Cultural appropriation, as conceptualized by Bayo Akomolafe, refers to the act wherein elements of a marginalized culture are adopted or used by individuals from a dominant culture in a manner that distorts, trivializes, or commodifies the original meaning and context. Akomolafe emphasizes that this practice often involves an asymmetrical power dynamic where the dominant culture exploits and harms the marginalized culture by stripping away its originality and significance. He sees cultural appropriation as not merely an act of borrowing but an ontological violence that perpetuates historical injustices and reinforces systemic inequities. Akomolafe's perspective highlights the ethical complexities and the deep need for accountability, suggesting that respectful cultural exchange should be rooted in genuine understanding, consent, and reciprocity to honor the integrity and lived experiences of the marginalized culture.

See also: intergenerational trauma, black bodies, black geographies, white supremacy, slave trade