An indian coworker recently sent an unexpected but sincere offer to an American woman: "Please come to the office Diwali party and borrow an indian dress from my wife!" She now questions whether saying "yes" is polite or if it may be interpreted as cultural appropriation. The backdrop is as follows: In the hopes that the American lady would attend the festival wearing indian garb, her coworker's wife, who also happens to be her daughter's favorite preschool teacher, volunteered to share her traditional clothes.
 
"I don't want to cause offense. I'm afraid about cultural appropriation, but I'm also afraid of upsetting him if I refuse to wear the clothing. Any guidance is much appreciated! An offer to dress traditionally in situations such as these is not a cultural faux pas, but rather a warm welcome. "When someone asks you to wear their traditional attire, it's often seen as a gesture of inclusion – they're welcoming you into their celebration," says Dr. raj Mehta, a professor of cultural studies.
 
The festival of Lights, Diwali, is all about coming together, sharing, and celebrating fresh starts. Because she is taller than her coworker's wife, the American has thought of purchasing an indian dress that fits her better in order to make the event even more relevant. Respect is the driving force behind her actions; she wants to make sure she's not adopting a "costume" strategy but rather seriously and emotionally accepting the offer.
 
This strategy invites colleagues to participate in cultural customs without fear, reflecting a change in the number of companies honoring diversity. And it says a lot about how an American woman is being accepted into the traditional festivities of an indian family. Her curiosity, empathy, and attempt to respect these limits are resulting in a lovely mix between sensitivity and engagement.
 
What will she wear, then? When providing them to Americans, exercise caution since some might not feel comfortable and others might not be honest about how they really feel.
 

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G GOWTHAM

04/11/2024 08:32 AM