[SWTXBelle]

All of this discussion reminds me of some of the discussions regarding the "folk dance" part of the Olympic ice dancing competition. The Russians and their "aboriginal" dance were the most covered aspect, but there were several, um, interesting interpretations. Personally, I would have liked to see each country stick to an interpretation of their native dances - although that brings up the question of what qualifies as a "native folk dance".

So what is the determining factor that decides what is or is not an illicit appropriation of a cultural event, be it dancing or something else?

When should a group feel flattered, and when should they feel used or unvalued?