Masking Tape and Markers=Beautiful Native Street Poetry

A comet flew through my soul

Not far from Black Hills Gold

Uphill from a 

Snaking

River

Did yellow hair die sinners?

Cheyenne

Cherokee

Navajo 

Pontiac

How 

The

____

Did Indian

Names 

Wind up on

Cars?

Four Sleeping 

Giants

View a Corn Palace Circus

From a cold land

As spirits roam alone

Bury my car at wounded knee

Many years ago, back when I was a wee sophomore in college, my roommate Charlotte stumbled upon this poem in the streets of San Francisco. I've had it on my computer ever since, and I love it.

This blog is filled with negative images, instances of racism and ignorance that erase our current existence--but this image is the opposite. I like to picture the busy residents of San Francisco scurrying through their everyday lives, heads down, eyes lowered, and pausing--for even a moment--to read the poem. Reading the mix of recognizable references combined with contemporary Native identity, and realizing, for one second, that Native people might live in their very city, and questioning the preconceived notions they hold.

I love the temporary nature of the project, and the anonymity. I think it lends to it's power. The poem is a fleeting moment, not meant to be permanent--guerrilla art in a rare Native form.

(Thanks Char!) 

But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?

(image from http://www.facebook.com/iamhowlingwolf, which is an entire post in itself. geez.)

I've posted a lot about the phenomenon that is the hipster headdress (see here, here, and here), but I've never really broken it down as to why this trend is so annoying and effed up. A lot of this will be review and is repeated elsewhere on the site, but I thought it was high time I pulled things together into a one-stop-anti-headdress shop. Much of this can also apply to any of the "tribal trends" I feature here, and you can also consider this a follow up to my "Cultural Appropriation Bingo" post. The many sources I drew from are included at the end of this post.

Katy Perry at Coachella: "A sight for Squaw Eyes"

I thought this one deserved its own post outside of the hipster headdresses. Observe the outright ignorant racism of The Sun in the UK:

(original post: here)

Notice 4 things:

1. The headline: Katy's "Poca face"?

2. The text: "Katy Perry looks a sight for squaw eyes"? and she could have "doubled for Pocahontas"?

3. Her pose: please tell me she's acting demure and not war-whooping?

4. The photo caption: "How girl"?

The Sun managed to wrap four of the most egregious and horrible stereotypes into one little post. So, first of all, of course there's the mention of Pocahontas, the only female Indian that anyone seems to know. Then, the use of the absolutely demeaning and offensive word "squaw" (read this article if you want/need more background on the term). Then, her pose, doing the stereotypical war whoop that is characteristic of almost any bad western movie or any non-Native attempting to do an "Indian dance". Finally, the caption. Because we all know that every Native in the US greets each other with a solemn face and says "How." Sigh. This is just a mess.

Can we play a little imagination game and think of this with Katy in an African-inspired dress? would that fly at all?

Here's the article: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/2937413/Katys-wearing-her-Poca-face.html

(Thanks Lisa!)

The Hipster Headdress Abounds at Coachella

(image via www.shockhound.com)

Can you believe it's been almost 3 months since I first grappled with "The Strange Case of the Hipster Headdress?" Since then, I've definitely been shocked by just how much the trend has invaded indie/hipster culture, as well as more mainstream outlets (like Ke$ha on American Idol). Two weeks ago, the Coachella music festival was held in the desert of Southern California, and it seems like the go-to outfit of choice for attendees (and even some performers) included the now ubiquitous headdress. Abundant evidence below:

Random Appropriation of the Day ("Squaw Badge")

 Lisa Charleyboy found this lovely display of cultural sensitivity here. It's a pin/button to show the world your love for...costumed animals?

but it gets worse, it's called a "squaw badge".

In case you care for other forms of appropriation, don't worry, there's a "Bob Dog Badge" (Rastafarian dog with dreadlocks) too.

