Whether in debates over prom dresses or music videos, the topic of cultural appropriation has made its way to the headlines. Attacked for offensive stereotyping and the dismissal of minority struggles, celebrities dressed as Egyptian goddesses and a teenage girl dawning a Chinese style qi-pao have found themselves representing a much larger issue of minority assimilation and discrimination.

It’s not difficult to see why the majority of people who witness cultural appropriation, or the use of other cultures for profit or fashion, are confused as to why the issue is controversial— it seems counterintuitive to criticize those who open their minds to other cultures.

However, taking the extra step to study the underlying issues behind cultural appropriation reveals that society needs to be conscious of the difference between raising awareness of other cultures, and the underlying abuse and offensive nature behind wearing cultural clothing for profit or exposure.

At its core, cultural appropriation is about exploitation. When those in power have mistreated minorities for centuries, the act of taking part of their identity and using it for exposure takes away from their ethnic individualism. Capitalizing on misrepresenting and stereotyping minorities and utilizing their identity for profit is despicable, despite excuses of “appreciation” celebrities might claim.

Working to appreciate the culture of minorities shouldn’t involve ignorance or stereotyping. Appreciation comes with studying the background and symbolism of articles of pieces of culture, as well an accurate representation that isn’t based on white stereotypes. Those who take the time to study the cultural weight of Native American clothing or the Indian bindi are probably not going to use them blindly and offhandedly— giving pieces of culture the respect minorities themselves have for it.

Cultural appropriation draws attention away from the history and significance of cultural clothing and diminishes it into simple entertainment or fashion. Music videos featuring Katy Perry with a white-powdered face in a Japanese kimono doesn’t do anything for the group being exploited. There’s no awareness raised for their struggles or experiences— just a crude depiction of stereotypical Japanese culture.

Defenders of celebrities such as Beyonce, Selena Gomez and even the infamous prom dress have fallen back on the same excuses time after time after being called out. When using Egyptian, Indian or Asian culture in their music videos or clothing, these celebrities have claimed inclusion and innocuous interest in culture.

When taking a piece of meaningful clothing without understanding the symbolism or background behind it, you’re removing and dismissing the weight cultures place on the item. The line is blurrier for some than others— while one Chinese citizen might not find the use of a qipao offensive, another more traditionalist one might feel robbed of his culture, or the meaning behind it.

Appropriation does not equate to minority inclusion, accurate representation or an increase of diverse influence in pop culture; it needs to be seen as harmful. While these people may have had no malicious intent, recognition of the harmful effects cultural appropriation needs to take place.

As society stresses the importance of embracing one’s culture and ethnic traditions, those in a position of privilege need to be conscious when taking away something unique to minority groups. While not as openly hostile as the acquiring land through imperialism or taking away basic human rights, a people’s culture isn’t up for grabs.