Cultural Appropriation and the Arts

Now, for the first time, a philosopher undertakes a systematic investigation of the moral and aesthetic issues to which cultural appropriation gives rise.

Cultural Appropriation and the Arts is a pervasive feature of the contemporary world. From the Parthenon Marbles remaining in London to white musicians like Bix Beiderbecke and Eric Clapton appropriating musical styles from African-American culture, these issues are explored in depth.

Young offers the first systematic philosophical investigation of the moral and aesthetic issues to which cultural appropriation gives rise. The book tackles the thorny issues arising from the clash and integration of cultures and their artefacts.

Questions considered include: "Can cultural appropriation result in the production of aesthetically successful works of art?" and "Is cultural appropriation in the arts morally objectionable?"

This work is part of the highly regarded New Directions in Aesthetics series.