"Cultural appropriation" is a really silly complaint, but also a dangerous totalitarian concept if taken seriously and allowed to get out of hand. People should be free to write, paint, compose, cook, choreograph, etc whatever the heck they want, then let the critics have at them on the merits of the work per se. Stop this ridiculous whining. Are we all supposed to retreat into our little silos, with no overlap, no influence, no borrowing, no inspiration? How boring and intellectually and creatively artificial and constricting! How uncivilized! How static and stupid. Instead of standing up for and defending a rich mosaic of culture, too many people are apologizing for their supposed transgressions. Get a spine and ignore the contrived handwringing!

Labels: moderation: toxicity, insult