I keep myself busy with stitching & writing for last 24h – they both occupy my b

I keep myself busy with stitching & writing for last 24h – they both occupy my brain from different angles. Thank you for all the comments for previous posts. Follow-up post for those who found me recently.

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Cultural Appropriation is a very sensitive & difficult topic. Therefore, please read what I have been writing on this topic before reacting to the words. If you start following me recently,  spend a day or so reading posts before criticizing/questioning (empathy/support is always welcome). Misunderstanding based on “What I didn’t write” is very unfortunate for both of us. Please read what is written instead of what you want to read.

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I am NOT saying that only Japanese should practice Sashiko. In my perspective as a Sashiko artisan, “a bit of respect to the people/culture/stories behind the Japanese word Sashiko” is all I am asking. No need to master Japanese language or stitching skills. Please try to “care” for the people who exist(ed) behind the word. Then, anyone can call it Sashiko. Just doubt what you already know. Keep learning so the culture will not be filled with something different. 

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“How it looks” is important. However, in C/A topic, it is secondary. Even if a stitcher follows all of “rules (which I do not think it exists)” with beautiful result, when a stitcher says “I don’t care about Japanese voices”, then it is a form of C/A. Even if a stitching result doesn’t look like artisans’ Sashiko for some reasons, when you try to keep learning/respecting, then it is my honor to hear you call it Sashiko. 

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This is not the first time to share this perspective. I share this with many analogies – language, music, food, relationships….please find posts/articles. I am nowhere to judge you for appropriating the culture outside of Sashiko. I am not educated to speak on behalf of other culture. I am just an artisan who has many stories about Sashiko. However, in my sharing, I learned that C/A exists in various ways. “Continuous Learning (respecting)” is the key to flip Appropriation to Appreciation. Art, Joy, and Love. They are truly beautiful things. However, nothing should be appreciated over someone’s pain, and I can only speak for Sashiko.

2020-11-04 20:47:48

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