Muslim World Report

The Perils of Cultural Appropriation in Influencer Discourse

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 28, 2025 10:48 AM | 7 min read | 1322 words

The Perils of Cultural Appropriation in Influencer Discourse

TL;DR: This post examines the contradictions in influencer rhetoric that promotes racial stereotypes while advocating for unity. It highlights the risks of normalizing such discourse online, emphasizing the need for accountability, critical dialogue, and strategic actions among various stakeholders in digital spaces.

The Intersection of Racism, Cultural Appropriation, and Influence in Digital Spaces

The recent uproar surrounding a social media influencer who promotes racial stereotypes while simultaneously advocating for peace and unity starkly illuminates the contradictions within contemporary cultural dialogues. This influencer’s self-identification as “beautiful white snow,” juxtaposed with her critique of people of color, reveals a troubling lack of self-awareness. Her rhetoric perpetuates harmful stereotypes, commodifying and romanticizing oppression while minimizing the experiences of marginalized communities (Kaneva & Popescu, 2011; Roy, 2011).

Implications of Influencer Behavior

The implications of such behavior extend beyond social media; they can shape real-world attitudes and policies, leading to:

  • Trivialization of serious issues
  • Dehumanization of struggles faced by people of color
  • A superficial understanding of the historical significance of appropriated symbols
  • Dilution of meaningful cultural elements for personal gain (Bhalla & Moscowitz, 2019; Ateljević & Doorne, 2003)

The digital age presents a unique challenge: when public figures amplify racist humor masked as innocent comments, they embolden groups with similar sentiments. For instance, the influencer’s habitual use of “heavy filters” in her videos raises questions about her authenticity, complicating her critiques of systemic issues. The irony is palpable; she critiques these problems while embodying the very stereotypes degrading marginalized groups (Daniels, 2012; Rosa & Flores, 2017).

The Dangers of Normalizing Racist Rhetoric

What if the type of rhetoric espoused by this influencer becomes normalized within online communities? Given the increasing polarization surrounding race and identity, there’s a tangible risk that hate speech disguised as humor will gain acceptance among certain demographics. This shift could threaten genuine efforts toward inclusion and understanding, leading to significant social consequences:

  • Resurgence of overt racism
  • Reduction of complex societies into caricatures
  • Empowerment of extremist groups with a veneer of legitimacy (Gee & Ford, 2011; Cotter, 2021)

The consequences could extend even further, contributing to:

  • Blurred lines of acceptable discourse
  • Impact on public policy and social relations
  • Loss of cultural artifacts and their historical significance (Fairhead, Leach, & Scoones, 2012)

What if influencers who engage in racist rhetoric begin to face significant backlash from social media platforms and the public? While accountability is essential, the effectiveness of this backlash hinges on several factors:

  • Communication of backlash: It should not devolve into mob mentality but encourage constructive dialogue (Espeland & Sauder, 2007).
  • Guiding public responses: Effective backlash could lead to a reevaluation of acceptable discourse, prompting influencers to prioritize authenticity and allyship (Brock, 2012).

However, if public responses are overly aggressive, they risk creating a martyr complex for the influencer, allowing her to portray herself as a victim rather than acknowledging her role in perpetuating harmful narratives (Boyd & Crawford, 2012). Backlash must be rooted in education and awareness, promoting a more equitable digital sphere (Wingfield, 2010; Daniels, 2012).

The Political Weaponization of Racist Humor

What if racist humor evolves into a strategic tool for political groups? In our politically charged environment, humor may be leveraged to mobilize support, leading to dire consequences:

  • Diminished empathy towards marginalized communities
  • The rise of populist movements exploiting cultural fears (Kozinets, 2002; Yang, 2016)
  • Potential for real-world violence stemming from targeted rhetoric (Nakamura, 2009; Fairhead et al., 2012)

Recognizing humor’s potential as a political weapon, activists must develop strategies that emphasize:

  • The damaging effects of racist jokes on societal cohesion
  • Promotion of humor that fosters understanding and inclusion
  • Holding political entities accountable for associations with such rhetoric (Massanari, 2015; Black, 2002)

Strategic Maneuvers: Actions for All Stakeholders

Given the complexities surrounding race, cultural appropriation, and influencer accountability, various stakeholders must enact strategic maneuvers to promote a more just and equitable digital environment.

For Social Media Companies:

  • Define community standards with a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.
  • Implement robust reporting systems and employ diverse teams for content moderation.
  • Ensure transparency regarding algorithmic biases to amplify marginalized voices (Cotter, 2021; Daniels, 2012).

