wishing you a good night,
~ Inkling