Cultural Appropriation: Stealing or Paying Homage?

This critical dialogue on cultural appropriation, cultural (in)sensitivity and awareness, and “political correctness" will feature intergenerational expert speakers to elaborate on and engage attendees on various forms of cultural appropriation, stereotyping, and buffoonery while offering historical perspectives and exploring the sociopolitical and cultural ramifications of these acts and behaviors. Using media, social media, and hip hop, this one-day symposium will challenge participants to undo systematic biases toward becoming agents of change by engaging in meaningful conversations, taking a personal stand, and educating themselves and others through informed social discourse.

Check-in starts at 9 am. Program begins promptly at 9:30 am. Lunch will be provided.

This symposium is free and open to the public. Sponsored by Project Humanities and Council of Coalitions at ASU.

Registration is required.

FAQs

Why do I have to register if it's a free event?

Registration is required in order to best accommodate all our guests for seating and meals.

What are my parking options getting to the event?

Unless otherwise posted, free parking is available at the Apache Structure and Lot 3 (Gammage). Please respect posted parking policies. Event sponsors will not be responsible for parking violations.

I am vegeterian. What are my meal options?

Please indicate your dietary needs in the registration page so that we may best accommodate you.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact Project Humanities at 480-727-7030 or projecthumanities@asu.edu or Student and Cultural Engagement at 480-965-9600 or sce@asu.edu.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Save a tree! Think before you print. Your name will be on the RSVP list and so printed tickets are not required.

What is included in the program?

Key topics: Blackface and "school spirit", "Redskins" and mascots, Iggy Azalea and hip hop, Day of the Dead and Cinco De Mayo, Political Correctness, among others.

Keynotes by:

Kat Lazo, Feminist, Youtuber, Critical Thinker

David A. Romero, Latino Spoken Word Artist.

Workshops include:

Mainstream America and the Culture of Cool – a workshop to demonstrate the manifestations of cultural appropriation through music and advertising, facilitated by DJ Dn3 and Danielle Nieto from the Arizona Hip Hop Scene.

Reading Between the Lines – an exploration of the use of language, narratives, images, and other dimensions of communication to define and disparage marginalized populations. Facilitated by Dr. Neal A. Lester, Founding Director of Project Humanities and Foundation Professor for English.

Sharing Through Talking, Listening, and Connecting: Literature, Language and Performance – this session will provide participants to talk, listen, and connect by sharing artifacts, poems, readings, and other personal objects related to cultural appropriation, in an open and welcoming space.