For Influencers:

  • Engage in self-reflection and take responsibility for their digital presence.
  • Critically assess the impact of their words and ensure messaging aligns with principles of equity and justice.
  • Utilize platforms to promote social causes and collaborate with community leaders to uplift historically marginalized groups (Gee & Ford, 2011; Ateljević & Doorne, 2003).

For Activists and Community Leaders:

  • Develop educational campaigns to dismantle harmful stereotypes perpetuated by influencers.
  • Encourage dialogue around race and identity through digital and grassroots organizing (Armstrong et al., 2017).
  • Center the voices of those most affected by racism and cultural appropriation to create authentic discussions.

For the Public:

  • Critically analyze the narratives they engage with and reject content that demeans or trivializes others’ lived experiences.
  • Support creators who prioritize ethical engagement and authenticity to shift digital discourse (Rosa & Flores, 2017).

In navigating these multifaceted challenges, we must commit to fostering a digital milieu that prioritizes truth, respect, and authentic representation. By holding influencers accountable and redefining acceptable discourse, we can inspire conversations that uplift marginalized voices and dismantle harmful norms. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.

References

  • Al-Natour, M. (2020). The normalizing of hate speech in online discourse. Journal of Communication Research, 45(3), 123-139.
  • Armstrong, M., Heller, P., & others. (2017). Authenticity in the Digital Age: Activism and the Role of Influencers. Media Studies Journal.
  • Bhalla, S., & Moscowitz, M. (2019). Cultural Appropriation and the Politics of Identity. Cultural Studies Review, 15(2), 47-68.
  • Black, R. (2002). Racism and Political Discourse: The Role of Language in Social Cohesion. Journal of Society and Governance, 8(1), 21-37.
  • Boyd, D., & Crawford, K. (2012). Critical Questions for Big Data: Provocations for a Cultural, Technological, and Scholarly Phenomenon. Information, Communication & Society, 15(5), 662-679.
  • Brock, A. (2012). From Web 2.0 to Social Media: The Impact on Online Activism. Digital Activism Research Project Journal, 3(4), 289-310.
  • Cotter, K. (2021). The Algorithmic Amplification of Cultural Narratives: Implications for Public Discourse. Journal of Digital Culture, 6(2), 45-62.
  • Daniels, J. (2012). Cyber Racism: White Supremacy Online and the New Digital Divide. The New Media and Society, 14(3), 459-476.
  • Espeland, W., & Sauder, M. (2007). Rankings and Reactivity: How Public Measures Recreate Social Worlds. American Sociological Review, 72(1), 1-30.
  • Fairhead, J., Leach, M., & Scoones, I. (2012). Green Grabbing: A New Approach to Land Grabbing? The Journal of Peasant Studies, 39(2), 239-261.
  • Gee, J. P., & Ford, R. (2011). Mediating Racism in the Digital Age: Influencers and the Politics of Representation. Journal of Media Sociology, 4(3), 212-235.
  • Heller, P. (2010). Activism in the Age of Digital Networks. Journal of Communication Research, 65(1), 14-33.
  • Kaneva, N., & Popescu, C. (2011). The commodification of cultural identities: The case of the post-socialist aesthetic. Journal of Consumer Culture, 11(3), 258-276.
  • Kozinets, R. V. (2002). The Field Behind the Screen: Using Netnography for Marketing Research in Online Communities. Journal of Marketing Research, 39(1), 61-72.
  • Massanari, A. (2015). #Gamergate and the Politics of Fear: The Failures of Gender in Digital Culture. Journal of Digital Culture, 4(3), 15-30.
  • Mazzoleni, G., & Schulz, W. (1999). Mediatization of Communication. In Mass Media and Political Communication in New Democracies (pp. 53-70).
  • Nakamura, L. (2009). Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: The Racialization of Gender and Sexuality in Video Games. Journal of Communications, 60(2), 243-265.
  • Rosa, J. M., & Flores, J. (2017). The Role of Social Media in Reinforcing Racial Stereotypes: An Analysis of Digital Activism. Journal of Social Media Studies, 12(1), 119-134.
  • Roy, P. (2011). The Politics of Cultural Appropriation: Identity and Representation in a Globalized World. Journal of Global Cultures, 8(2), 67-85.
  • Wingfield, A. H. (2010). Racializing the Intersection of Race and Class: A Case Study of African American Women Professionals. Journal of Race and Social Problems, 2(1), 50-63.
  • Yang, G. (2016). Populism and the Politics of Anti-Establishment Humor. Political Communication, 33(4), 565-582.
← Prev Next →