Culture

FEATURED DEBATE

Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow from Cultures Besides Their Own?

Historically, styles and traditions were often taken from other societies and displayed without context or reduced to “exotic” novelties in Western society. When this happens in modern art, runway fashion, or music today, artists are accused of cultural appropriation, especially if they’ve borrowed or used traditions specific to a particular minority group. Those in support of borrowing say art has always been a medium of exchange, influence, and fusion and they believe placing restrictions on inspiration may stifle artistic expression. Also, they point out that artists usually intend these references as “cultural appreciation.” Those arguing against it say borrowing from…

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September 29, 2023
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FEATURED DEBATE

0 seconds of 49 minutes, 42 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
49:42
49:42
 
September 29, 2023
LEARN MORE

Should Artists Be Allowed to Borrow from Cultures Besides Their Own?

Historically, styles and traditions were often taken from other societies and displayed without context or reduced to “exotic” novelties in Western society. When this happens in modern art, runway fashion, or music today, artists are accused of cultural appropriation, especially if they’ve borrowed or used traditions specific to a particular minority group. Those in support of borrowing say art has always been a medium of exchange, influence, and fusion and they believe placing restrictions on inspiration may stifle artistic expression. Also, they point out that artists usually intend these references as “cultural appreciation.” Those arguing against it say borrowing from…

Yascha Mounk

ARGUING YES

Yascha Mounk
Political Scientist, Author, and Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies
C. Thi Nguyen

ARGUING NO

C. Thi Nguyen
Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah; Author of "Games: Agency as Art"
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Is it Time to End Daylight Savings Time?
Bonus Release  Most Americans grew up hearing the phrase “spring forward, fall back,” referring to Daylight Savings Time, where an hour is added to the clock during Spring and taken off in Autumn to take…
March 5, 2025
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Can Religion Cure the Loneliness Epidemic?
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy published an influential report indicating that the U.S. is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Sixty percent of adults report feeling lonely, and eight percent report not having any close friends. While a…
February 21, 2025
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Is It Time to Break Up with Dating Apps?
How’s your love life? With platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid offering endless opportunities to connect, many people searching for The One think signing up for a dating app should be a go-to for finding…
Public Release Date
February 14, 2025
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Could Identity Politics Help Democrats Engage Men?
Democrats are engaging in self-reflection, and some say they lost the presidential race because the campaign didn’t focus enough on a key demographic: men. Should Democrats lean into identity politics to help engage them specifically…
January 17, 2025
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Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?
Dry January has become increasingly popular, practiced by a quarter of Americans last year, and provides individuals a collegial and open path for reconsidering their alcohol consumption.  For almost two million people worldwide who have…
January 3, 2025
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Global Leaders Debate Money, Truth, and Power
In a world being reshaped by vital questions about Al, sustainability, and an uncertain global economy, now is the time for decisive action. As a Knowledge Partner with the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, this…
December 6, 2024
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