What Is Cultural Appropriation and Why Is It Bad?

The man's question about his tattoo had me wondering about why cultural appropriation is bad. For example, I am an American. I love Monty Python. I love British comedy in general. I have never in my life been to Britain. My parents are Sierra-Leonean (which was a formerly British colony) so I sort of grew up with British English and grew up with the BBC, and we do have family there and parts of my family have been to Britain, but that is the extent of my dealings with Britain (besides knowing some Brits and watching PBS). So the question is, is my love for British comedy cultural appropriation? I do know a little about the history of British comedy (especially in reference to the silliness aspect). But is what I am doing wrong and why if it is/isn't?

Furthermore, what about liking other forms of culture of different people? I also like classical music. What about American folk/protest/civil rights music from the '60s and 70's? Those existed in a different era and I perhaps could not possibly experience that time again. And what about me, an American, wearing a Stetson? It may be American but it's Western/Southern, not where I'm from (big city Midwestern). So is that cultural appropriation?

Also, what constitutes culture? My parents, from Sierra Leone, have raised me with an understanding that I should have great respect for my elders (or at least to a greater extent than what one might call American culture). So if an American is raised with a similar respect for elder (or in a way that mimics how Sierra Leoneans respect elders), is that cultural appropriation? I am seriously not trying to be facetious with this question. I understand most would say that a healthy (I don't mean full and total but something moderate) respect for elders is something that everyone should adopt i.e. it is significant enough that adopting it will be beneficial for nearly everyone everywhere. But then doesn't that leave the insignificant aspects as culture (insignificant in the sense that there is no abstract/theoretical reason why it should be better or worse to people, only in terms of historical accidents)?

And if cultural appropriation does not occur how can cultures change and therefore diversity of cultures increase?

I understand my ideas are jumbled so to summarize and make it easier for you:

• What is culture?

• What is cultural appropriation?

• Why is cultural appropriation bad?

• How is culture defined in terms of geography and peoples, i.e. can a Midwestern American appropriate Southern American culture or a North Londoner appropriate East London culture?

• Can one appropriate culture in terms of time?

• How can we create new cultures and increase cultural diversity without cultural appropriation?

Thanks for all your help in my understanding.