• Is it reductive? Does it reduce the richness of the culture to a narrow image? Often times, acts of cultural appropriation minimize or oversimplify the diversity of a culture by relegating the culture to a few symbols.
• Does it ridicule? Does it make a mockery of the culture? Many times, acts of cultural appropriation exaggerate or otherwise distort visual representations of the culture.
• Does it desecrate the sanctity of? If the act shows irreverence for the sacred practices and traditions of the culture group, it is a hurtful act of misappropriation.
• Is it a mischaracterization of the culture? Is the act a true and accurate representation of the culture or has the true meaning of the act been distorted?
• Does it perpetuate stereotypes? If the act caters to common stereotypes of the group, it shouldn’t be done. Period.
• Does it dehumanize? In other words, does the act lead to a lower regard for members of the represented culture? If the act could lead to any form of objectification—seeing people more as objects of gratification and pleasure than as human beings worthy of respect—the act might be appropriation.
• Who is profiting? Whether through money, fame, social promotion, or other benefits, it’s important to pay attention to whether the wearer/performer/displayer “wins” at the expense of the represented culture.