"Squaw" Badge: http://www.takkoda.com/store/gifts-badges-c-38_43.html

(Thanks Lisa!)

Cultural Appropriation Bingo: proving your comments are unoriginal and ignorant

 (made by Livejournal user Elusis)

On all the fantastic articles on cultural appropriation that have been making the rounds these past couple of days (Threadbared has a awesome round up here, I definitely recommend a look), the comments are getting heated. People are getting defensive, people are throwing the "omg it's just fashion, get over it!" card, and people are getting downright nasty. I think the worst offenders so far have come on Jessica Yee's post over at Bitch Magazine--I couldn't even make it through the whole comment thread I was so angry.

Native Star Quilt Inspired Baby Gap Dress

My friend Sam spotted this skirt at Gap Kids/Baby Gap, which seems to be inspired by a Native Plains-style star quilt. If you're unfamiliar with the tradition of quilt-making in Native communities, here are a couple examples:

(image via liberalstreetfighter.com)

 

(image via shopping.aktalakota.org)

I hesitate to call this an outright "appropriation" because I know I will get push back--"quilts aren't 'traditionally' Native!"...

Random Appropriation of the Day! ($2,200 Backyard Tipi)

Tipster Lucia pointed me to this backyard "tepee" from Design Within Reach. It retails for $2,200, and is made by "Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982."

Here's the screenshot of the page (click for a bigger version):

The description reads:

Tepee

For adventurers of all ages, the classic Tepee (2008) is a simple solution for spending time outdoors with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. This one was crafted for DWR Tools for Living by Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982. We chose his work because of his quality materials and construction that provides proper ventilation, flame resistance and reinforced stress points. What’s also unique about this design is the sewn-in floor liner that allows proper air flow, while ensuring that nothing accidentally leaves or enters the Tepee. This floor also makes it easier to see where the poles should be placed when building the Tepee. The floor liner is not waterproof, which Ellis did on purpose since material that breathes won’t kill the grass underneath. The exterior canvas is tightly woven, preshrunk 100% cotton Army Duck that’s finished with a Sunforger baked-in process to make the canvas mildew resistant and water repellent. Campfire songs and ghost stories not included.

"Campfire songs and ghost stories not included." At least it didn't say "war paint and headdresses not included"? Also note it's categorized under "Tepee--Outdoors--Play--Accessories". Look, they even offer "location" shots so you can see how it will look next to your expensive mid-century modern patio furniture:

Ridiculously Maddening Quote of the Day: Avatar Edition

 Welcome to a new feature--The Ridiculously Maddening Quote of the Day! Today's inaugural quote comes to us from James Cameron, director and screenwriter of Avatar (maybe you've heard of him?).

Quote comes from this article, talking about his activism and involvement with indigenous peoples in Brazil:

"I felt like I was 130 years back in time watching what the Lakota Sioux might have been saying at a point when they were being pushed and they were being killed and they were being asked to displace and they were being given some form of compensation," he said. "This was a driving force for me in the writing of Avatar– I couldn't help but think that if they [the Lakota Sioux] had had a time-window and they could see the future… and they could see their kids committing suicide at the highest suicide rates in the nation… because they were hopeless and they were a dead-end society – which is what is happening now – they would have fought a lot harder."

Wow, James Cameron. Wow. So, the contemporary Lakota are "hopeless" and a "dead-end society"? and the generations of fighting against colonialism and continued oppression weren't and aren't fighting hard enough? Talk about ignorance. He makes it seem like the Lakota just rolled over and let their land be taken away. Couldn't be further from the truth.

Ugh. So hear that Natives? We should have just fought harder, and the state of our Native nations would be different. right.

Here's the original article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/18/avatar-james-cameron-brazil-dam

 (Thanks Katie!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (yes, THAT Hanson)

I'm about to let some of my major dorkiness show. Well friends, I have a confession to make. I, Adrienne K, am an unabashed Hanson fan. Yes, THAT Hanson. Of mmmbop fame. I've been a fan since I was 8 and I saw them at a county fair in Tulsa, and continue to be a loyal follower of their new music (which is actually really good!). The best birthday present I recieved in recent memory was a set of tickets to see their show in San Francisco for my 22nd birthday. So, yes, I am a nerd.

