A Swedish singer was accused of cultural appropriation for wearing an afro inspired wig. Critics claimed that the hair dress is connected to struggles against racism and therefore not for just anyone to wear. The singer apologized and promised to make efforts to learn more about the issue. This triggered one columnist to write a column in which he defended the stage performance and criticized the use cultural appropriation. This essay addresses the arguments advanced by the writers, through a conceptual historical analysis advocated by Quentin Skinner, to investigate why cultural appropriation is used and why it is contested. The analysis shows that the concept is used not only to retain the essence of one’s culture, but also to highlight racist social structures, while the opponent is arguing to keep old patterns of free cultural exchange.