cultural appropriation

Australian influencer Sophia Begg has sparked controversy after using a Mandarin-language song in her recent travel posts from Japan. The 21-year-old, who boasts over a million followers on Instagram, shared a carousel documenting her first day in Tokyo, accompanied by the track “Blueprint Supreme” by Mandarin rapper SKAI ISYOURGOD. Many fans have deemed her choice of music culturally insensitive, igniting a heated debate online. Critics were quick to voice their concerns. One commenter on Instagram pointed out, “Girl, I love you, but please, the song isn’t even in Japanese.” Another user suggested that her song selection exemplified how Westerners can misrepresent Eastern cultures. This sentiment resonated with many, as discussions about cultural appropriation and sensitivity continue to gain traction in the digital age. One Instagram user, Dayannee, expressed frustration at what they perceived as a reflection of white privilege. “This honestly reflects white privilege on another level… being able to pick and choose parts of someone else’s culture for aesthetic without needing to understand or respect it,” they remarked. The commenter further emphasized the importance of recognizing the depth of cultural experiences, stating, “It’s not just a song or a vibe; it’s a lived culture, and treating it like a trend is harmful.” The backlash intensified when Begg’s supporters attempted to defend her choice by suggesting that the song was merely trending. However, Dayannee countered, “The song she used is currently trending, but it’s a Chinese audio. If she actually knew it was Chinese, why use it in a post about Japan?” This comment highlighted the perceived insensitivity in mixing distinct cultures for the sake of aesthetics, which many found troubling. The criticism surrounding Begg’s post has been described by some as “casual racism.” Despite the backlash, she has continued to document her experiences in Tokyo, sharing content that includes visits to a sumo match, subway rides, and food tours at the famed Tsukiji Outer Market. Notably, this is not the first time Begg has faced scrutiny. In 2023, she encountered backlash for a costume choice that referenced the late Steve Irwin, which led her to issue a public apology to the Irwin family. In her statement, she expressed her admiration for Irwin and clarified that no disrespect was intended. She stated, “I have thought about and reflected on my costume, and I will not be wearing it and apologize wholeheartedly to anyone who was offended by it.” As the conversation around cultural sensitivity evolves, Begg’s situation serves as a reminder of the complexities influencers face in navigating cultural representation. The dialogue surrounding her recent post continues to highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the cultures we engage with, especially in a globalized world where social media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions. In the wake of this controversy, it remains to be seen how Begg will address the criticism and whether she will adapt her content to be more culturally aware in the future. As fans and followers engage in discussions about cultural appropriation and sensitivity, it is crucial for influencers to reflect on their choices and the messages they convey through their platforms.