Appropriation vs. Freedom of Expression

In this performance piece, artist Gregg Deal — a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute tribe — dressed as a Plains Indian outside the Denver Art Museum. Deal spoke with CBC Radio's Unreserved about the piece in late 2015. (courtesy Gregg Deal)

Indigenous writer Alicia Elliott explains why 'free speech' arguments ignore Canada's history of oppression

Barwin writes on the difference between freedom of expression and appropriation.

Matthew Zapruder's insightful examination of on harm vs conflict.

"The question is not whether I as a white person am completely innocent, or whether I am “allowed” to say certain things. The question is, what can I do, as a writer and person, to help? And what are the possible consequences of my efforts?" 

--considering power relations, currently and historically
--people's historical right to speak
--cf. "punching up" vs. "punching down"
--harm in w misrepresenting, silencing, erasing or eclipsing group who have had that occur historically or currently
--giving space, listening to voices
--white fragility

* * *

Multiple POV Activity: Writing Activity 

1. Write from 3rd person, limited. It’s a family. At a birthday, wedding, funeral, graduation, family dinner.

First POV: Jane (Name of your choice.)

2. Then POV: John (Name of your choice.)

3. Then from an “I” maybe mentioning a “you”

(OPTIONAL: You can write one POV and then let another writer write the other POV of the same scene while you respond to their initial scene.)