He Decided to Honor His Fiancée’s Indian Heritage by Wearing Traditional Attire at Their Engagement, But He Didn’t Expect To Be in the Center of a Cultural Appropriation Debate.

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The Original Poster (OP) is faced with a digital age dilemma: to embrace his fiancée’s traditions by wearing traditional Indian clothing or to heed his mother’s fears of a potential online backlash. As the engagement ceremony in Malaysia looms closer, OP seeks advice from the virtual world, resulting in a whirlwind of opinions and overwhelming support.

A Cross-Continental Union

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OP is set to marry a beautiful Indian girl from Malaysia. However, most of her family cannot attend the US wedding. So, they plan a formal engagement ceremony in her Malaysian hometown.

A Warm Gesture

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Her family, eager to include OP and his family in their traditions, offers them traditional Indian clothing for the ceremony. OP is touched and believes it’s a fantastic idea. The gesture makes him feel honored and included.

A Mother’s Concern

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When OP shares the news with his parents, he’s met with hesitation. His mother voices her concerns about potential accusations of “cultural appropriation.” She fears the backlash they might receive, especially on social media.

The Digital Age Dilemma

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OP acknowledges the tricky terrain of the digital age, where misinterpretations can spread like wildfire. He recalls seeing a photo that went viral because of similar reasons. The last thing he wants is his family being targeted by online trolls.

A Question of Respect

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Torn, OP ponders whether wearing traditional Indian clothing would be inappropriate, given their Scandinavian roots. He wonders if it’s about respect or if they’d inadvertently disrespect by wearing it. The situation has more layers than he anticipated.

Seeking Opinions

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OP asks his friends and colleagues whether his family would be in the wrong for donning the traditional attire. He also questions if they’ll face backlash, regardless of their intentions for perceived cultural offenses.

The Real Concern Unveiled

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Upon reflection, OP realizes that his parents weren’t genuinely worried about offending anyone. Instead, they were apprehensive about their actions being misinterpreted. The fear of being misunderstood weighed heavily on them.

Overwhelming Support

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Most of the people OP asked voiced their support for OP and his family. Many believe sharing and participating in cultural traditions is a gesture of love and respect. They encourage OP to go forward with the plan.

Reassurance and Resolve

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Heartened by the encouragement, OP decides to participate in the ceremony wearing the traditional attire. He communicates his decision to his family, emphasizing that they can join him. The choice is theirs, but he’s made up his mind.

A Message to Naysayers

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While OP appreciates and respects all the feedback, he acknowledges that not everyone might agree with his choice. Yet, he firmly believes that if anyone finds fault, it reflects more on them than his family. He won’t let a potential few detractors deter him.

The Engagement Day

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The day of the engagement ceremony arrives. Both families come together in a beautiful blend of cultures, traditions, and emotions. Everyone is dressed in their finest, and the atmosphere is filled with joy.

Embracing Traditions

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OP, along with his family, dons the traditional Indian clothing. They participate wholeheartedly in the rituals, ceremonies, and dances. The event becomes a memorable day for everyone involved.

Moments of Connection

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Throughout the ceremony, there are countless moments where two worlds merge. Laughter, tears, and genuine connections are formed. The families grow closer, forging bonds that will last a lifetime.

A Few Raised Eyebrows

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While the majority support OP’s choice, a few dissenting voices still linger. Some attendees raise eyebrows, questioning their decision. But the overarching sentiment is one of acceptance and celebration.

The Power of Love

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Ultimately, the engagement ceremony serves as a testament to the power of love. It shows that love transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. When two hearts connect, everything else fades into the background.

A Defining Experience

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With all its challenges and joys, the ceremony becomes a defining experience for OP and his family. They’ve navigated cultural intersections, faced societal perceptions, and emerged stronger and more united.

Moving Forward

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OP and his bride-to-be look forward to their wedding day with the engagement ceremony behind them. They know challenges may arise, but they’re confident in their bond. Together, they’re ready to face whatever the future holds.

Was The Groom’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online for the feedback and opinions of the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “It isn’t cultural appropriation; her family invited you to participate. You’re welcome to wear it if that’s what you want.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “Explain to your family that they’re more worried about offending internet strangers on social media than they are offending soon-to-be family, in person.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “I’m about to get this tattooed on my forehead, or at least printed on a t-shirt: if people invite you to participate in their cultural traditions, then it is not cultural appropriation.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “It’s such a shame that this is something you even have to worry about. I can’t imagine that issues like this were what people were thinking of when they first started calling out cultural appropriation.”