Adele responds to alligations

Cultural appropriation versus appreciation has been an intriguing topic as of late. Primarily due to the recent controversial response by Grammy-Award winning Adele after her photogenic siting during a photoshoot of her upcoming performance at the annual Notting Carnival in London. The 32-year-old songstress recently came under attack after she wore a bikini top with a Jamaican flag and a pair of black and white leggings with her hair in a signature African hairstyle called Bantu knots.

The British singer, who is more known for her soulful signature voice, was accused of a cultural appropriation after her appearance at the end of August. Adele wore the costume in preparation for the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London. Notting Hill is

traditionally known for its elaborate, colorful, and vibrant costumes as millions of people

celebrate Caribbean heritage through art, culture, food, music, and dance.

"As an entertainer, it can be customary to dress up as another form of entertaining."

says legendary R&B singer and founder of TROOP, Rodney Benford. Benford

continues, "I know where they are trying to go with this, but she is an entertainer trying

to entertain." Benford also believes that Adele had no malice in her heart, and saw

nothing wrong or inappropriate with her choice to participate in a cultural ceremony with

her hair in the 'Bantu knots'." Which is in opposition to the opinion of David (Pic) Conley, the Grammy-Award-Winner and founder of legendary R&B group Surface. He found Adel's choice to be offensive and inappropriate. Conley states, "She is trying to appeal to a group of people she assimilated to the culture, why are you trying to do that? Just be yourself."

Being oneself is something entertainers have to balance with their public personas.

They cannot always predict how their actions will be perceived. Benford and Conley,

who have both been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, did come to a

Consensus about the incident. A person cannot be everything to everybody, and this is a learning experience for both Adele and the public. Without any financial gain, it is hard to define this as being an example of cultural appropriation. Since this is not an instance where there is a lack of appreciation for music and entertainment, the accusation of appropriation does not apply to this event; therefore, there cannot be assimilation for appropriation even to occur.

The occurrence has called attention to the public's opinion about cultural etiquette.

Entertainment avenues and the media are reflecting the current concerns of a global society. It is never appropriate to demonizing the aspects of a culture. However, if one is participating in the celebration of a culture, where is the line between appropriation and appreciation? If one does assimilate to the "norm," how do they set themselves apart?