Tara

Tara is a 19 year old studying a Bachelor of Law at the University of Wollongong. When asked what her cultural background was, her response was “Australian” and she had a further think but was unable to list anything else as “all of her family is from Australia”. She isn’t too invested in the fashion industry but does express interest in dressing nicely although does not specifically adhere to any trends. When viewing the above clothing items she quickly noted that they all had distinct cultural influences from Japan based off their features such as colour of the red sun and red 2 piece set as well as the prints of images and symbols. Tara stated that she liked the pieces but as no intent on buying them as they aren’t really her style. When further prompted she explained how growing up in Wollongong, the laidback beach lifestyle shaped her own style where she often opts for more free flowing pieces with intricate prints and whilst she can admire these pieces she personally would not wear them. She also would not define these clothes as offensive or a result of cultural appropriation as she considers the prints as just that, they are prints made to look attractive and doesn’t see any traditional meaning behind any of them. She does also admit though that she doesn’t know Asian culture very well and whilst she knows that dragons are stereotypically Asian, she doesn’t know why or their origins. She likens the prints to putting the Australian flag on clothes, it isn’t offensive but just an embellishment.