Martial Arts and "Stealing" Culture
In Minister Faust's The Alchemists of Kush, an important conversation about ownership and culture arises as the characters are introduced to Capoeira.I just don't like Pyrites stealing our culture!
You don't exactly look Brazilian to me!
Ever since their exposure to Capoeira, Rap and JC dwell on the concept of white folk doing something they feel belongs to black folk. Even though they are entirely unfamiliar with the practice, they feel entitled to it. They are insulted by the fact that a Black instructor is allowing white people to learn Capoeira then openly reference slavery in their conversations about it.
Watch Capoeira Below:
When is it okay to "steal" culture? What is the difference between appropriation and appreciation?
Rap is then accused of doing a kung fu pose, which is Chinese. Throughout The Alchemists of Kush, homages are paid to black art, especially music. Kung Fu has been intertwined in Hip Hop culture for years, and when Kendrick Lamar's alter ego Kung Fu Kenny emerged this year, fans were suddenly forced to consider how they interact with other cultures.