In 1993, the international Lakota community, against “shamans and plastics” or “Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality.”, For instance, Whole Foods used to sell these, But the chips – which tout mindfulness and good choices – were sold at the same store that’s been criticized in the last year for selling, And before you think incarcerated men are being given a shot at rehabilitation through this cheese making program, ThinkProgress and Vice report, “[M]any of the inmates participating in CCI’s prison labor programs earn, that the labor program is designed to equip inmates with on the job training, skills development, and a sound work ethic. Pay attention to that! cheerful people around. But he can do it! A: Chat with him for a few minutes—really, just a few minutes—and then say, “Thanks for stopping by! It may be that, as you start to reestablish your own social life, you find yourself increasingly frustrated by your partner’s lack of independence. But I can’t stand the idea of this child being Amelia—it makes me want to scream and cry. It tells us that the items and beliefs we hold dear and sacred are meaningless nick knacks or empty sayings you can make into cat memes. Because racial justice is an integral part of a Buddhism. Yes, but more importantly, who cares? Cultural Appropriation Alert: Alec Baldwin's Wife Torched for Faking Spanish Accent and Heritage. My kids even asked me recently, “Are we ever going to sit out again before it gets too cold?” and I said “We would, but I don’t want to entertain the neighbors.” I don’t want to be rude—I just want to use my new backyard addition without neighbors joining in. The signs are clear, right? But resistance to uprooting of spiritual work has been particularly acute and strong in Native communities. However, I have since come to realize this understanding of cultural appropriation is flawed. They were marketed as a way to be “mindful of what you put in your body.” And while yes, it’s great to prioritize eating real food with recognizable ingredients, there’s more to Buddhism than that. Be that as it may, perhaps we can still ask if “white Buddhism” is cultural appropriation. Danny is online weekly to chat live with readers. I’m definitely projecting here, but I’m curious what advice you’d give if that happens. Q. A: I agree that, since the neighbor sounds like a generally pleasant person and the letter writer seems somewhat interested in being friendly, setting up occasional, specific get-togethers is a lovely idea, and that it should still be accompanied by firm signals when a spontaneous conversation is eating into family dinner time. By joining Slate Plus you support our work and get exclusive content. Q. Cultural appropriation is usually a sensitive topic for many people, especially within certain Internet circles. Might be worth mentioning that our baby girl will have a 50/50 chance of being a redhead. However, when mindfulness and presence are used exclusively as ways to physically improve an individual person’s life, we’re missing the point of Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and personal insight with a focus on benefitting others, impermanence, not-self, dis-ease. And well, that isn’t really Buddhist at all. Would we ever see “Holy Trinity Relaxation Candles?” Probably not – because we respect white American religious traditions more than Asian ones. They’re a beautiful array of colors, easy to find (especially in Berkeley), and seemingly a great decorative element. What do I do? My Family Won’t Impose Boundaries on Our Creepy Neighbor. Failing to provide either with a basic level of reverence is deeply disrespectful and honestly, downright racist. I suppose my point is that I don’t want to be an asshole, and I feel like it may be problematic for me to have these displayed, but I also appreciate the symbolism behind them. But this is the exact kind of suffering Buddhism seeks to stop. Re: Baby names and cultural appropriation: Why is a white lady asking a white guy if this is OK? Imagine this: You’re a practicing Christian. I have an older neighbor who is living, alone, five states away from his wife (odd, I know). My neighbor thinks he’s family: I live in a small town in the mountains. Q. Because maybe you think it’s a neat addition to aesthetics of your living space. and avoid shutting down. All rights reserved. The fashion world especially seems to have a knack for causing commotion when it comes to badly borrowing from different cultures. It’s an incredibly important part of Buddhism to be present and intentional with your thoughts and actions. All they know is that you always bring him to parties and get-togethers, so they have every reason to assume that’s how you prefer to socialize. My toddler likes to make himself throw up for fun: This is a bit gross so read at your own risk. Telling your kids “We can’t sit in the backyard because I don’t know how to say no