Day 23｜実戦演習②｜社会・文化
【メイン課題】
以下の英文を 6分〜8分以内 に読みましょう。
英文：
The concept of cultural appropriation has become one of the most debated topics in modern society. Cultural appropriation occurs when members of a dominant culture adopt elements of a minority culture, often without understanding or respecting their original significance. Examples range from wearing traditional clothing or hairstyles from other cultures as fashion statements to using sacred symbols as decorative items. While some view cultural exchange as a natural and positive aspect of globalization, others argue that appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes, disrespect marginalized communities, and commercialize traditions that hold deep spiritual or historical meaning.
The distinction between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation is not always clear-cut. Cultural appreciation involves learning about and engaging with another culture in a respectful and informed manner. This might include studying a culture’s history, learning its language, or participating in cultural events with the permission and guidance of community members. Appropriation, by contrast, typically involves taking cultural elements out of context, often for profit or entertainment, without acknowledging their origins or significance. The difference often lies in the power dynamics between the cultures involved and the intent and awareness of the person engaging with another culture’s practices.
The fashion and entertainment industries have faced particular scrutiny for cultural appropriation. High-profile cases have included fashion brands using indigenous patterns on luxury items without crediting or compensating the communities that created them. Music artists have been criticized for adopting musical styles, dance moves, and aesthetic elements from African American culture without acknowledging their origins. In some cases, minority artists who pioneered these styles received little recognition or financial reward, while mainstream performers who adopted them achieved widespread success and wealth.
Defenders of cultural exchange argue that cultures have always influenced and borrowed from one another throughout history. They contend that attempting to restrict cultural exchange can lead to excessive gatekeeping and hinder the creative cross-pollination that enriches art, music, food, and fashion. Some members of minority cultures welcome the sharing of their traditions, viewing it as an opportunity to educate others and celebrate their heritage. They argue that rigid boundaries between cultures can promote division rather than understanding.
The key to navigating this complex issue lies in approaching other cultures with respect, humility, and a willingness to learn. Rather than simply taking elements that appear interesting or exotic, individuals should seek to understand the history and meaning behind cultural practices. Supporting artists, designers, and creators from the cultures they are inspired by, rather than imitating their work, ensures that the original communities benefit from the interest in their traditions. Ultimately, the goal should be genuine cultural exchange that enriches all parties involved rather than one-sided appropriation that reinforces existing power imbalances.
Education plays a vital role in promoting respectful cross-cultural engagement. Schools and universities can incorporate lessons on cultural sensitivity and the history of cultural exchange into their curricula. Media organizations have a responsibility to portray diverse cultures accurately and avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Social media, while sometimes amplifying conflicts over cultural appropriation, can also serve as a platform for minority communities to share their perspectives and educate a wider audience about the significance of their cultural practices.
設問：
