Episode 3: Why can't I do that?

EPISODE SUMMARY

Today, co-hosts Kara-Kae James and Elizabeth Oates welcomed guest Ashley Danielle as they discussed the challenging topic of cultural appropriation and answered the question, “Why can’t I do that?” They offered a definition of cultural appropriation and ways we see this play out in our culture today. They also explored ways that Jesus treated different races and cultures with respect. Finally, they discussed the importance of understanding other cultures without defending our own thoughts/words/actions. 

GUEST: Ashley Danielle

THE LITTLE THINGS

We like to start each episode by talking about “the little things” in life that made a big impact that week. 

Kara-Kae mentioned the Meghan Markle interview and John MacArthur’s inflammatory statement about Beth Moore. 

Elizabeth talked about something a little less heavy: she spent the week with a friend from CA. They met at last year’s Collab Conference and now Elizabeth is editing her book.

THE CONVERSATION

Today we talked about cultural appropriation, which means people from a more dominant culture adopt elements from another culture; by adopting these elements, the more dominant culture exploits the more oppressed culture.

We discussed what cultural appropriation looks like in America and other countries, and how it plays out through housing, hair, celebrities, movies, Halloween costumes, Disney princesses, children’s toys, “crazy hair day,”

We also talked about following Jesus’s example when it comes to inclusivity and respecting other cultures.

Even if we don’t understand another culture’s point of view, even if we think something is “not a big deal,” it IS a big deal to the person/culture we offended. We must accept the fact that what we said/did was offensive. We should not try to defend or explain. We should apologize and use the opportunity to open the door for conversation . . . “I don’t understand but I want to understand. Help me understand.”

RESOURCES TO REFRAME OUR THINKING

  • Kara-Kae is following Lucretia Berry on social media. Lucretia started an organization called Brownicity and you can check it out here

  • Elizabeth is reading Bloodlines by John Piper

Join us next week for Episode 4 when we talk about depression and answer the question: “What’s wrong with me?”

And don’t forget . . . keep asking questions, for a friend!

- Kara-Kae and Elizabeth 

Kara-Kae JamesComment