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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Cultural Appropriation as a Form of Racism

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Title: Cultural Appropriation as a Form of Racism

Question: Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of racism, or is it merely an instance of cultural exchange? Discuss the pros and cons of each viewpoint and provide your own opinion on the matter.

Model Answer:

In recent years, the concept of cultural appropriation has sparked heated debates worldwide, with some arguing that it represents a form of racism while others maintain that it is simply a manifestation of cultural exchange. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and provide my own opinion on the matter.

On one hand, proponents of the view that cultural appropriation constitutes racism argue that it involves taking or adopting elements from a culture without proper understanding or respect for their historical and social significance. They contend that when individuals from a dominant group appropriate aspects of minority cultures, they perpetuate stereotypes, reinforce power imbalances, and commodify aspects of those cultures for personal gain. For example, some argue that the popular "Navajo" fashion trend is an instance of cultural appropriation, as it commercializes Native American art and symbols without acknowledging their sacred significance to Indigenous peoples.

On the other hand, opponents of the notion that cultural appropriation is inherently racist assert that it can be a valuable means of fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. They contend that by sharing and exchanging ideas, artifacts, and traditions, individuals from different cultures can learn about one another's histories and perspectives. For instance, the adoption of certain culinary dishes from one culture to another may not only lead to an appreciation for diverse flavors but also challenge preconceived notions about "foreign" cuisine.

In my opinion, while there are instances in which cultural appropriation can indeed be considered racist, it is essential to recognize that this phenomenon is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single interpretation. Cultural exchange is an inherently complex process, and what may appear as cultural appropriation on the surface could actually represent genuine efforts at understanding and respecting other cultures. Consequently, it is crucial to evaluate each case individually, taking into account the intentions, context, and consequences of the actions in question.

In terms of the IELTS scoring standards, this essay provides a comprehensive exploration of both viewpoints, supports its arguments with relevant examples, and concludes with a nuanced perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the issue. As such, it would likely receive a Band Score of 7 or 8 for Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and the overall quality of the essay.

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