（1）文化の盗用（cultural appropriation）と文化の鑑賞（cultural appreciation）の違いを本文に基づいて説明しなさい。
（2）ファッション・エンターテインメント業界が文化の盗用で批判された例を2つ挙げなさい。
（3）文化交流の擁護者はどのような主張をしているか。2つ挙げなさい。
（4）本文の内容と一致するものを全て選びなさい。
a. 文化の盗用と鑑賞の区別は常に明確である
b. ファッションブランドが先住民のパターンを無断で使用した例がある
c. 文化の盗用についてはメディアの報道が重要な役割を果たしている
d. 筆者は文化交流を完全に禁止すべきだと主張している
（5）この文章全体を80字以内で要約しなさい。
模範解答を見る ▼
【模範解答】
各段落のキーワードメモ：
– 第1段落：文化の盗用の定義
– 第2段落：盗用と鑑賞の区別
– 第3段落：ファッション・芸能業界の事例
– 第4段落：文化交流擁護派の主張
– 第5段落：尊重を持ったアプローチの提案
– 第6段落：教育とメディアの役割
設問の解答：
（1）
– 文化の鑑賞：他の文化について敬意と理解を持って学び、関わること。歴史を学んだり、コミュニティの許可を得て文化行事に参加したりすること。
– 文化の盗用：文化的要素を文脈から切り離し、起源や意義を認めずに、しばしば利益や娯楽のために取り入れること。
（2）
– ①ファッションブランドが先住民のパターンを高級品に使用し、元のコミュニティにクレジットも報酬も与えなかった。
– ②音楽アーティストがアフリカ系アメリカ人文化の音楽スタイル、ダンス、美的要素を起源を認めずに採用した。
（3）
– ①文化は歴史を通じて常に互いに影響を与え借用し合ってきた。文化交流の制限は過度な門番行為につながり、芸術や音楽を豊かにする創造的な異文化交流を妨げる。
– ②一部の少数派文化のメンバーは、伝統の共有を歓迎し、他者を教育し文化遺産を祝う機会と捉えている。
（4）正解：b、c
– a：本文 “The distinction … is not always clear-cut” → 常に明確ではない → 不正解
– b：本文 “fashion brands using indigenous patterns on luxury items without crediting or compensating” → 正解
– c：本文第6段落 “Media organizations have a responsibility to portray diverse cultures accurately” → 正解
– d：筆者は完全な禁止ではなく、尊重を持った文化交流を提案している → 不正解
（5）要約例：文化の盗用は少数派文化への敬意を欠いた採用であり、鑑賞との区別は複雑だが、教育と尊重に基づく文化交流を促進し、一方的な搾取ではない相互的な交流を目指すべきである。（80字）
ポイント（速読のコツ㉓）：
– 抽象的なテーマの長文では、第1段落の定義 と 最終段落の結論 を先に読むと全体像が掴める。中間段落は「具体例」「反論」「別の視点」であることが多い。抽象→具体→結論のパターンを意識すると、難しいテーマでも読みやすくなる。
【練習問題】以下の英文を6分〜8分以内に読み、設問に答えなさい。
英文：
The decline of local newspapers in many countries has raised serious concerns about the health of democracy. Over the past two decades, thousands of newspapers have closed, and newsroom employment has fallen dramatically. In the United States alone, the number of newspaper journalists dropped from approximately 71,000 in 2008 to about 31,000 in 2020, a decline of more than 55 percent.
Local newspapers serve a vital function as watchdogs over local government and institutions. They report on city council meetings, school board decisions, and the activities of local businesses and organizations. Research has shown that when a local newspaper closes, voter turnout in municipal elections declines, government borrowing costs increase, and corruption tends to rise. Without journalists to investigate and report on local affairs, government officials face less accountability.
The causes of the newspaper crisis are well understood. The shift of advertising revenue to digital platforms, particularly Google and Facebook, has devastated newspaper finances. Classified advertising, once a major revenue source, has moved almost entirely to online platforms. At the same time, many readers expect to access news content for free online, making it difficult for newspapers to charge for their journalism.
Several models have emerged to sustain local journalism in the digital age. Nonprofit news organizations funded by foundations and community donations have shown promise in some areas. Cooperative ownership models, in which communities collectively own their local newspaper, have been successfully implemented in several European countries. Some governments have introduced direct subsidies or tax incentives to support local news organizations, though critics worry that government funding could compromise editorial independence.
The future of local journalism may depend on a combination of these approaches, along with continued innovation in digital storytelling and audience engagement. What remains clear is that the disappearance of local news coverage has real consequences for communities, and finding sustainable models to support quality local journalism is essential for maintaining informed and engaged citizenry.
設問：
（1）アメリカの新聞ジャーナリストの数は2008年から2020年にかけてどう変化したか。
（2）地方新聞が廃刊すると起きる問題を3つ挙げなさい。
（3）この文章全体を80字以内で要約しなさい。
練習問題の解答を見る ▼
【練習問題 解答】
設問の解答：
（1）約71,000人から約31,000人に減少し、55%以上の減少となった。
（2）①地方選挙の投票率が低下する、②政府の借入コストが増加する、③汚職が増加する傾向がある。
（3）要約例：地方新聞の衰退は民主主義の監視機能を弱め、投票率低下や汚職増加を招いているため、非営利組織や協同所有など持続可能なモデルで地方ジャーナリズムを支える必要がある。（79字）