IELTS.WORK

IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Question Should cultural appropriation be considered a m of racism?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712536813

Question: Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of racism?

Model Answer:
Cultural appropriation, or the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another culture, has become a controversial topic in recent times. While some argue that it is a form of racism, others believe it is simply an expression of personal freedom and creativity. In this essay, I will examine both perspectives and evaluate whether cultural appropriation can be considered a form of racism.

On one hand, critics of cultural appropriation argue that it perpetuates racial inequality by allowing individuals from dominant cultures to "borrow" elements from marginalized cultures without understanding or respecting their significance. For example, non-Native Americans wearing headdresses at music festivals or non-Asians adopting Asian surnames can be seen as trivializing and disrespecting the culture of others. This can lead to a further erosion of cultural identity for minority groups and reinforce stereotypes, which is undoubtedly an act of racism.

On the other hand, proponents of cultural appropriation argue that it can promote understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of different cultures. By adopting elements from another culture, individuals may be more inclined to learn about the history, customs, and beliefs associated with that culture. This, in turn, can foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, which is essential for a globalized world. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between appropriation and appreciation; when cultural elements are respected and celebrated without being distorted or trivialized, it may not necessarily be considered racism.

In conclusion, whether cultural appropriation can be considered a form of racism depends on the intentions and consequences of the actions. While there are instances where cultural appropriation can reinforce racial inequality and stereotypes, it is also possible for individuals to appreciate and learn from different cultures in a respectful manner. It is crucial that society continues to engage in open dialogue about these issues, with the aim of promoting mutual understanding and respect among all cultures.

Score (using IELTS scoring standards):
- Task Response: 9 (The essay provides a detailed answer to the question, addressing both perspectives and providing a conclusion.)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8 (The essay is well-structured with clear paragraph breaks and logical flow of ideas.)
- Lexical Resource: 8.5 (The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and appropriate usage of synonyms, while maintaining clarity.)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.5 (The essay is mostly error-free with the occasional minor grammatical error that does not affect the overall meaning or coherence.)

Source: https://www.ielts.work/?id=1712536813&page=ielts-writing-practice

For more: https://www.ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice