Whew. A lot of writing & reading in English for non-native for a day. I really appreciate those who shared your time & wisdom here. Your comments encouraged me, educated me, and most importantly “clarified” the tough challenge I am going through.
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I used the word “Cultural Appropriation” in the last 2 posts, but the context is not accusing someone of “Appropriating the Culture”. It is about the reaction I receive. Some people get triggered by just catching the word C/A, assuming what should be written, then attacking others to defend themselves. It is what is happening on FB Page & Youtube Channel, and it happened here on IG. (Thanks to you, it is less hostile, but still numbers of comments WITHOUT even reading).
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Once they watch the video, they will find out what my message is all about. Some actually did (appreciated), and changed the tension in their comment. That’s all I ask – acknowledgement. However, unfortunately, making them read/watch is the most difficult challenge – and those who do not read/watch say C/A is nonsense.
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So… it probably concludes one thing for this account. C/A exists, but not based on age, gender, race… or cultural background. A culture will be appropriated (or erased, overpainted, twisted) by those who aren’t open for any learning. C/A itself is a more complicated issue – but we aren’t even there yet. Some followed me after the post (thank you!), yet 2x unfollowed. It also clarifies that the C/A on the photo will make people uncomfortable. We all agree here, without listening/reading, no learning happens.
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After so much pain, my message has become crystal clear & simple. It is “Acknowledgement”. You enjoying “Sashiko” isn’t C/A to me. I hope the reactions for these posts clarify what I am going through in Sashiko, and what I define as issues in C/A.
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今回の一連の投稿、いい意味で勉強になりました。社会実験と言っても良い程に。「文化の盗用」という言葉に無条件で反応する人の多いこと。「人を騙すなんて良くない」という内容のメッセージの中の「騙す」という言葉に反応して、「お前は人を騙しているのか！」と糾弾される感じです。まずは書かれていることを読んで欲しいのですが、「読まないでもわかる」的な距離の詰め方で。とんでもない社会です。そこでどう刺し子を、自分自身を守っていくか。そりゃね、なんでもかんでも刺し子になりますよ。結論を決めつける人に文脈は読めないもの。頭が良い悪いの問題じゃなく完全に想像力の欠如。つまりは「意識」の問題なのです。
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2024-04-09 21:54:52
Provoking thought, awareness and consideration can be threatening, the people who react negatively may benefit from your generous efforts.
I have appreciated your discussion of this issue! Especially helpful, as i do a lot of visible mending for practical/thrift reasons so i am very interested in/admiring of sashiko, and don’t want to take culture, history, expertise, and traditions for granted. Thank you for sharing
I am always stunned how aggressive some people react to your messages, as they are in my opinion so welcoming, inviting to enjoy sashiko, only with respect to the upstream and all the stories and wisdom. There is no aggression in that request for respect and acknowledgement. At least, that is how I read your messages, and the more I learn the more humble I become about having so much more to learn. Thank you for sharing!
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I believe everyone should acknowledge and honor the origin of what they are doing as an art or craft.
i was shocked to see such dismissive comments towards someone (you) who is taking their time to educate others on this historical and cultural context of this art/technique