Yoga, Henna & Sweatshops: Cultural Appropriation, Exploitation, and the Commodification of South Asian Culture

Beginning with a brief contemplative practice, this free event will explore identity development, cultural appropriation, racism, and islamophobia through personal story. The presenters Amer F. Ahmed Ed.D., UVM’s Vice Provost for Equity & Inclusion and Bini Sebastian, PhD candidate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri, will address: the historical context and perspective on how oppressive systems impact South Asian identity, factors that facilitate and strengthen South Asian identity development – including experiences at the intersection of race and spirituality, insight into the lived experiences of South Asians as they navigate contemporary pedagogy, and the role of whiteness and cultural appropriation as related to yoga and other South Asian cultural and spiritual practices. For accommodation info, please email [email protected]