This year, as protests swept the nation after George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s deaths, KPCC’s LAist started a series called “Racism 101” where we answered readers’ and listeners’ difficult questions about race. And one theme in particular emerged - cultural appropriation. 

And today we’re zooming into cultural appropriation in fashion. 

One definition of cultural appropriation is when an element of a culture is used by someone outside of that culture to turn a profit, or when it is presented as something “new” without crediting the true origins. 

But, the boundaries between appreciation and appropriation can be difficult to draw, and they’re different for everyone. 

We want to hear from you. have you seen people outside your culture wearing your culture’s clothing - be it during halloween or as part of their style - and what was your reaction? Call us at 866-893-5722. 

With guest host Austin Cross 

Guests: 

Matthew Cuban Hernandez, participant in LAist’s “Racism 101” project

Debora Kamel, participant in LAist’s “Racism 101” project

Roseanne Rosenthal, participant in LAist’s “Racism 101” project