ABSTRACT
This chapter advances the disrespect argument: It is prima facie wrongful to culturally appropriate in a disrespectful manner because we have a moral obligation to treat others with respect. The chapter examines the concept of respect and asks what being respectful involves. In certain cases, an act can be overtly disrespectful. Three types of overtly disrespectful cultural appropriation are identified: Stereotyping, insulting, and mocking. In other cases, when there is no stable consensus on the validity of norms of respect, the feelings of disrespect that are caused by controversial acts become particularly relevant. Disrespectful cultural appropriation, however, is only prima facie wrong. This is true even for overt disrespect, since stereotypes, insults, and mocking can be valuable in themselves, and when they are, there is no moral obligation to avoid them. How can it be determined whether disrespectful cultural appropriation is wrongful? First, how deeply people feel disrespected should be taken into account. Second, it matters what the intention behind the disrespectful conduct is. Third, who is engaging in disrespectful cultural appropriation and who is their target is also relevant. These considerations help to distinguish impermissible cases of disrespectful cultural appropriation from permissible cases of disrespectful cultural appropriation.
