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The release of the country album \u201cCowboy Carter\u201d by Beyonc\xe9 this spring caused some surprising controversy.\xa0

Some complained Beyonc\xe9, who is Black, shouldn\u2019t be dabbling in what many consider a white music genre. At least one radio station in Oklahoma initially refused to play the album\u2019s first single, \u201cTexas Hold\u2019em.\u201d

Her supporters pointed out that Black Americans have a rich history in country music and cowboy culture. But the incident raised the issue of cultural appropriation: The stealing from one culture by another.\xa0

Some say that \u201cimitation is the best form of flattery\u201d and that cultures borrowing from each other only enriches us all. Others argue that while different cultures will always be inspired by and borrow elements from each other, there are times when borrowing crosses the line into theft.\xa0

Arguing in favour of the resolution is Monica Harris. She is a TEDx speaker, blogger, and author of The Illusion of Division. She is also Executive Director of the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to bridging the ideological divide in America by focusing on shared values and interests.

Arguing against the resolution is Nadra Nittle. She is a reporter for The 19th News, and\xa0 has also written for Vox.com, the Los Angeles News Group, and many others. Her books include \u201cToni Morrison\u2019s Spiritual Vision\u201d and \u201cRecognizing Microaggressions.\u201d\xa0\xa0

Free Munk Members can vote on who they think won this debate on our website, www.munkdebates.com

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SOURCES: Beyonce

The host of this Munk Debates podcast is Ricki Gurwtiz

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Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz

Producer: Daniel Kitts

Editor: Kieran Lynch