Culture

Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow from Cultures Besides Their Own?

Historically, styles and traditions were often taken from other societies and displayed without context or reduced to “exotic” novelties in Western society. When this happens in modern art, runway fashion, or music today, artists are accused of cultural appropriation, especially if they’ve borrowed or used traditions specific to a particular minority group. Those in support of borrowing say art has always been a medium of exchange, influence, and fusion and they believe placing restrictions on inspiration may stifle artistic expression. Also, they point out that artists usually intend these references as “cultural appreciation.” Those arguing against it say borrowing from…

September 29, 2023
September 29, 2023

Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow from Cultures Besides Their Own?

Historically, styles and traditions were often taken from other societies and displayed without context or reduced to “exotic” novelties in Western society. When this happens in modern art, runway fashion, or music today, artists are accused of cultural appropriation, especially if they’ve borrowed or used traditions specific to a particular minority group. Those in support of borrowing say art has always been a medium of exchange, influence, and fusion and they believe placing restrictions on inspiration may stifle artistic expression. Also, they point out that artists usually intend these references as “cultural appreciation.” Those arguing against it say borrowing from…

Does Taylor Swift Deserve Her Billion Dollar Fortune?

Taylor Swift's billionaire status stands out among her financial peers from the business community who are often scrutinized for their extreme wealth. Swift became a self-made billionaire because of her unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and passionate…

Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?

American women are, on average, paid 84 cents for every dollar men make, according to the Department of Labor. This wage gap has persisted despite near-record rates of women’s participation in the labor market, with…

How to Resolve Conflict in Relationships: A Conversation with Esther Perel

Conflict is not reserved for politics or public policy — it also happens within relationships.  Couples have arguments over what’s happening behind closed doors, their beliefs, and how to navigate the future together. However, it’s through…

Is the American Dream in Decline?

The American Dream – the idea that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can achieve success in the U.S. through hard work and determination – is under scrutiny.…

David Brooks on the Art of Seeing and Hearing Others

A special conversation episode with David Brooks and John Donvan. In a society that is becoming increasingly polarized, as evident in our national political discourse and the powerful and divisive reverberations from two wars, people feel disconnected and hesitant…

Will the Future Be Abundant?

From the start of agriculture to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, humanity has changed and thrived at a level previously unseen in history. Some worry that the abundant present we live in now will change…
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