Cultural Appropriation is the adoption of elements used by one culture by members of another dominating culture. Cultural hegemony is the mechanism which drives this appropriation, as it enhances the manipulation of society through stereotypes; whereby, people are made to believe in certain values and perceptions. Our society is controlled through a white western culture, it exploits products, fashion and rituals from the less privileged groups, such as black Africans, Native Indians, Asians and the indigenous people. Therefore, this essay will evaluate how Cultural Appropriation, through the manipulation of cultural hegemony, is used by artists and designers, to make statements that oppose or support dominant ideologies based on ethnic groups.

Cultural Appropriation allows for the robberies of cultures. It has nothing to do with one’s exposure or familiarity of different cultures. Instead it encourages the dominant culture to borrow and exploit elements from the culture of the minority groups, with no understanding of the cultural meanings, traditions and history of these other characteristics and products. Therefore, it can lead to the creation of false and negative stereotypes over certain ethnic groups, as well as, highlight society’s power imbalance, which has been created through Karl Marx’s ideas of separating the ruling class from the less privileged classes.

Cultural appropriation is the biggest instigator of stereotypes and oppression in todays society. The