Kwame Anthony Appiah: Article Analysis

The article “whose culture is it?” written by Kwame Anthony Appiah published in 2012, contains factual and suggestive content towards the preservation and importance of historical antiquities. The author discusses the positioning of cultural antiquities based on the ability of civilizations to preserve them. As examples were revealed, various acts have been taken accordingly; to legally provide the antiquities the safest solutions to preserve them. Furthermore, Appiah also discusses that some artifacts that belong to the artist, or contributors should be considered as universal art. He also questions some of the decisions taken by UNESCO, if they were truly for the betterment of the antiquities. Because several, reliant, supporting ideas were

With his qualitative information, he suggests that the antiquities should be owned according to the archeological location it was found in. He uses laws and events from the past to elaborate on the misdoings of looting artifacts. The author is trying to recommend that if in the beginning legislations were made to protect artifacts from being exported, it is most appropriate to enforce and archeological law. He also uses negative examples (stolen good not being returned to their rightful owners) to provide a reasonable argument to strengthens his technique in conviction (Appiah 62). In his second main idea, the author fairly suggests that sometimes the antiquities do not belong to a current civilization, however they are found in their territory. Therefore, he states it is only rational if the artifacts are cared and preserved by people who are able to do so in one condition; that the antiquities remain in the territory. The author is expressing his thoughts and addressing the public to inform them that there is a problem to be addressed, this suggests that the Appiah is trying to help preserve the historical arts (Appiah 64 -65). Appiah’s third point of view is approached differently in the sense of an artifact belonging to a person (artists or contributors) rather than a territory. The government then would not have a problem exporting those goods only if it is not of cultural art but rather a universal one. The author also provided famous examples of artists whose artifacts have traveled the world; providing an image of appreciation to the existing art of today (Appiah 66-67). To some people, this article would be considered as balanced and unbiased. Hence the author was successful in presenting his points. His choice of words was neutral and peaceful, his suggestions were presented without verbally insulting civilizations. His research scope solemnly depends