Joanna the Goanna Shirt: A Case of Cultural Appropriation?

Introduction

The Joanna the Goanna shirt is a popular Australian clothing item, but it has also been the subject of controversy over cultural appropriation. Some Aboriginal people have argued that the shirt, which features a cartoon image of a goanna, is disrespectful and should not be worn by non-Indigenous Australians. Others have defended the shirt, arguing that it is a harmless and light-hearted representation of Australian culture.

What is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture. This can include the use of clothing, music, hairstyles, or other cultural practices. Cultural appropriation can be problematic because it can lead to the commodification of a minority culture and the loss of its cultural significance.

The Joanna the Goanna Shirt

The Joanna the Goanna shirt was created in 1985 by Australian artist Joanna Murray-Smith. The shirt features a cartoon image of a goanna, a large lizard native to Australia. The shirt has become a popular souvenir for tourists and is also worn by many Australians as a casual clothing item.

The Controversy

The controversy over the Joanna the Goanna shirt began in 2013, when a group of Aboriginal students at the University of Sydney launched a campaign to ban the shirt from campus. The students argued that the shirt was disrespectful and that it trivialized Aboriginal culture.

The university administration initially refused to ban the shirt, but after a series of protests, the university agreed to review its decision. In 2014, the university issued a statement saying that it would not ban the shirt, but that it would encourage students to be respectful of Aboriginal culture when wearing it.

The Debate

The debate over the Joanna the Goanna shirt has continued since 2013. Some Aboriginal people continue to argue that the shirt is disrespectful and should not be worn by non-Indigenous Australians. Others have defended the shirt, saying that it is a harmless and light-hearted representation of Australian culture.

The Arguments for Cultural Appropriation

Those who argue that the Joanna the Goanna shirt is an example of cultural appropriation cite several reasons. First, they argue that the shirt is based on Aboriginal culture, and that it is therefore disrespectful for non-Indigenous Australians to wear it. Second, they argue that the shirt is a commercial product, and that it profits from the commodification of Aboriginal culture. Third, they argue that the shirt perpetuates stereotypes about Aboriginal people.

The Arguments Against Cultural Appropriation

Those who defend the Joanna the Goanna shirt argue that it is not an example of cultural appropriation. First, they argue that the shirt is a light-hearted and harmless representation of Australian culture. Second, they argue that the shirt is not based on any specific Aboriginal culture, and that it therefore does not disrespect any specific group of Aboriginal people. Third, they argue that the shirt is not a commercial product, and that it is not intended to profit from the commodification of Aboriginal culture.

Conclusion

The debate over the Joanna the Goanna shirt is likely to continue for many years to come. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, and it is ultimately up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that the shirt is an example of cultural appropriation.

Questions for Discussion

1. What is your definition of cultural appropriation?
2. Do you believe that the Joanna the Goanna shirt is an example of cultural appropriation?
3. Why or why not?
4. What do you think are the consequences of cultural appropriation?
5. How can we avoid cultural appropriation?

Strategies for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation

1. Be respectful of other cultures. This means learning about the cultures of other people and understanding their customs and beliefs.
2. Don't assume that you know what is best for other cultures. Allow people from other cultures to speak for themselves and express their own perspectives.
3. Don't profit from other cultures. When you use elements of other cultures in your own work, make sure that you are not profiting from them.
4. Give credit where credit is due. If you use elements of other cultures in your own work, be sure to acknowledge the source of your inspiration.
5. Be open to feedback. If someone from another culture tells you that you are being culturally insensitive, be willing to listen and learn.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural exchange?
   Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of a dominant culture, while cultural exchange is the sharing of cultural practices between two or more cultures. Cultural appropriation can be problematic because it can lead to the commodification of a minority culture and the loss of its cultural significance, while cultural exchange is mutually beneficial and can help to promote understanding between different cultures.
2. Why is cultural appropriation harmful?
   Cultural appropriation can be harmful because it can lead to the commodification of a minority culture and the loss of its cultural significance. It can also perpetuate stereotypes about minority cultures and make it more difficult for members of those cultures to be taken seriously.
3. How can I avoid cultural appropriation?
   There are a number of things you can do to avoid cultural appropriation. First, be respectful of other cultures and learn about their customs and beliefs. Second, don't assume that you know what is best for other cultures. Third, don't profit from other cultures. Fourth, give credit where credit is due. Fifth, be open to feedback.
4. Is it ever okay to borrow from other cultures?
   Yes, it is okay to borrow from other cultures, but it is important to do so respectfully. When you borrow from other cultures, be sure to give credit to the source of your inspiration and don't profit from the use of other cultures' cultural practices.
5. What are some examples of cultural appropriation?
   Some examples of cultural appropriation include wearing a headdress or other Native American clothing, using Native American symbols or motifs in your own artwork, or performing Native American dances without having any connection to Native American culture.
6. What are some examples of cultural exchange?
   Some examples of cultural exchange include learning about other cultures through books, movies, or travel, sharing recipes with people from other cultures, or participating in cultural festivals.

Tables

Table 1: Arguments for Cultural Appropriation

Table 2: Arguments Against Cultural Appropriation

Table 3: Strategies for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation

Table 4: FAQs About Cultural Appropriation