The concept of cultural appropriation problematises the fact that a person from a dominant culture uses practices, symbolism, or traditions of a marginalised culture.269 As a rule, only Western culture is considered the dominant culture.
The accusation of cultural appropriation is based on the idea that certain forms of expression belong only to people from a particular culture. People from the dominant society allegedly do not sufficiently understand or respect the traditions underlying the practices. Ultimately, they would consciously or unconsciously destroy the original culture by using its cultural practices without regard for their cultural significance. Due to power differences, only dominant groups can appropriate another culture; marginalised groups, on the other hand, have a dominant culture imposed on them by the system.270
This isolating understanding of culture can lead to notions of cultural purity similar to those in overtly right-wing extremist groups.271 The concept of cultural appropriation limits the permitted forms of expression in music, hobbies, language, food, hairstyles, religion, and clothing for certain population groups. In the end, a form of “othering” emerges that is based on a political view of identity (see Whiteness).
Due to the alleged need to protect certain group identities, the woke perspective rejects individual self-responsibility and freedom (see Victim and Protection).