White reggae musicians with dreadlocks or new Winnetou books: Both cases fueled a discussion about cultural appropriation this summer. When are cultural borrowings problematic? When legitimate? What is an appropriate way to deal with it?
The debate was emotional and often spiteful. However, it has not only led to hardened fronts, as social anthropologist Rohit Jain observes. He also notes a growing awareness.
SRF: How did you perceive the debate about cultural appropriation this summer?
Rohit Jain: I noticed that the Swiss media and the general public had little prior knowledge of the subject, so many were initially overwhelmed. This, in turn, probably also shaped the strong emotions. And it has led to some absurd comparisons that have made the issue look ridiculous. The important question of power relations and history, which are behind a cultural transfer, was not discussed for a long time.
You make absurd comparisons. What are examples that you encountered in the debate?
People were asked why classical music is played in Japan or why people wear jeans in India. Or whether you can still eat a pizza in Switzerland. The latter certainly has a history that needs to be considered. “Italianità” has been celebrated since the 1990s, and the Italian immigrants who brought pizza to Switzerland became “favorite migrants”. But before that, the treatment of the Italian guest workers was anything but benevolent. I’m thinking of the seasonal worker statute, bans on pubs, separated families.
In Switzerland, people like to see themselves as neutral, diplomatic and humanitarian.
It is similar with reggae: It is problematic to adopt the style of music and outfit without acknowledging the associated power relations. Or that black men with Rastas, for example, are still regularly stopped by the police. As a society, you cannot celebrate the culture of migrants and deny them rights at the same time.
The debate was emotional, sometimes spiteful. What is your explanation for this?
I think that in the majority society there is too little willingness and knowledge to tackle the topic. In Switzerland, people like to see themselves as neutral, diplomatic and humanitarian. When criticism is raised, it is difficult to deal with it.
So it’s no coincidence that the debate about cultural appropriation has caused such a stir in this country?
For decades, Switzerland has opted for neutrality when it came to coming to terms with the past. Examples are the role in World War II or in colonialism. I like to call it the myth of the clean slate: We had nothing to do with it.
I’ve noticed a great deal of sensitivity among young people in particular.
Somehow you already know about the “skeletons in the basement”, but you are afraid to address them. When topics like racism are suddenly addressed, the reaction is all the more outraged.
Cultural appropriation has now become an issue. But has the debate really changed anything?
In any case. It took a few weeks for an in-depth discussion to begin. But I’ve noticed a great deal of sensitivity among young people in particular. On average, half of the young people in the cities have a migration background or are black or “of color”. These questions are their everyday life. I notice that people in anti-racist movements have been strengthened: we are one step further.
Vera Büchi conducted the interview.