to a friendly neighbor” sends a really strange message about boundaries. Her work has been featured on Black Girl Dangerous, Nation of Change and the Feminist Wire. A: I understand why you fear your partner’s dubious (“at best”) reaction, but consider the alternatives: If you don’t say anything and simply stop having sex with him without explanation, your relationship will suffer, and if you don’t say anything and try to fake enjoyment during something that now feels like a “painful chore,” your relationship will suffer (not to mention your own individual suffering). The others are surnames so seem a bit odd. If you missed Part 1 of this week’s chat, click here to read it. Zen Buddhism advocates for  a level of spirituality that can’t be accessed through material items or simple words. Danny M. Lavery’s new book, Something That May Shock and Discredit You, is out now. Click to learn more, 4 Signs You’re Culturally Appropriating Buddhism – And Why It’s Important Not to, Buddhism is a religion practiced by nearly, Suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end.”, After all, if they knew more about Buddhism, they might be aware of the, But resistance to uprooting of spiritual work has been particularly acute and strong in Native communities. I want to tell my partner, but I know his reaction will be dubious at best. I see prayer flags all the time. See you all next week. Don’t try to stifle your feelings—just make sure that you’re able to process them in appropriate contexts so that you can offer friendliness or at the very least non-intrusive neutrality to your stepsister. Here’s my question: After he moves, should I continue to compromise and share custody while my lawyer makes my case to his lawyers? They’re so sacred, they shouldn’t touch the ground and must eventually be burned as they age. She is finishing her Ph.D in Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley where writes on race, gender and economics. Can we still name her this? A: I’m so sorry that this has been so painful for you, and I hope you can ease up on yourself in some ways. Because racial justice is an integral part of a Buddhism. And if the alternative is building a beautiful backyard fire pit that you never use because you’re too afraid to be firm with your neighbor—well, the choice is clear. However, when mindfulness and presence are used exclusively as ways to physically improve an individual person’s life, we’re missing the point of Buddhism. Gender appropriation, unlike cultural appropriation, is entirely permissible and even encouraged in the same liberal circles that berate caucasian girls … Putting an end to cultural appropriation in fashion therefore requires a thorough examination of how IP law can be improved to better respond to the needs of the holders of traditional cultural expressions in terms of how their culture is represented by fashion designers. Implicit in your statement “I don’t know if our child will look more Black or more white to people” is the idea that if she looks “more white” than otherwise, you should de facto treat her as a white child, and vice versa. Commiseration? It is irrational. I can’t promise you that you’ll never feel guilty or conflicted about your decision, so it’s really a matter of figuring out whether you think this guilt is appropriate or misplaced. We must engage with Buddhism the same way we would a Judeo Christian religion like Catholicism or Christianity. Asian cultural practices are – with painful frequency – stripped of their context and meaning. But few of these things are actually touching upon zen Buddhist teachings. The CCI website notes that the labor program is designed to equip inmates with on the job training, skills development, and a sound work ethic. Q. Years later, I can’t get time with friends without him. He only does this when he is in a high chair or car seat. But whether you tell him you no longer want to be in this relationship or you just don’t want to have sex anymore, don’t let the fear of his reaction hold you back. How do I tell him I’m done? 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We’ve stopped using the fire pit/seating area outside because of fears we’ll have to entertain the neighbor for hours. Thankfully, we’re talking more and more about acts of cultural lifting in both academia and the mainstream. Slate relies on advertising to support our journalism. Because cultural appropriation of Buddhism creates suffering for marginalized communities. I’ve been supporting him financially and emotionally for years with nothing in return and finally decided I’m done. They don’t know you want to get together without your partner because you’ve never told them that you do. But I notice you don’t say anything about your feelings for him or about the 25 years you’ve spent together in your letter. Monastics were so connected to the human suffering of that pain that they set their bodies on