Anyway, I posted the random appropriation from their newest music video above. Did you miss the it? don't worry, I made it more explicit below:

The Jezebel Fashion Post that keeps on giving

 (Jen Mussari's now iconic image :) )

I've come across some awesome blog posts in response to the Jezebel piece (found here) on Native fashion that Lisa at Sociological Images pulled together with images from this blog. The comment thread on the piece was really interesting, with people debating what should be deemed "ok" what is "offensive" and some just telling us all to STFU. I thought I would share a couple of the responses here. (If anyone knows of any others, please let me know)

Juila at a l'allure garçonnière posted a great response entitled "The Critical Fashion Lover's (basic) Guide to Cultural Appropriation" and it's definitely worth a read. I'm tempted to quote the entire thing. It's beautifully written and insightful. She says:

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Indian Smurfs)

Virtue B. sent over these smurf figurines from her recent trip to New York. They were posed to look like they were acting out a scene from a movie with cowboys and Indians.

This guy's wearing a buffalo headdress and leggings/loin cloth combo

While this guy's got an angry expression, some war paint, and a feathered spear. (see the smurf with the boom mike and headphones in the back?)

Note the mid-war whoop pose on that center one.

The thing about these little figurines is, I have one. My friend Scott has them in his office (he's Native). The associate director of the Native program at my school has some. I can only speak for myself, but I bought the one I have (he's in a canoe) because I thought it was hilarious and should be so offensive, but, it's a smurf, so you can't help but smile. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the ridiculousness, because I find it tiring to be angry all the time. By buying the figurine I realize I play into the stereotyping and mis-appropriation, but at the same time having it in my room as something ironic and silly makes me feel I have more power over it. It's a give and take. :)

(Thanks Virtue!)

Sweat Lodges Part II: No, you can't. Here's why.

AK note: This is Part II in discussing sweat lodges and non-Natives. For Part I and background,click here.

After that long lead in, lets break it down into some of the major issues at play here. I feel like I'm treading in a bit of dangerous water here, because admittedly sweats have not been a part of my spiritual tradition. If anyone has corrections or comments, please let me know, and know that it is not my intention to generalize, stereotype, or offend.

Sweat lodges are sacred. plain and simple. Not every tribe in the Americas has a tradition of sweat lodges, but many do. Each tribe has different origin stories surrounding the ceremonies and songs--hear that? songs, not chants!(one of my pet peeves)--that go along with them, so it is impossible for me to write a concise history. But realize that these ceremonies, when performed in their traditional cultural contexts, are religious practices. Equivalent to something, like, say, the act of receiving communion for Catholics (not an exact comparison, but work with me). Even non-Catholics respect the role of a priest and his position, and would never wander around selling "communion ceremonies" out of a backyard or garage, and moreover, people wouldn't think that participating in one of these ceremonies was a replacement for the real thing.

Why, again, is it ok to appropriate sacred traditions from Native peoples?

Sweat Lodges: "Bro" Therapy? (Part I, the summary)

AK note: Thank you all so much for the love and positive feedback I've gotten in the last few days. It's so exciting and humbling that this project I thought wouldn't go outside of my family and a few friends has taken really taken off. I'm so appreciative of the support and so glad these issues are getting out there!

So, I had another post all ready to go for today, but then logged onto Jezebel this morning and saw this post entitled: "Sweat Lodges: The Therapy of Choice for Bros", and decided that after the comment thread on the post about tribal fashion yesterday (here) I should say something.

Treasure Madness Update: Time to remove "Chief Scramble"

A few days ago, I posted this screenshot as a Random Appropriation of the Day:

The next day, I was surprised when I received this comment on the post, from a representative of Treasure Madness:

Hi ADRIENNE,

Sorry if this egg offended you, it's really just a joke.

