The following is a response to Yoga and the Roots of Cultural Appropriation by Shreena Gandhi and Lillie Wolff
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Appropriation of…?
The “culture of elitism antithetical to the true roots of yoga” is the very culture of yoga where it originates (no matter the lofty aims of yoga) — that is, the “culture of elitism” in yoga is dominated by privileged, male Brahmins of an 'elite' caste responsible for centuries of oppression.
In India, yoga is and always has been dominated by privileged, male Brahmins of an 'elite' caste that is largely responsible for hideous racism and brutal apartheid, soul-crushing sexism, chronic poverty due to a deathly lack of development and endless, lethal corruption.
How can it then possibly be the provenance of “Indian women to whom this practice rightfully belongs”? Nothing seems further from reality. Since it’s advent, Indian women have been largely excluded from yoga in India where for centuries women face subjugation with extreme gender inequality and the severe ills it brings. In fact, India and China are notorious for ‘gendercide’ -- aborting females in favor of male offspring.
Doesn't accountability begin at home -- that is, with oneself? Authors, please check the facts on “cultural accountability” before wildly pointing fingers.
