Bogarka Balogh learned the hard way that culturally appropriating African women is not okay. The Hungarian attorney and journalist posted her project, I Morphed Myself Into Tribal Women To Raise Awareness Of Their Secluded Cultures on Bored Panda.com. She was quickly slammed by social media for cultural appropriation. Balogh learned a tough lesson.
The Internet Went Crazy Over Balogh’s Pictorial – Not In A Good Way
Balogh felt the backlash from over 130,000 comments on her Bored Panda Blog Post. She offered an explanation for her work before removing her post.. In her defense, Balogh feigned ignorance over why so many people took offense to her project.
Culturally Appropriating Others Is Not Okay
The take-away message for Balogh is that cultural appropriation…is inappropriate. It doesn’t matter that she felt strongly about her project. Nor does it matter that she took time to research the African women she exploited. What matters is that she understand why people are offended. Balogh is Hungarian, not African, or a person of African descent. Her dress-up attempt was viewed as disrespect.
Culturally Appropriating Others Is Not Flattery
Cultural appropriation keeps popping up in the media. Each time it raises questions as to why people think it is okay to “play at” representing another culture. In her retraction statement, Balogh says she wanted to bring awareness to the secluded cultures of the women she impersonated. The take away is simply don’t do it. It’s insulting.
Sure, Other Cultures Are Cool, But Show Respect
A seasoned journalist is used to maneuvering and engaging in topics they follow. A rule of thumb or industry standard should be clear. If Balough was shaky on the rules going in, she certainly understands them now. Culturally appropriating others is not viewed in a positive light.