In Treasure Madness there are also hundreds of more authentic treasures to find, related to lost civilizations. Currently we have mostly explored pre-columbians with loads of artifacts from Aztecs, Maya, Inca etc.
And some day soon we will venture into North America and pay some honest respect to the cultures of Chreokee and all other native tribes.

I hope this makes up for annoying you in the first place, do you think we should remove Chief Scramble and why?

thanks,

For Treasure Madness,
Louis.

So, here is my open response to them--I tried to remain rational, calm, and collected, though I was very tempted to behave otherwise. Apologies for being long winded, I had a lot to get in there.

Roundup time: There's been a lot going on!

Apologies for the lack of posts in the last week or so, I'm taking a statistics class that likes to take over my life every time we have an assignment due. But a lot has happened in the last few days, so I thought I'd do a little round-up!

In the news:

•   University of North Dakota retires "Fighting Sioux" mascot 

 (AK note: yay! I might write more on this later.)

The Fighting Sioux mascot will no longer be the face of the University of North Dakota, but the warrior's visage will still play a prominent role in the school's sports program.
The North Dakota State Board of Education on Thursday ordered the university to drop its Fighting Sioux mascot, prompting student protests on the Grand Forks campus and leaving many there feeling glum.

• Seneca: Obama ‘deliberately betrayed Native Americans’ with PACT Act

“The president of the United States invited Native American leaders to Washington, D.C. in November and looked us in the eye as a sign of good faith in his pledge to protect federal treaties. Now four months later he has betrayed that promise.”

Obama signed the legislation, known as the PACT Act, March 31. The new law bans the U.S. Postal Service from delivering cigarettes and certain other tobacco products – a move that will effectively extinguish the mail order tobacco trade run by the many business owners of the Seneca Nation of Indians and other Indian-owned tobacco businesses around the country.

• Tribes of Amazon Find an Ally Out of ‘Avatar’

Now, Mr. Cameron said, he has been spurred to action, to speak out against the looming environmental destruction endangering indigenous groups around the world — a cause that is fueling his inner rage and inspiring his work on an “Avatar” sequel.
“Any direct experience that I have with indigenous peoples and their plights may feed into the nature of the story I choose to tell,” he said. “In fact, it almost certainly will.” Referring to his Amazon trip, he added, “It just makes me madder.”

 In the media:

• Reel Injun

"Hollywood has made over 4000 films about Native people; over 100 years of movies defining how Indians are seen by the world.Reel Injuntakes an entertaining and insightful look at the Hollywood Indian, exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through the history of cinema."

AK note: I've been meaning to post about this film for awhile, it looks awesome and is getting great reviews. The issues covered in the film are many that I discuss on the blog. It's currently making the rounds in Canada, but will hopefully have some US dates soon! here is the trailer, definitely check it out:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyEJSEZYNU )

In the blog-o-sphere/world of internets:

Native Appropriations has gotten some shout outs on great blogs/sites, check 'em out! (theres a few more to come this week)

• On The Atlantic Monthly: http://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/04/in-treme-race-and-class-loom-large/38749/

• On Sociological Images: http://contexts.org/socimages/2010/04/05/culturally-appropriating-native-americans-a-hands-on-approach-to-history/

• On Remodel Minority: http://remodelminority.com/2010/03/techno-tribal-tribal-punk-in-fashion/

(Thanks to Stef, Kianga, Ray, Jesse, and anyone else I forgot!)

Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, passes

 (image via cherokee.org)

Not an appropriation, but a sad day for Indian Country. Wilma Mankiller, the former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and the first woman to be elected to the position, passed away this morning. The press release from the Cherokee Nation is below:

Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, passed away this morning.  Mankiller served 12 years in elective office at the Cherokee Nation, the first two as Deputy Principal Chief followed by 10 years as Principal Chief.  She retired from public office in 1995.  Among her many honors, Mankiller was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton. 

