PEOPLE OF COLOR EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CULTURAL APPROPRIATION AND APPRECIATION. There’s a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. If you show love and appreciation for parts of a culture, such as clothing, hairstyles, or accessories, but remain prejudiced against its people, that’s appropriation. On the other hand, if you learn, explore, and understand a different culture and then show that in a style that you’ve developed over time, that’s appreciation. (P)eople of color tell Insider what you should remember when you want to appreciate another culture, and why it’s damaging when you get it wrong.