The problem with using real world cultures as the basis for fictional civilizations is that designers unfamiliar with a culture can easily (unintentionally or not) perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misrepresent groups or traditions. While real world cultures can (and do) provide a rich source of inspiration, designers should take care when using them. Designers can solve this problem (or at least minimize the risk) in several ways. Many worldbuilders, when sourcing from cultures, turn to ancient civilizations instead of more recent ones. This gives rise to intergalactic empires based on ancient Romans or Babylonians instead of cultures from a more present era. Worldbuilders may also take elements from a broad range of cultures to ensure they are creating something new instead of relying heavily on a single source and creating a shallow copy. Perhaps most importantly, is understanding the history and context of a culture that is being used as a source. This will not only help worldbuilders avoid potential pitfalls, but the increased depth of knowledge of the source culture can translate directly into a more nuanced and authentic fictional setting.

Worldbuilders may also wish to consider:

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation:

Worldbuilders often seek inspiration from diverse cultures to infuse richness into their fictional realms. However, there’s a fine line between appreciation and appropriation. Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a marginalized culture are taken without understanding or respect, often leading to misrepresentation and distortion.

Stereotyping and Misrepresentation:

Using real-world cultures as blueprints for fictional societies can unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes and misrepresentations. By oversimplifying or exoticizing certain aspects of a culture, creators risk reinforcing harmful tropes and reinforcing biased perspectives, ultimately contributing to cultural misunderstandings.

Homogenization of Diversity:

Real-world cultures are incredibly diverse, with a multitude of traditions, languages, and practices. When transplanting these into a fictional setting without careful consideration, there’s a risk of homogenizing diverse cultures into a single, monolithic entity. This oversimplification erases the richness and complexity that exists within actual societies.

Lack of Nuance and Authenticity:

Worldbuilders may struggle to capture the nuance and authenticity of a culture when transplanting it into a fictional context. This can lead to a superficial representation that lacks the depth necessary to reflect the intricacies of real-world societies. Authenticity requires extensive research, consultation, and a nuanced understanding of the cultural elements being incorporated.

Impact on Marginalized Communities:

While it may not seem like it, misappropriation of real cultures in worldbuilding can have real-world consequences, especially for marginalized communities. It can perpetuate harmful narratives, contribute to cultural commodification, and reinforce power imbalances.