WE are the Culture, so WE dictate the Future.
The Originators or the Appropriators
When we talk about cultural appropriation, we primarily refer to the ways the dominant culture takes and capitalizes off of the historical and cultural origins or practices of a minority culture through ignorance or intentional harm. It sounds like a lot to unpack, right, considering popular culture is immersed with culturally appropriated content. From music, fashion, dance, and inventions to scientific progression - particularly in the United States, we see and feel other cultures' economic benefit from pandering to performing. So what does that mean for us? The originators, the hustlers, the entrepreneurs, and the cultural owners. We understand that bystanders, heroes, vigilantes, and villains alike have an origin story. What is rightfully yours is ingrained in your DNA and in the stories we tell ourselves-all of which is lived out. Own your origins, your decisions, your purpose, and own what culturally can never be taken. Once you know what is yours, monetize it or, at minimum, make sure you are compensated for it. Understand society sees the value in what is yours and always has. Past and present societal culture will not hesitate to capitalize on your essence, history, or ideas. They can only copy the blueprint. They can never be it. That is your superpower. That is your key to ownership.
Ownership of What is Yours
There is a consistent argument about how certain things cannot (or should not) be owned - particularly certain braiding styles, fashion trends, musical influences, etc. Which overtly says no matter the historical or cultural origins - it can be monetized and weaponized by you or someone else. When it is by you, you are more than likely going to give its due respect and reverence. When it is by someone else, it is less likely. Ideas are intangible currency until spoken or executed. Our first blog states that ownership includes the acceptance of responsibility and is the true catalyst of change and autonomy. There is nothing like you and your ideas because no one else can do it like you- that is why no one can own it like you. Especially in a world that feels so over-saturated with influencers, entrepreneurs, stylists, etc., understand the only advantage they have is your choice to compare yourself to where they are. They really are their own blueprint they left behind for you to find the blueprint that is innately in you. Current owners like ourselves and others give free game because your ideas, creativity, and legacy are all the permission you need. According to the Oxford dictionary, appropriation on its own means the action of taking something for one’s own use, typically without the owner's permission. You can see how the world moves by our cultural innovation, so now all the future is waiting on is you. All we ask is if you and your ideas can be appropriated is to do your best to put yourself in a position to be compensated.
via knowyourmeme.com author unknown
So Dictate the Future, Though?
Yes! There are several definitions of dictate. When we say, “We are the Culture, so We Dictate the Future,” - dictate in this instance means “an order or principle that must be obeyed” (Oxford, 2021). When I say we, yes, we mean Black culture while standing alongside those who have felt the sting of cultural appropriation, we also acknowledge the anti-Blackness and monetization that rings throughout the collective history of most cultures. We also mean Gen Z (born 1995 -2009); this present culture is with the ethics and the sh**s. They are willing to ask the hard questions and hold anyone and everyone accountable, from the unacknowledged, to the underserved, while simultaneously on track to be the most prominent entrepreneurial generation on record. While that is hopeful, of the large 62% who have started or intend to start their own business, there are still apparent disparities between Black small-business owners and small business owners from other cultures. Which means there is still work for us to do collectively. Here is where we cue Riley Freeman “You gon pay what you owe!” whether it is through your ownership or your accountability- we want you to know the influence and progression of culture have always been in your hands, and we will always be here to remind you
"Y'all think it's boujee. I'm like, that's fine. But I'm tryin’ to give y'all million dollars worth of game for $9.99."
Jay-Z
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