Problem
Abusive exploitation of cultural heritage
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Conceptual asset strippingMisappropriation of cultural symbols
Vandalizing popular culture
Nature:
Use of valued aspects of a cultural heritage, such as a parts of a well-known piece of classical music, to improve the image of a commercial product, erodes the significance of that heritage. This is especially the case with younger generations which have not been exposed to that heritage in its unadulterated form. This phenomenon may also be seen in the progressive commercialization of traditional and religious festivals and pilgrimages.
Incidence:
A classic example is the misuse of the German cultural heritage by the Nazi regime. Many people alive today, who were in concentration camps, can recall their families being taken away to the gas chambers to the sound of Wagner's Meistersinger overture. In 1993 the nascent republic of Macedonia was accused by Greece of misappropriating an ancient Greek symbol for its flag.
Broader Problems:
Cultural corruptionUnethical practices in the artsOffensive advertisingAbuse of native peoples Narrower Problems:
Debasement of works of artIntrusive social science researchOver-simplification of social conceptsTheft of tradition knowledge for commercial gainAbuse of traditional cultural expressions of peoplesVulgar combination of sacred and erotic in advertising Related Problems:
Asset strippingMisappropriation of cultural propertyArchaeological and anthropological looting Aggravates:
Loss of cultural heritageSimplistic cultural imagesInadequate appreciation of cultureSocio-cultural environment degradationPolitically provocative geographical names Reduced By:
Language censorshipStrategies:
Vandalizing popular cultureProtecting popular culture from vandalizationExploiting cultural heritageAppropriating cultural symbols Subject(s):
Commerce → PropertyCommunication → Advertising
Culture → Culture
Individuation → Symbols, myths
Informatics, Classification → Classification
Recreation → Folk traditions
Societal Problems → Maltreatment
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
C: Cross-sectoral problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST