Final answer:
Cultural appropriation is harmful because it often involves a dominant group misusing a marginalized group's cultural elements, stripping them of their original significance, and exploiting them for profit, thereby contributing to cultural erasure and historical oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultural appropriation is a complex issue that touches on a society's deeply held values, emotions, and historical experiences. It is often seen as harmful because it involves a dominant group using elements of a marginalized group's culture without permission, often in a way that strips these elements of their original meaning, significance, or context. The appropriation of cultural elements is especially contentious when it's done for profit, as it can result in the exploitation of the marginalized culture and contribute to cultural erasure. This is in stark contrast to cultural exchange, where there is a mutual sharing and respect of cultural elements.
Instances of cultural appropriation can be found in various sectors such as fashion, music, and sports, where dominant cultures might misuse traditional designs, musical styles, or symbols of marginalized cultures without grasping or honoring their true significance. Critical race theory helps contextualize cultural appropriation by highlighting how racism can be embedded in societal practices that exploit the creations of marginalized people. Moreover, the emotional burden, or emotional tax, placed on those from marginalized groups who witness their culture being used inappropriately is significant and often overlooked.
In conclusion, cultural appropriation is considered problematic because it can lead to the exploitation and disrespect of marginalized cultures, often replicating patterns of historical oppression and ignoring the intellectual property rights inherent in cultural practices.