“I believe that reappropriation can be a powerful tool for creating social change. Sometimes, things like irony, satire, or humor are more effective in getting at difficult truths or concepts like white privilege, orientalism, and the exoticization of culture.” RaceSocial JusticeSocial ChangeAsianAsian AmericanRacial JusticeOrientalismReappropriationThe Slants Author:Simon S. Tam
“The idea of reappropriation isn’t a new one. The process of turning negative words, symbols, or ideas into positive parts of our own identity – was used for social justice movements long before hipsters thought that being ironic was cool. Whether it is repurposing a racial epithet or taking on a stereotype for sociopolitical empowerment, it’s an important process that has been around for thousands of years and continues to change society today.” RaceIdentityRacismTransformationSocial JusticeIronyStereotypesReappropriation Author:Simon S. Tam
“Racism doesn't have to fit our stereotypes for what it is in order for it to hurt - but it also means that tools for dismantling the system don't have it fit our stereotype either.” RaceRacismSocial JusticeReappropriation Author:Simon S. Tam
“People buy into this false notion of reverse racism, where they believe that just because there’s a group of people getting together to share something about their heritage that we’re excluding white people. But that’s not the reality.” RaceRacismRacism In AmericaWhite PrivilegeReverse Racism Author:Simon S. Tam