Read on Twitter
Cultural appropriation is rooted in white supremacy. It is the theft and disrespect of a multitude of cultures, often in the guise of "honoring" us. It is part of every facet of this country - and Canada's - social foundation. Non-Natives may scoff, but do you recall:
How many non-Natives were so 'hurt' by the removal of the butter lady not so long ago? Read comments for some true ignorance and racism. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/food/story/noticed-land-lakes-changed-butter-maiden-logo-70206693
In the global music industry, there is so much appropriation. Artists wear headdresses or mock Native cultures with stereotypical costumes. It's either becoming more prevalent in the Japanese and Kpop music industries or more of it is just coming to light.
https://ntvtwt.com/2018/08/22/a-problem-with-vamps/
https://ntvtwt.com/2018/08/22/a-problem-with-vamps/
In the U.S. music industry, so many of us can name numerous artists who appropriate, such as Cher (more on her in a minute), Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams and Lana Del Ray. Here's a few more: https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/rock-stars-who-ve-worn-native-headdresses-and-probably-shouldn-t-have-nvvktz2msUK_NFoQA9Ro0g
Fashion has long been a cesspool of appropriation. From stolen designs, fake headdresses, appropriative/stereotypical garbs, fashion has stolen it all. A few examples: https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-46297329
Let's not forget the appropriation, of Native identity that's meant to speak over us and essentially replace our collective voices. Sounds complicated, but many non-Natives do it. Remember this disastrous campaign by Johnny Depp and Dior:
https://ntvtwt.com/2019/09/06/depp-sauvage-the-scent-of-appropriation/
https://ntvtwt.com/2019/09/06/depp-sauvage-the-scent-of-appropriation/
It should not be such a surprise that the drag queen community is steeped in cultural appropriation. This tweet reminded me of stuff that I've seen and how those who are "part Indian" are often the fuel of "but they're Native and say it's okay so...". https://twitter.com/eIihal/status/1273628242855948288?s=20
Trixie Mattel's outfit seems to be an "homage" to the Bob Mackey costume made for Cher. This one.
In December of 2017, many Natives engaged in a back and forth with Cher over this headdress. Cher called a Native woman a bitch and gave some quasi apology that many of us question because it amounted to 'I took an ambien'. One example: https://twitter.com/cher/status/944380576265416704?s=20
My "favorite" Cher moment was when she bitched at me about 'being here for over 4 years', which I think she meant 40 years because career. Yeah, people like you didn't pay attention to us back then either. My mom told me about it as a kid even. https://twitter.com/cher/status/946936448703283200?s=20
Then Cher claimed that she'd retire the headdress because 'it's about time', and then didn't. We watched. We noticed. https://twitter.com/cher/status/944396637069119493?s=20
Cher is an icon in the LGBTQ community and a favorite among drag queens. Another problematic appropriation is that of the Village People, particularly the non-Native dude wearing a headdress.
They seem fine with trump using their music too? https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/02/25/village-people-donald-trump-gay-anthem-macho-man-ymca-india/
They seem fine with trump using their music too? https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/02/25/village-people-donald-trump-gay-anthem-macho-man-ymca-india/
If you've ever watched RuPaul's Drag Race, you will have seen multiple instances of appropriation. In a Cher challenge, Monet Xchange wore the headdress, but did point out the cultural appropriation. The official account even tweeted about it: https://twitter.com/RuPaulsDragRace/status/994742819116871681?s=20
It'd be nice if the people who gave some of the biggest boosts of appropriation - Cher, the Village People, music artists, Elizabeth Warren, Johnny Depp, Alyssa Milano - would take some time to educate about how wrong they've been, but some people, especially celebrities, won't.
Positive representations are absolutely necessary in every facet of society. Because if you poke just a little, you will find your industry has already done the appropriation part and are still doing it. Here's a 'game' to help.
It's a 'when you're awake' challenge.
It's a 'when you're awake' challenge.
Whatever it is that you're doing, pay attention to little things. For me, when I'm driving, and I see a dreamcatcher, I've lost for the day. If I'm watching TV/movie and see a dreamcatcher as a prop, lost! The goal is to see how many days you can go without seeing appropriation.
In a year, I honestly can't remember more than a day go by without something problematic. That is how normalized appropriation is. Everyone has to unlearn some serious stuff and educate themselves. People, especially celebrities, expect respect, but too few know how to give it.
