UNS — The opening ceremony for the winter Olympic in Beijing invited numerous reactions due to the presentation of traditional Chinese clothing similar to the South Korean Hanbok. This case made South Korea accuse China of cultural appropriation over their culture. The Professor in Historical Science Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Warto, M.Hum shared his view on the matter.
Prof. Warto stated that the case is problematic to categorize the action as cultural appropriation without thorough examination because culture is spreading. The process brings together the foreign culture and the local culture, leading to acceptance or rejection. Therefore, cultural appropriation is not a new phenomenon but instead has occurred from the beginning of civilization and is a part of cultural processes. This process shows that culture is changing and developing naturally.
“The cultural appropriation case between South Korea and China needs to be studied based on its context. The term cannot be implemented haphazardly. Cultural appropriation requires a thorough observation, whether it was just copying or expropriation, or it is actually a cultural appreciation,” Prof. Warto explained on Saturday (19/2/2022).
Currently, Prof. Warto added that many Indonesians, especially young people, copy Korean culture from physical appearance, hairstyle, and way of speaking. But can we consider it as a cultural appropriation? Not necessarily, unless one started to claim it as theirs.
Prof. Warto added that the case between South Korea and China needs to be assessed. For example, the development of Reog Ponorogo in Malaysia by Indonesians who made a living there. Thus, it was natural to have similarities with the authentic performance here. However, it was an issue when the country tried to claim it as their authentic culture without tracing its roots. Therefore, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination.
Lastly, Prof. Warto reminded UNS academic members to be wise in responding to such issues. “Examine to what level the claim was. If it was an appreciation, there is no problem. See cultural appropriation issues thoroughly before sharing your views whether it is an expropriation from its original owner,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Lina Khoirun Nisa
Editor: Dwi Hastuti