Appropriators

Appropriators are individuals, groups, or entities that take possession of something, typically resources, funds, or ideas, often for their own use or benefit. This action may or may not be authorized or ethical. The context determines whether the act is considered legal, illegal, or simply opportunistic. It implies a claim over something originally belonging to others or held in common. Furthermore, their actions may involve claims, acquisition, seizure, and in some cases, may entail misuse, misappropriation, or exploitation of the object of appropriation. The nature of the appropriation is also a matter of interest, be it of finances, artistic concepts, natural resources or other resources.

Appropriators meaning with examples

• The corporation, accused of being ruthless appropriators of land, faced significant public backlash. Critics argued that the company was unfairly taking land from small farmers for its own profit, causing displacement and economic hardship within the community. Public protests and boycotts highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the company's practices. The appropriators' actions were perceived as greed and disregard for the rights of others.
• Historians often debate the role of museums as appropriators of cultural artifacts. While they may preserve items, there is an ongoing dialogue about the ethical dimensions of displaying items taken, sometimes by force or through colonial practices, from their countries of origin. This debate highlights the complexity of cultural exchange, and ownership. It is a sensitive discussion about provenance and the impact on source communities.
• The tech start-up was quick to condemn the practices of its competitors, claiming that they were appropriators of their proprietary designs. The company accused them of blatant copying, a situation in which the company had worked hard and invested heavily to develop. This situation led to lawsuits. Such behavior by other companies can stifle innovation and unfairly benefit from others' efforts.
• After a natural disaster, some unscrupulous individuals acted as appropriators of aid, diverting supplies meant for victims. They took advantage of the chaos and scarcity to hoard resources like food, water, and medicine for their own purposes. This behavior, condemned for its unethical nature, left countless families with limited resources, highlighting the consequences of greed in dire situations.