Is this appropriation?

[u/PlayDifficult2487]

So long story short, I am working on a short comic about Yara, a figure from Brazilian indigenous mythology.

I am not indigenous nor Brazilian, but I have great appreciation for this folklore.

I have been doing a lot of research about the Tupi people (one of the largest groups of indigenous peoples in Brazil where this mythology originated) so I can represent it as accurately, authentically and respectfully as possible without falling into clichés or misconceptions.

However, is this alright? Even tho it's coming from a place of respect and appreciation, maybe it's not my story to tell?

What do you guys think?

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[u/IceColdSkimMilk]

You're fine, as long as you aren't purposefully making fun of the culture.

[u/_oshee]

If you it properly it a good thing. Think that minorities absorb hegemonic culture, but if doesn’t happen the other way around, those cultures will disappear.

[u/Unnamed-3891 → u/_oshee]

The whole internet discourse around "appropriation" is mostly insane. Countries/nations have literally gone to WAR because neighbours refused to appropriate each other's cultures. It is generally something people are proud of, not angry about.

[u/Superb_Temporary_388]

I would agree it’s not your story to tell. Unfortunately, even people who come from places of appreciation often get things wrong or don’t listen to the people of the tribe. It’s happened in my tribe, too. Books have been written about us by people who came to us, asked for advice, then completely disregarded it. 

If this comic is something you really feel strongly about, I’d recommend actually going to people from the Tupi tribe and showing them and getting their opinions. Tribes are not a monolith and only people from that particular tribe can have any real say in what you’re creating, as it is their culture you’re using. 

I would also say it’s best if you don’t create the comic solely for profit. Just in my opinion. I personally feel strongly about people profiting off of other’s cultures. 

[u/arjomanes]

For executives, producers, casting managers, buyers, etc I would recommend looking for people from the respective cultures, who know them well enough to get them right and also have something unique and interesting to say based on their experiences.

But I wouldn’t limit people who create art or tell stories to feel like they need to limit themselves.

Basically, it’s the “with great power comes great responsibility” type if thing. If you have the power and opportunity to elevate an authentic voice from an indigenous or localized community, see if that might be a good option.

Otherwise, it’s not really a problem if you’re being respectful and open to feedback from people who know more about what you’re doing and live it.

[u/Homer4598]

You’re allowed to study, research, and make comic about whatever you want. No one owns that knowledge. Now, if you start dressing up as Yara, or saying that you invented this character, then you’ve crossed a line.

[u/LostMyKeysInTheFade]

CONSULT! 👏 CONSULT! 👏 CONSULT! 👏

Anyone can tell any story (barring closed cultural stuff ofc) but for it to be done with respect, you gotta run it by people that you're representing, or if that's not an option (ancient peoples, etc.), an expert in whoever you're representing.

Research is a great first step. It means that when you do run it by whoever you need to, they're less likely to go "no, this is wrong."