Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation - A Malaysian's view

In the colorful world of today, culture exchange is inevitable, as it enriches society with diversity and shared traditions. However, the line between cultural appreciation and appropriation may spark debate, especially in a multicultural society. Malaysia presents a unique perspective on this topic, as its nation celebrates cultural fusion. The country is built on the coexistence of three main ethnic groups, which are Malay, Indian, and Chinese. With the country’s slogan “1 Malaysia”, its citizens are encouraged to embrace and respect one another’s traditions, making it difficult to identify cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation generally means using elements from one culture which strip them of them of their original meaning. An example that is often used are African hairstyles being used without recognition of their cultural significance, or people wearing the Cheongsam in an inappropriate way, such as a Halloween costume.

However, Malaysia being a multicultural nation has a different dynamic. Here, cultural sharing is not only common but also celebrated. Festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali are national holidays enjoyed by all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. Malaysians of different backgrounds wear traditional attire, participate in cultural dances, and share festive foods without any accusation of appropriation. Many of my non-Malay friends were invited over to my house during Hari Raya to celebrate, and it is actually quite the norm. They also received ‘duit Raya’ from my parents, which is another custom in Malay culture.

Moving on, when a Chinese or Indian Malaysian wears a baju kurung or baju Melayu, it is rarely seen as appropriative behaviour, as the action actually comes from genuine respect and understanding. Furthermore, Malay Malaysians might participate in lion dances or wear sarees at weddings, which are viewed as acts of appreciation and unity. I, myself who is a Malay person, have chosen to wear a saree as a traditional attire during an event while having an overseas program in Japan. I also wore it for a cultural Indian dance in another event. Meanwhile, my Chinese friend loves to wear baju kurung and when asked, she said it was simply because she felt comfortable in it. Similarly, when a non-Malay Malaysian chooses to fast during Ramadan, it is seen as an effort to foster solidarity. My friend actually attempted this - she only lasted until lunch!

Wearing Saree for an Indian dance with friends. Credits: Our dance choreographer

What makes Malaysia unique is that cultural sharing often benefits the communities it originates from. Take food for example-nasi lemak, roti canai and char kway teow are widely enjoyed and celebrated as national dishes, regardless of their ethnic origins. Also, traditional textiles such as sarees are not confined to their ethnic roots but are embraced as symbols of Malaysian identity.

The slogan itself, “1 Malaysia” emphasizes the importance of diversity, and this mindset allows Malaysians to celebrate each other’s cultures without the fear of exploitation. The mutual respect and pride in shared traditions create an environment where cultural appreciation thrives. While cultural appropriation is a concern for other countries, Malaysia demonstrates that fostering understanding and respect can provide deeper connections to others.

Ultimately, Malaysia serves as an example of how cultural appreciation can flourish in a multicultural society. By upholding respect, learning from one another, and celebrating diversity, Malaysians demonstrate that cultural exchange, when approached thoughtfully, can strengthen bonds between people, and foster a sense of belonging.