Native American is in. Not the
diverse and rich history, genocide, oppression, or present life circumstances-
that’s too heavy. Just Native American symbols and artwork that can be
appropriated into current fashion. The three articles that I chose deal with
the cultural appropriation of Native American symbols and culture. They discuss
how the dominant, capitalist group controls the media and how and when these
Native American images are portrayed, and how the non-dominant group, the
Native Americans react. Our textbook describes the power, and imbalance of
power, of labels well, “Many times, these labels are spoken without any
knowledge or understanding of their meanings, origin, or even current
implications…” (Martin & Nakayama, 2013). In the United States, the
non-dominant group, Native Americans, are fighting for proper respect and
recognition of what is sacred to them.
Power dynamics exist within the hierarchy of our social
society. “There are other people who have more power in the media who are able to
portray Native people, and they don’t do it in a very accurate way,” (Mount,
2012). Those with power use the label ‘Navajo’ flippantly, as a catchy fashion
statement. The Native American non-dominant group has less power- through the
media, the news, or a public voice- to fight back. Some people call the
Navajo’s outrage to be an overreaction. That is an ignorant sentiment. “In
order to understand why that’s offensive to Native people, you have to
understand what place those things hold in Native culture.” (Mount, 2012). What
the United States public needs is an accurate history lesson. “Dialogue is more
possible than ever and awareness is improving, but…the public has a long way
toward understanding what is and is not appropriate in Native representation.“(Mount,
2012). With education and a respectful awareness of North American history,
progress can be made.
It is important to be aware of
social positions in society in terms of language and intercultural
communication because systems and histories of oppression exist. Native
Americans have a long history of oppression, and the appropriation of their
significant symbols and culture by the dominant, capitalist system should not
be tolerated any longer.
References
Berry, A. (October 12, 2011). Urban Outfitters Taken to Task
for Faux ‘Navajo’ Products. Time
Newsfeed. Retrieved from http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/10/12/urban-outfitters-taken-to-task-for-faux-navajo-products/
Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th
ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Mount, C. (November 16, 2012). Misuse of Native American
apparel stirs controversy. The Daily
Nebraskan.
Sauers, J. (October 11, 2011). Urban Outfitter’s ‘Navajo’
Problem Becomes A Legal Issue. Jezebel. Retrieved
from http://jezebel.com/5848715/urban-outfitters-navajo-problem-becomes-a-legal-issue
Anne, I really liked the approach you used on this by using labels not as words but as nonverbal fashion statements. I know I have some clothes and accessories that fall into the category talked about in the article, and I never really thought about how clothing choices that are traditionally of a certain group affects them as it is brought into the mainstream and commercialized. It was a very interesting point of view, and I wonder what other fashion trends are out there that label and may falsely define groups of individuals.
ReplyDeleteThis definitely piqued my interest, as I have seen people buying/ selling the very items you're talking about but I'd never thought of it in this context. I can't help but wonder what the Native Americans themselves think about their cultural symbols being used in this manner.
ReplyDelete~Abhi
Anne, I never would have thought of this correlation between these items, but they tie together so well. These symbols are very prevalent and heavily used in this day and age, but I have never thought about what the Native American people may think of this.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting topic! And definitely applicable to college students. I wonder how it is the Native Americans feel about having their symbols displayed in clothing on people who have no understanding of the symbols. I think looking at fashion and cultural communication is a great topic and if you have have a chance, totally worth expanding. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I appreciate your thoughtfulness with your response.
ReplyDelete