Appropriate Rock
Demetrius Few
11/09/2016
The term "cultural appropriation" is as popular today as "fleek" was in 2015 and about as ambiguous as the definition of art. The general sentiment seems to be that if one uses something from a culture that's not their own without knowing the context or purpose of it, then it becomes appropriation rather appreciation.
I usually don't get involved in these discussions myself because everyone involved seems to be as confused as the next on how anyone can be a "world citizen".
My question is "is wearing band merch from bands you've never even actively listened to considered culture appropriation?"
Sure Rock n' Roll and its many sub genres may not be an ethnic group or race but it's definitely a culture. Without a doubt, from its origination, Rock n' Roll is one of the most deeply rooted cultures in music that's still alive today.
So that being said, band tees have become one of the biggest fashion trends to rise up lately due widely to "bubble up" trends, fashion labels like Fear of God, and celebrity influence. But how many people can actually say they're a fan of the band they're wearing on their t-shirt?
I don't mean to say one has to know the entire discography of a band to wear a t-shirt. It just seems to me that wearing a band tee without knowing the context, a song or two, or at least the bands basic philosophy/attitude is similar to people making it a point for others to know the cultural significance of a dashiki or bindi.
People who wear (or perhaps some people now) band merch wear it to let others know firstly which your they saw, but secondly to let others know who they are indirectly through what musicians they associate themselves with. So if you wear a band tee and you don't listen to the music or understand the artist, are you wearing it for the sake of rock culture or for the sake of a trend?
Share this with friends
