Originally Posted by
PsionicHero
The simple answer to your question is: Yes, there is a large faction of Psylocke CBR fans that engage in the notion that Psylocke's bodyswap and subsequent "adoption" of Asian motifs and themes are cultural appropriation. There is a large faction that sees the character as walking Imperialism.
I would classify myself as a 'young' fan, because I came into comics, and I was introduced to Psylocke already in Kwannon's body. I didn't learn about her history until later, and when I did I was still young. I simply did not see it as political as it is today. I nearly tied it to 'science fiction'. I had seen countless cartoons, read many books, etc where brains and bodies were switched. It wasn't a wild concept for me.
What I find troubling is that I would have a very hard time if Betsy was to revert to a Caucasian body. I am a person of color, and I gravitated to Betsy as a person of color, before I realized she wasn't. If she were to revert to her British body, and was still an incredible martial artist using a Japanese blade as her weapon of choice...I think I would find that more troubling.
I've spoken to Asian friends of mine, and they also don't know how to feel about Psylocke. They love Psylocke, but when asked about the whole body swap and the deeper implications of that they seem to have a hard time articulating their feelings.