In this episode of the Project Good podcast, host Annmarie Hylton explores the intricate topics of globalization and cultural appropriation with guest Professor Rina Arya. Professor Arya, a critical cultural theorist, shares her personal and academic journey examining the significance of cultural identity, migration, and marginalization. They discuss the power imbalances that arise when elements of marginalized cultures are adopted without proper understanding or respect, highlighting how globalization can both connect and exploit cultures. The conversation delves into how individuals and organizations can engage in ethical and informed cultural exchange. Professor Arya also provides insight into her forthcoming book on cultural appropriation, as well as her existing work exploring the lived experiences of South Asian psychiatrists in the UK.

00:00 Introduction to Project Good Podcast
00:26 Exploring Globalization and Cultural Appropriation
01:37 Interview with Professor Rina Arya
03:24 Personal Experiences with Cultural Appropriation
09:55 Defining Cultural Appropriation
14:24 The Impact of Cultural Appropriation on Food
22:01 Challenges of Equal Cultural Exchange
29:13 Reflecting on Cultural Plunder and Identity
29:27 Unraveling Historical Injustices
30:14 Awareness and Repatriation Efforts
33:13 Generational Perspectives on Cultural Identity
36:15 The Role of Social Media in Cultural Appropriation
40:31 Cultural Pride and Hybrid Identities
44:50 Power Dynamics and Global Shifts
52:27 Upcoming Book: Reclaiming the Debate on Cultural Appropriation
55:34 Final Thoughts and Collective Responsibility

Professor Rina Arya is a critical and cultural theorist, Professor and Head of School of the Arts at Hull University and the co-author of the book Journey to the Centre of the Self which showcases the experiences of South Asian psychiatrists in the UK and provides insight into the significance of cultural identity, migration and marginalisation on their lives and work.

Professor Arya initially studied Art History at the University of Leicester which was followed by a MA in Theology at the University of Leeds and a PhD at the University of Glasgow on the expression and experience of the sacred in ‘Death of God’ culture resulting in her 2012 monograph Francis Bacon: Painting in a Godless World which was long-listed for the W. M. Berger Art History Prize.Her research areas include abjection and disgust, theology and visual art, the sociology of the sacred and visual religious studies.

You can purchase Dr. Arya’s book Journey to the Centre of the Self Exploring the Lived Experiences of South Asian Psychiatrists on Amazon and Cambridge University Press by going to Cambridge University Press https://www.cambridge.org/out and look out for her forthcoming Book Reclaiming The Debate on Culture Appropriation in the UK on Amazon