 "Our personal and national hearts are heavy with sorrow and sadness with the passing this morning of Wilma Mankiller," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.  "We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness.  When we become disheartened, we will be inspired by remembering how Wilma proceeded undaunted through so many trials and tribulations. Years ago, she and her husband Charlie Soap showed the world what Cherokee people can do when given the chance, when they organized the self-help water line in the Bell community.  She said Cherokees in that community learned that it was their choice, their lives, their community and their future. Her gift to us is the lesson that our lives and future are for us to decide. We can carry on that Cherokee legacy by teaching our children that lesson. Please keep Wilma’s family, especially her husband Charlie and her daughters, Gina and Felicia, in your prayers."

 Mankiller requested that any gifts in her honor be made as donations to One Fire Development Corporation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Native American communities though economic development, and to valuing the wisdom that exists within each of the diverse tribal communities around the world.  Tax deductible donations can be made at www.wilmamankiller.com as well as www.onefiredevelopment.org.   The mailing address for One Fire Development Corporation is 1220 Southmore  Houston, TX 77004.  Her memorial service will be Saturday at 11a.m. at the Cherokee Nation Cultural Grounds in Tahlequah.

I always found so much inspiration in her journey to leadership and her life path, she will be missed. Indian Country lost an incredible leader today.

Random Appropriation of the Day: Easter Edition

Today's loosely-Easter related Random Appropriation comes from the "Treasure Madness" game on Facebook--which from what I can gather is a game where you, well, look for "treasure" in a virtual world. Tiffany (who sent this to me) noted that there is an Afro-egg that can be discovered as well.

 Text under the egg reads:

"You have found Chief Scramble or Poached, the native American Easter egg."

Treasure Madness has 900,000+ fans on FB, so a whole lotta people out there are seeing this. Annoying.

(Thanks Tiffany!)

White Wolf and Running Bear (Speidi) Update

(image via tmz.com)

Ugh, another reason to just love the folks over at TMZ. Today's Heidi and Spencer Native name drama headline?

 Speidi to Native Americans: It's Peace Pipe Time

Thanks TMZ for throwing that stereotype out there right off the bat, clearly the earlier posts were too subtle. Cause all us Natives smoke the peace pipe and everything, and that's all we would need to completely rectify the situation! (sarcasm, in case you missed it)

Apparently Heidi and Spencer are "surprised" that Native groups are so offended, having this to say:

 Changing our names to Running Bear and White Wolf isn't meant to be disrespectful ... we respect [Native American] heritage and have a sincere acknowledgment of their beautiful culture. we would like to invite any Native American tribal leaders to meet with us to help us further understand their culture.

Note the use of "their culture". As my friend Marjorie pointed out, "their implies not yours!!". At least they recognize that that. But, "a sincere acknowledgement of their culture"? So, you recognize our culture, sincerely? that just doesn't make sense (grammatically and otherwise). Also, it's not our tribal leaders jobs to meet with you to help you "further understand" our cultures, they're pretty busy running sovereign nations. And make note of the "s" on the end of that. cultures. nations. We are not one singular, monolithic, culture. There are hundreds and hundreds of tribes and communities--are you going to take the time to meet with leaders from all of them?

I could go on--"beautiful culture"? condescending much?--but it's not even worth it. Heidi and Spencer, just go away.

PS-look at the image. TMZ used the logo of NIEA and the Rosebud Sioux. Like I said before, what the heck does NIEA have to do with this? Do they know TMZ is using their logo?

PPS- a commenter informed me that I missed a quotation from the Rosebud "representative" that noted the names Speidi chose (white wolf and running bear) are legitimate names in their community, making it all the more offensive. So I guess that begins to answer my question as to why TMZ decided to call the Rosebud Sioux out of every tribal community in the US.

