Appropriation

Appropriation in essence, is the reuse of a previously created idea or style. Though there is much controversy about whether or not appropriation is cheating or stealing, it is hard to decipher what would really qualify as plagiarism. Throughout time humans continue to create and recreate art, literature, and music that others have already made; each time altering the original into something more contemporary. In this sense, nothing can be considered fraud or misuse because everything has, in some sense, been done before.
In regard to literature, I personally feel that exact words should be used by the public only in informal situations. In essays or written pieces that are using copyrighted words as a reference, the quote should be cited. Literary ideas on the other hand are not subject to plagiarism. An idea or plot, as long as not written with plagiarized words or phrases and altered in some way, should be open for the use of any writer who wishes to use them.
Music, in my opinion, is always open for musicians to alter and use and reuse. Melodies, riffs, etc., are all open for reuse when presented to the public. If a musical piece is open to the public, it should be known that the piece will inspire many of its listeners and may also inspire many listening artists to create something similar. Lyrics on the other hand should not be reused in a recreation of a song without the permission of the writer. Lyrics used for personal use such as blogs, quotes, etc., do not need to be cited, but should preferably have the artists name after the lyrics that are used.
Art, like most things, should be cited and the artist should be given credit in almost all situations. Art created based on previously made art should acknowledge the influence of the original artwork and artist. Photography should be handled with the same care unless the image is mass produced or posted for the entire public without mention of the artist or company the picture was taken by. AS for personal pictures, it seems unnecessary to use another persons’ images, but because the images are open to the public I believe that these to should be open for public use.