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

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of racism?

Model Answer:
In today's interconnected world, cultural exchange is an essential aspect of globalization. However, the concept of cultural appropriation has recently gained significant attention and become a subject of debate. This essay will analyze whether cultural appropriation should be considered a form of racism or not by examining its historical context, its impact on minority cultures, and potential solutions to prevent it from turning into racial discrimination.

From an historical perspective, cultural appropriation refers to the adoption or use of elements of a culture that is not one's own. For instance, non-native individuals wearing traditional Native American headdresses for fashion purposes, or adopting aspects of Mexican culture through the consumption of Mexican food and music. While some argue that cultural exchange enriches societies, critics contend that cultural appropriation perpetuates racial stereotypes and marginalizes minority groups.

One of the main concerns regarding cultural appropriation is its potential to contribute to racial discrimination. When elements of a culture are taken out of context or misinterpreted by those outside the culture, it can lead to the reinforcement of stereotypes and perpetuate harmful narratives about minority groups. For example, the use of traditional Native American headdresses in mainstream fashion may contribute to the romanticization of indigenous peoples, ignoring their history of colonization and oppression.

Moreover, cultural appropriation can also result in the commodification and commercialization of minority cultures. This can be particularly damaging for marginalized communities, as it robs them of their unique heritage and identity while simultaneously profiting from their cultural expressions. In such cases, cultural appropriation becomes a form of racism because it exploits the culture of one group to benefit another, without recognizing or respecting the historical and social contexts in which these traditions were created.

To prevent cultural appropriation from becoming a form of racism, it is essential to promote education and awareness about the diverse cultures that make up our world. Encouraging individuals to learn about the history and significance of various cultural elements can help foster respect for their original contexts. Additionally, supporting authentic expressions of culture by purchasing goods directly from the artists or artisans who create them can help ensure that profits are returned to the communities from which these traditions originate.

In conclusion, while cultural exchange is an essential aspect of globalization, it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers associated with cultural appropriation. By raising awareness and promoting respect for diverse cultures, we can work towards preventing cultural appropriation from turning into a form of racism.

Band Score: Task Response (4), Coherence and Cohesion (5), Lexical Resource (5), Grammatical Range and Accuracy (5) - Total Band Score: 19/20

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