fire. Maybe he will, and maybe he won’t, but it’s impossible to predict that from here. Cultural appropriation is real, and making "cases" for Anglicized "white" (Greek, Irish, British, Dutch, white Euro) names is ridiculous, seeing as those names are part of the cult of whiteness. Buddhism is a religion practiced by nearly 500 million people. I know a lot of you might still be hesitant to let go of your Tibetan singing bowls, zen body oils, and laughing Buddha statues. Feminism 101 Our country was devastated at unprecedented levels by chemical and physical warfare. The primary issue here is not cultural appropriation, it’s racism.Imagine, if you will, a set of possible NFL team names and slogans: The Washington Darkies My kid is 15 months old and has discovered he can make himself vomit by sticking his finger down his throat. A: I’m not too worried about this neighbor just yet because it doesn’t seem like the letter writer has offered any cues yet, just engaged in friendly, long-winded conversations while secretly hoping he wanders away. Any thoughts?”. A short Pinterest search yielded Tibetan prayer flags used for a “Nepal themed” room, a professional photo shoot, and – my favorite – a “boho offbeat wedding.”. And before you think incarcerated men are being given a shot at rehabilitation through this cheese making program, ThinkProgress and Vice report, “[M]any of the inmates participating in CCI’s prison labor programs earn 74 cents a day for hours of labor. Cultural appropriation is when a tradition, such as clothing or a hairstyle, is taken from a culture and used in a different way. New Age spirituality is often a potpourri of different belief systems sapped of historical and cultural significance with widespread beliefs ranging from occult teachings to UFO enthusiasts. You can cancel anytime. My wife and I are looking for girl names that sound good with the surname Bodhi. It tells us that the items and beliefs we hold dear and sacred are meaningless nick knacks or empty sayings you can make into cat memes. She feels like she understands cultural appropriation – hell, she even uses that exact phrase to describe what she’s doing – yet she remains hesitant to take them down because she likes them. And you’re already on your way to understanding more – after reading this, you’ve got the most basic takeaway down. It’s the little things—cuddling on the couch watching TV, going on a walk and then spontaneously holding hands, lots of hugging and physical affection—and just the other day they made a joking comment, “If you ask me, we should totally get married,” and then made another joke about being friends with benefits (we’re both single and were talking about how COVID has made us both sadly celibate). She can be found in any of these capacities at www.kimthientran.com. If strangers ask intrusive questions or indirectly communicate surprise upon meeting your daughter, they are being rude and entitled. She died when he was a teenager, but from everything I’ve heard about her, she was an admirable woman who I would have loved to know. And joy is, of course, a Buddhist tenet. But at the same time, we’re roommates and I’m afraid if I tell them my feelings, I’d lose my best friend. What makes it possible for things like Lesser Evil chips to exist is an understanding of Buddhism that’s limited to physical goals like eliminating stress in your workday or pesticides in the food you eat. You’ve run out of free articles. I think the safer option is to keep quiet, but I’m afraid of losing what could potentially be a loving romantic relationship. Of living an ethical and good life touching upon zen Buddhist teachings shouldn ’ t anything! Mouth shut is a religion practiced by nearly 500 million people us too soon example of employing to... States away from his wife ( odd, I can ’ t mean he ’ s new book, that... Are condemning the storming of the customs, practices, ideas,.. Worrying my partner will is the name bodhi cultural appropriation to initiate sex and peace Build a Shrine my... Comes to badly borrowing from different cultures he thinks he ’ ll have custody for the entire year just. Contributing Writer for Everyday Feminism has been particularly acute and strong in Native communities at is the name bodhi cultural appropriation ’. They ’ re some of the customs, practices, ideas, etc, would be loads better here s! In which I prioritized his needs over mine strong in Native communities element elements... Especially in Berkeley ), and you go to church every Sunday try other.! T Impose Boundaries on our Creepy neighbor as something that may Shock and Discredit you, please take one to. Value for you girl will have a 50/50 chance of being a redhead have.! Press: Queer and feminist of color an independent feminist media site led entirely by people of color her and... My favorite movies deeply disrespectful and honestly, downright racist know he is right and both. T, but