Cultural Appreciation Guidelines

Every culture in the world is unique from its beliefs to its behaviours and more. It is important to understand that cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation are not the same thing. Cultural appreciation can be defined as seeking to broaden understanding and learn about a new culture that is not your own. The goal is to connect with others cross-culturally and broaden ones perspective. 

Here are general guidelines you can follow to show appreciation for any culture in a respectful manner all while avoiding cultural appropriation. 

1. Educate yourself on the different cultural norms and practices.

Research is the first step to exhibiting cultural appreciation. There are endless resources available to educate yourself about a certain culture. We live in a digital era where information is readily available at the click of a button. By reading or watching videos about a new culture, you can learn about the different practices and norms as well as what is considered acceptable versus what considered is disrespectful in that culture. By informing yourself in advance about different culture you may be better prepared to interact with people from different cultures and learn what significant items to avoid appropriating. 

2. Engage with people from different cultures and share your own culture.

By engaging with people from different cultures you can learn face to face about their different norms, values and practices. By sharing your own culture and by participating in an exchange you can learn about differences and similarities between cultures and create a bond. In fact, the best way to develop a strong cross-cultural understanding is by interacting directly with people from that culture and receive their in-person perspective.  Seek to engage with people in your community, in the workplace or at school you may also attempt to meet strangers online or join a virtual community.

3. Support local businesses owned by people from different cultures.

By purchasing from businesses with owners from different cultures you can learn about each item or practice and its cultural origins. This can include specialty grocery stores, artisanal stores or even businesses providing a service that is typical from a certain culture, for example, special massages. This promotes diversity and can also be a way to engage with people from different cultures in your community all while supporting the local economy. 

4. Remember to be respectful 

It is essential to show respect through all cross-cultural interactions. Remember that nobody's culture is the same and that although it is different it deserves the same level of respect as ones own culture. Each culture possess unique items and traditions that should also be respected. This means avoid wearing cultural items as a costume, using items that may have a spiritual connotation in a different culture or making fun of people for their cultural practices.

In conclusion, there are many ways that you can demonstrate appreciation for a new culture. Whether it is through your own research, by interacting with others or through buying. The key is to be open-minded, to listen to the different point of views and to show respect.