The Danger of Theoretical Cultural Understanding: Lessons from the Australian Breakdancer Meme

In recent weeks, social media has been flooded with memes about the Australian breakdancer who, despite her PhD in cultural studies, appeared awkward and out of place while attempting to emulate breakdancing—a movement deeply rooted in Black culture. I’ll be the first to admit, I laughed at these memes too. They were funny, but I couldn’t help feeling bad for the performer. It was one of those collective cringe moments where you can see the disconnect happening in real-time—watching a cultural dance performance being unintentionally disrespected.

While these memes are humorous, they also highlight a critical issue in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that deserves serious attention. When people study cultures—especially those of racialized communities like Black culture—they often develop a theoretical understanding that they believe qualifies them to speak on or even represent those cultures. This can lead to a phenomenon I call "cultural overconfidence," where individuals assume that because they have studied a culture, they can accurately emulate or explain it. But as the breakdancer's viral moment demonstrates, a theoretical grasp of a culture does not necessarily translate into practical understanding or respectful representation.

The problem with this cultural overconfidence is that it overlooks the importance of lived experience. Cultural practices, traditions, and even the subtle nuances of language and movement are deeply ingrained in the lived experiences of those who belong to that culture. Without this lived experience, attempts to emulate or explain a culture can come across as inauthentic or, worse, harmful.

This issue extends beyond the realm of social media and entertainment. It is a critical consideration for organizations when hiring DEI practitioners or anti-racism educators. It’s essential to recognize that while academic credentials are valuable, they are not a substitute for lived experience. Practitioners who belong to the communities they are educating about can provide insights and perspectives that are grounded in reality, not just theory. They understand the real-world implications of cultural practices, the ways in which harm can be unintentionally perpetuated, and how to navigate the complexities of identity with care and authenticity.

However, this doesn't mean that individuals outside of a particular culture can't learn and gain both practical and theoretical knowledge to advocate for marginalized communities. In fact, allies play a crucial role in advancing DEI work. But it is vital that they remain mindful of the boundaries of their expertise and avoid becoming overconfident in an experience they do not share. True advocacy involves amplifying the voices of those who live these experiences every day, rather than attempting to speak over them or assume a level of understanding that can only come from lived experience.

So, while we may chuckle at the memes, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the broader implications. Let’s recognize that a true understanding of culture goes beyond theory—it requires listening to, learning from, and respecting the lived experiences of those who are part of that culture. And when it comes to booking DEI practitioners and anti-racism educators, let’s prioritize those who bring both academic rigor and lived experience to the table. It’s only through this holistic approach that we can create meaningful, lasting change.

If this resonates with you, or if you’re looking for guidance on how to approach DEI work with authenticity and respect, I’d love to connect. Let's have a conversation about how we can work together to create spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Feel free to reach out and connect with me.