I am glad that my insight about the “Cultural Appropriation in Sashiko” encourage people to enjoy Sashiko more. At the same time, I learn that the topic of Cultural Appropriation is sensitive, and therefore, complex to describe in one paragraph. The topic of C/A seems to reflect the fear we may have.
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Some of you may still be confused about what to do with avoiding Cultural Appropriation. So, here is one simple thing they can do to share the respect & support to one culture. “Be attentive who you are purchasing the materials from”. When we enjoy crafting inspired by one culture, we usually need supplies. When we purchase it, in-store or online, please let’s “try” to understanding who is selling the item. In order to support the culture, not only “What to buy” is important, but also “who to buy from” is very critical. Of course, the cheaper, the better. 2-day free shipping is great. The supplier (the seller) needs to compete with each other to provide better service for the healthy economic activity. However, understanding who you are purchasing from will make a small, yet significant difference over time, I believe.
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Sashiko supplies are available anywhere now. You can find both “culturally educated & attentive seller” and “seller who sell them because Sashiko is trend”. You know which seller will support the tradition in long-term. I am NOT saying that you should only purchase things from me or the other Japanese sellers. There are many non-Japanese sellers who have been in Sashiko industry, and they are in business because they care about Sashiko. ☆
After all, it is us who to choose which culture to pass down. We unfortunately have already made sad decisions of losing the beautiful artisanship. Sashiko have (had) faced (and probably may be facing) the same issues. I hope you can be a part of beautiful circulation of caring the others and culture. ☆
This is my tentative way to express my personal feeling about the Cultural Appropriation. Enjoy Sashiko – for anyone who would like to enjoy the Sashiko for their own style, hopefully with an attitude to appreciate the Japanese behind Sashiko.
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2019-06-12 22:25:32
長くなってしまった……ので、配信でお話します。「文化の盗用」についてのお話でした。
So very well expressed – thank you 🙇♀️ I totally agree and enjoy my sashiko
いいね👍したけど、英語だからさっぱりわからない私💦😅
🙌👏🙏
Que belleza esas puntadas❤️❤️❤️❤️
I watched some of your live video this morning. I learned so much by watching. 🙂 There is an analogy to be made between working from the back of the fabric vs working on the front and the contrasting cultures. I don’t quite have the experience/correct words yet, but I felt it watching you work. 🙏🏻
Thank you for your mention of cultural appropriation. I am learning so much and I will make efforts to be sensitive regarding my choices about Sashiko. The activity, the purchases, the learning and educating. I believe Cultural Appropriation concerns are real and we in the craft, sewing and art community need to be cognisant of our impact. Thank you again.