Cultural Appropriation and the Arts

Now, for the first time, a philosopher undertakes a systematic investigation of the moral and aesthetic issues to which cultural appropriation gives rise.

• Cultural appropriation is a pervasive feature of the contemporary world (the Parthenon Marbles remain in London; white musicians from Bix Beiderbeck to Eric Clapton have appropriated musical styles from African-American culture)
• Young offers the first systematic philosophical investigation of the moral and aesthetic issues to which cultural appropriation gives rise
• Tackles head on the thorny issues arising from the clash and integration of cultures and their artifacts
• Questions considered include: “Can cultural appropriation result in the production of aesthetically successful works of art?” and “Is cultural appropriation in the arts morally objectionable?”
• Part of the highly regarded New Directions in Aesthetics series

Keywords: PHILOSOPHY / Aesthetics PHI001000