I wonder if appropriation only makes sense under (late) capitalism. Because cultural artifacts (e.g. food) can very suddenly be taken and turned to a profit by people who have the means/power to do so and thus further extend their advantages.
Hi Hamish. That is such an insightful comment. I do think that even during the stage of capitalism that was prevalent during European colonialism and high imperialism, appropriation was characterised by a similar speed - you only have to look at the proliferation of food companies in the late 1800s using tropical foods in supply chains, powered by steamships, at the end of which were highly skilled but indentured labour, never mind the abundance of European workshops producing chinoiserie etc. But I do agree with you entirely that speed is relative - steamships have been replaced by low-cost air travel and the internet. A brilliant thought - thank you.
Thanks for your reply. This makes sense and nicely complicates my thinking. I write this not far from the Horniman museum, built with family tea money.
I wonder if appropriation only makes sense under (late) capitalism. Because cultural artifacts (e.g. food) can very suddenly be taken and turned to a profit by people who have the means/power to do so and thus further extend their advantages.
Hi Hamish. That is such an insightful comment. I do think that even during the stage of capitalism that was prevalent during European colonialism and high imperialism, appropriation was characterised by a similar speed - you only have to look at the proliferation of food companies in the late 1800s using tropical foods in supply chains, powered by steamships, at the end of which were highly skilled but indentured labour, never mind the abundance of European workshops producing chinoiserie etc. But I do agree with you entirely that speed is relative - steamships have been replaced by low-cost air travel and the internet. A brilliant thought - thank you.
Thanks for your reply. This makes sense and nicely complicates my thinking. I write this not far from the Horniman museum, built with family tea money.
Great to hear you both in conversation.