If I keep decorations from previous residents, is that cultural appropriation?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - If I keep decorations from previous residents, is that cultural appropriation?

Posted: 8/23/2017 8:40:52 PM EDT

My wife and I just bought a house from an Indian couple. They left behind this beautiful decorated elephant door knocker on the front door. My wife is worried that keeping it is cultural appropriation since neither of us are sure about exactly what it means in Indian culture. I think she might be right, but the former residents did leave it for us instead of taking it with them (they weren't required as part of the purchase to leave it on the door).
So, the two of us could use some help unraveling whether or not we're appropriating culture or if there's a respectful way to keep or not keep the door knocker. Thanks for the help!

Posted: 8/23/2017 8:58:38 PM EDT

[#1]

Literally everything in existence can be provenanced to another culture if you try hard enough. Stop falling for the narrative.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:00:07 PM EDT

[#2]

OP must be a millenial.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:00:58 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP must be a millenial.

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Or a Democrat?

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:02:44 PM EDT

[#4]

Elephants = Good.

Keep it.

Post a damn picture of the knockers.

And of the elephant.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:02:52 PM EDT

[#5]

They left it on purpose. They want you to turn Indian.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:04:49 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
My wife and I just bought a house from an Indian couple. They left behind this beautiful decorated elephant door knocker on the front door. My wife is worried that keeping it is cultural appropriation since neither of us are sure about exactly what it means in Indian culture. I think she might be right, but the former residents did leave it for us instead of taking it with them (they weren't required as part of the purchase to leave it on the door).
So, the two of us could use some help unraveling whether or not we're appropriating culture or if there's a respectful way to keep or not keep the door knocker. Thanks for the help!

View Quote

If they left a ceramic bowl in the shape of a sombrero to hold nachos and salsa, keep it.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:09:08 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Elephants = Good.

Keep it.

Post a damn picture of the knockers.

And of the elephant.

View Quote

Pics of wife's knockers?

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:10:27 PM EDT

[#8]

The previous owner of my house left me a statue of the Virgin Mary, down in the basement.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:17:51 PM EDT

[#9]

You're in FL OP.

Make friends with your new neighbors by hoisting the confederate flag.

Someone will be along shortly to become offended and tear down both the flag and door knocker for you.

Problem solved.

Posted: 8/23/2017 9:17:55 PM EDT

[#10]

If it was there at closing, they made it part of the sale.

Posted: 8/23/2017 11:50:31 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
My wife and I just bought a house from an Indian couple. They left behind this beautiful decorated elephant door knocker on the front door. My wife is worried that keeping it is cultural appropriation since neither of us are sure about exactly what it means in Indian culture. I think she might be right, but the former residents did leave it for us instead of taking it with them (they weren't required as part of the purchase to leave it on the door).
So, the two of us could use some help unraveling whether or not we're appropriating culture or if there's a respectful way to keep or not keep the door knocker. Thanks for the help!

View Quote

Cultural appropriation, as viewed from a liberal standpoint is when you take advantage of another culture for your benefit.
If a white person starts up a food truck business selling hamburgers and hot dogs, no big deal. If they sell burritos and tacos, that would be cultural appropriation.
if you keep the door knocker, no big deal. If you and your wife start wearing traditional Indian garb, move to Portland, OR and start selling curry from a food truck called Elephant Knockers and business is booming, you will be marked as someone who is guilty of cultural appropriation. But, if you identify as Indian, then you're in the free and clear.