Dianne Post has written the following on cultural appropration check out her substack for the full content: https://diannepost.substack.com/p/cultural-misappropriation
Dr. Neal Lester defines cultural appropriation as using elements not culturally or materially yours for profit, likening it to acknowledged plagiarism. This concept extends to practices like drag, where men adopt exaggerated female stereotypes, often perpetuating harmful and patriarchal views. Historical and contemporary examples, such as 19th-century minstrel shows and modern drag performances, highlight how such acts can glamorize restrictive and damaging female attire, embody derogatory behavior, and use offensive language, all under the guise of entertainment. This behavior is compared to the controversy of blackface, emphasizing that both practices stem from and contribute to systemic oppression and privilege dynamics. Ultimately, the article criticizes drag for its rootedness in white male supremacy and for perpetuating stereotypes and oppression, questioning the acceptance and celebration of such performances that trivialize women’s experiences and identities.
