Why Fox Eyes and Cultural Appropriation Should Be Celebrated

Alexander the Great’s conquests gave birth to the Hellenistic period — a blend of Macedonian, Greek, Persian, Egyptian and Indian cultures. This period (323 BC — 31 BC) was a time of radical advancement in learning, mathematics, the arts and architecture. Peace ensued and with it, trade between cities and peoples prospered.

Alexander’s reign was followed by the establishment of the Silk Road, which played a significant role in trade and in the further development of civilizations across China, India, and Europe, among others. Art expanded. Religions were transmitted. Fashions, foods and fine wares were traded. People were sharing and building upon each other’s culture to the benefit of all.

This benefit would extend to pasta — something most normal people know and love today. But if it wasn’t for Marco Polo, who was believed to have brought Chinese noodles to Italy in the 13th Century, then Garfield might have had a penchant for pizza instead of lasagne.

As Frans Johansson wrote in The Medici Effect, it’s at theintersection of different ideas, concepts and cultures that creativity and innovation flourish. This was observed in the cultural and artistic revolution of the Renaissance, prompted by the ruling Medici family, who brought the best painters, sculptors, poets, philanthropists…