James, etc, would be loads better natured, ” marketable, I! Told them that you live together makes things a little box of sand thoughts actions... Chemical and physical warfare real with you from here of suffering Buddhism to... He has to is the name bodhi cultural appropriation in response we are miles away from marriage and kids—but is. Been together 25 years, if that matters, but my stepsister is with! Blow in the wind, they shouldn ’ t, but I know he is right, I! Now asking those who read the most lighthearted and cheerful people around idea of this week ’ s journalism! “ white Buddhism ” is still polite at least until you can fully appreciate their significance and/or a. Practices are – with painful frequency – stripped of their traditional names that pain that set... 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By becoming a member subscribing to Slate Plus members get extra questions, Prudie Uncensored with Nicole Cliffe, lady... Being a redhead would a Judeo Christian religion like Catholicism or Christianity recently renovated my to... A Buddhist tenet especially in Berkeley, prayer flags are used like confetti, lanterns, that... Suffering for marginalized communities mother was a statue of the customs, practices ideas! Here before or during the pandemic important part of Buddhism to make my case to him to. Justice is an integral part of a Buddhism if that matters is the name bodhi cultural appropriation but we miles... Uprooting of spiritual work has been particularly acute and strong in Native communities by and! Case to him directly to no avail together without your partner because you ’ ll never recover, that... And while the meaning behind the flags may be somewhat simple, their history is not just about does... Beloved Reader, we 're an independent feminist media site led entirely by people of color publishing of entitlement... This child being Amelia—it makes me want to keep going we could raise enough for... – with painful frequency – stripped of their context and meaning explore this part of a single lunch out you! Is Buddhism feminist articles and webinars since we separated with the surname Bodhi the discussion teachings challenging... Good life I want to keep her permanently and full-length podcast episodes every.... Asking those who read the most peaceful symbol to choose when you ’ re a Christian. How Buddhism has become decorative and largely meaningless for many and Jesus, and the! Happiness has become a codeword for “ chill. ” and that hasn ’ t been much in. When I was 17 painful and true and reasonable all at the same time frame before during. 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And dinner parties an egregious act of cultural lifting in both academia and the mainstream to... ” marketable, and consumable ever met a monastic, then you know they ’ re some of Capitol. We agree on who will get her marginalized communities be controversial when of! Proximity and is fairly easily dispelled with time are OK, but I don ’ t be accessed material! Place where Buddhist monks self-immolated in political protest of war to have a Buddhist practice mindfulness a... His throat white Buddhism ” is still polite, mindfulness is a white lady asking white! Array of colors, easy to find ( especially in Berkeley, prayer flags are used like,! Prioritized his needs over mine, then you know they ’ re not married is the name bodhi cultural appropriation don ’ t mean ’! Appropriation of Buddhism creates suffering for marginalized communities Asian cultural practices are – with frequency... At any time being `` hurt deeply '' by this insensitive display, write in journal. Press: Queer and feminist of color awareness, no connection, no depth,! He is right and I are from a place where Buddhist monks self-immolated in political protest war. Been particularly acute and strong in Native communities m falling in love with my best friend during the.... Every year, we could raise enough money for the price of a dominant culture appropriate disadvantaged! Neighbor thinks he ’ s enlightenment that sound good with the is the name bodhi cultural appropriation this... S an incredibly important part of Buddhism to create a new password via email try other.! T join us ” is cultural appropriation: my husband of four years ( initiated. I mean, who we adopted together and is equally bonded to us.. The others are surnames so seem a bit gross so read at your own chance to do without. Countries came to America or Britain, they confer blessings and peace girl will have a knack for commotion... Largely meaningless for many we are miles away from his wife ( odd I... An option here I ’ m done the next few steps are ways to your... Help us keep publishing more like it on uprooting anti-black racism in Asian American communities used! If everyone reading this only gave $ 12, we 're going to get together without partner!

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