But, I think more of the point I was trying to make by drawing attention to their choice to call a Sioux community was, to me, it just pointed back to a prevalent issue in the stereotyping of Native cultures--most of the stereotypical imagery we see around us is associated with plains tribes (tipis, warbonnets, buckskin, dances with wolves, etc), and as a result, whenever someone needs a "real Indian" they tend to look to the Lakota/Dakota communities, furthering the stereotypes that "real Indians" live in tipis and hunt buffalo. But that's a bigger issue for another time.

Right now, let's just sigh and roll our eyes at the ridiculousness of Heidi and Spencer.

TMZ post from today: http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/02/spencer-pratt-heidi-montag-native-americans/

Previous Post: http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-wish-this-was-april-fools-jokespeidi.html

I wish this was an April Fools joke...Speidi takes on "Native American" names

Spencer and Heidi Pratt are no strangers to publicity stunts, but their most recent attempt at getting into the tabloids is just plain weird. They have decided to take on "true Native American Names".

So, from now on Heidi will be known as "White Wolf" and Spencer as "Running Bear". Could the have picked more stereotypical names? nice one, guys.

Heidi had this to say about their choice to re-name themselves:

”we are getting more in-tune with our spirituality … and will be known as the name our creator has given us – our true native-American names.”

 The weird capitalization is how they released it in their statement. But why'd you have to bring the Creator into this?

Of course, the hard hitting journalists over at TMZ did some investigating and called up a nameless "representative" of the Rosebud Sioux who expressed their anger (and rightly so):

"Continued stereotyping such as this by people ignorant of our traditional ways is very disrespectful and only hurts our efforts to curtail these stereotypes."

 And this article even quoted NIEA (National Indian Education Association) as saying:

"They have taken an inaccurate stereotypical approach to enhance their public image which is offensive to our diverse American Indian cultures."

 I think we can all agree that this is a stupid publicity stunt, that comes at the expense of Native peoples and culture. The fact that they tie it in with their "spirituality" and that they claim the names are the "name the Creator has given us" is the most offensive part.

Until 1978 and the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, we as Native peoples had no legal rights or protections to practice traditional spirituality. Natives could be prosecuted for trespassing on federal lands, even if they were attempting to access sacred sites, or could be jailed for the possession of sacred materials, such as bones or peyote. Like all other forms of cultural appropriation, the appropriation of Native religious practices comes out of a history of persecution and marginalization. So, Speidi, adopting Native American names and spirituality is no better than donning war paint and feathers and war-whooping down Robertson Bvld.

Also, can we talk about the quotes from TMZ? First of all, why is the Rosebud Sioux tribe representative of all Native peoples in the US? Why doesn't your "representative" have a name? That strikes me as strange and a little rude, unless the person desired to remain anonymous (but the article doesn't note that as the case). Did they just tell an intern "go get a quote from a Native American to include in our post!"?

and NIEA is an amazing organization that does great work in Indian Country and in advancing Indian Education--but they're being contacted for a quote on Heidi from The Hills? I'm sorry, I'm not going to call up the US department of Education if a Native makes a disparaging comment about White culture. There's no relationship there. But I guess one Indian organization is the same as another, right? geez.

Overall, if this had come out today (rather than yesterday) I would have chalked it up to April Fools. But, as it stands, it's just another attempt by Spencer and Heidi to make people talk about them, and clearly it's working.

TMZ post: http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/01/native-american-white-wolf-running-bear-heidi-and-spencer-sioux-tribe-indians-south-dakota-national-indian-education-association-backlash/

The Hollywood Gossip post: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2010/03/heidi-montag-and-spencer-pratt-deny-breakup-rumors-adopt-spiritu/

Examiner Post with NIEA quote: http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-TV-Examiner~y2010m4d1-Heidi-Montag-Spencer-Pratt-not-making-friends-in-Native-American-community

http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-TV-Examiner~y2010m4d1-Heidi-Montag-Spencer-Pratt-not-making-friends-in-Native-American-community

(Thanks Mar and Tiffany!)