I recently posted a series of photos of myself wearing a Native American style headdress that I was sent to review. I jumped at the opportunity to review such an item because I really love the way they look. I'm afraid that is all the thought I gave to the issue. The idea of cultural misappropriation just didn't cross my mind at all. Sure, I'd cringed at the images of 'white girls' at coachella wearing such items but I think to be honest this was more about their attempts to be edgy than the fact they were misappropriating cultural items. I just didn't relate this, or in fact any offence, with my portrayal of a piece like this as I knew that I would be representing the piece artfully and in a cool way.
I got my first comment from a reader and was a little shocked. I feel guilty for using ignorance as an excuse but I was ignorant of the amount of offence that could be caused here. I talked to a number of my friends about this issue and a number of us agreed that Native American culture just hasn't really permeated into the UK awareness. In fact I would argue (and this is just myself as I'm sure many Brits have sought to become a great deal more informed than I have) that the only things I learnt about the Native American culture was their aesthetics; I remember making these headdresses at school and so I had never registered them as something that could cause offence.
In response to this comment I really considered my views on the topic. I will paste the comment below because I think it sums up what I really feel on the topic.
I'm really sorry this post made you uncomfortable of course it wasn't my intention to do so.
I read through those articles and found them really thought provoking. I agree with you (and the authors) that cultural misappropriation can be an incredibly uncomfortable thing when it is accompanied with a view of 'dressing up AS that culture'.
Personally, though I firmly believe in anyone's right to disagree with this, I think that aesthetic items of culture can trickle into the fashion world without being accompanied by the entirety of the history and issues surrounding that culture. For instance I have a kimono and love it. I feel that I am allowed to love it as a piece of fashion rather than a cultural item and I don't feel any guilt in admiring it without knowing the particular area of Japan that this style is worn, or the atrocities or history of violence that this item could potentially represent. Although this might be an unpopular opinion I firmly believe that you are allowed to judge an item which may have a significant meaning to some, on purely aesthetic grounds.
EDIT Marianne pointed out really well in the comments why this is an inaccurate analogy. I hope you'll read her comment because it's really well said.
The focus of my blog is to celebrate the beauty of things in a positive and happy way. If I am representing a culture here, which was certainly not my intent, (I believe you can refer to an item by a country purely referentially so I think it is as acceptable to call this fashion item a Native American headdress as it is to call a hairstyle a French Braid) I do not believe I have done so negatively. My concern was only to represent an item I found beautiful, beautifully.
I hope you can see from reading my blog that I am a respectful person who would not intend to cause offence in any way. I have really sat and considered my views on this topic and I feel comfortable with expressing my conclusions even if I know these may not be shared by others.
Ally
So. I do believe this. However on reflection I can only conclude that I believe this because of lack of understanding or proximity to the topic. I chose to take the post down. I truly want all my readers to know that I did this because I am hugely concerned about upsetting people. I hate the idea that people may be offended by my actions, that makes me feel awful and so I can only imagine how those who feel close to the topic may feel in response.
To all those who felt hurt or offended by this post I am truly sorry. I would like to share a number of the articles shared by one of my readers in the previous post as I wouldn't like them to get lost in the process of deleting the post. I recommend them wholeheartedly and I can honestly say that they opened my eyes to a phenomena an view I wasn't aware existed. If anyone would like to share further articles on the topic please feel free to in the comments.
http://nativeappropriations.com/2010/04/but-why-cant-i-wear-a-hipster-headdress.html
http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/jul/30/why-the-fashion-headdress-must-be-stoppedhttp://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a38218/native-american-headdress-music-festival/
Hi Ally,
ReplyDeleteI saw your post yesterday, and yes, I was a little shocked by your choice because I've only seen great and thoughtful things on your blog (that's why I subscribe to it!). I think it's nice that you're willing to take a step back and apologize for your actions, it's a great step. I'd like to point out that equating American Indian cultural appropriation to kimonos and french braids is still offensive, seeing as how much has been taken from AI in the past (physically, symbolically and culturally) and how hurtful it is to have their culture taken from them today. This is a perfect moment to lean in and learn about yourself and the world around you (in a different way). Kudos to you in taking that step, and I'll be here supporting you!
PS I just read this article about American Indian/Native American fashion done right! It's eye-opening, to say the least: http://mic.com/articles/118150/stunning-images-show-how-american-indian-fashion-looks-without-cultural-appropriation
Hi Marianne,
DeleteThanks for you comment. That article is really wonderful, those images deserve to be pinned to infinity.
Thanks for pointing out my mistakes with the kimono comment. It's really strange to continually be confronted with the fact that I am misinformed, especially when really trying to be otherwise, but I really appreciate you explaining. Like I said, ignorance just shouldn't be an excuse but I think sadly it is a reason here.
I hope you don't mind my edit in the body of the text and the fact that I haven't removed my kimono comment. This isn't me thinking my analogy still stands but rather I don't want to appear to be whitewashing the issue and removing any trace of me saying the wrong thing. I have said the wrong thing and I think it's probably much more valuable as a blog post if people can see that and know that it was an honest mistake rather than pretending it never happened.
Thank you again for your comment! This episode has been anxious-making to say the least so it was nice to read your words.
Ally
Last year, a celebrity in my country was bashed by hateful comments when she uploaded a photo of herself wearing similar headdress to her Instagram account. I didn't know that such action could be considered as offensive, but reading the comments (the informational ones, not hateful) made me understand. That's why when I saw your previous post, I was a little bit shocked. But I didn't say anything because I have a very limited knowledge of this issue. I'm glad you take the criticism very maturely (unlike said celebrity, who threw tantrum instead of owning her obvious mistake). I always love your blog because, as Marianne pointed out, it's always full of great and thoughtful things. This post makes me love this blog (and you!) even more :)
ReplyDeleteHi Dara,
DeleteThanks so much for your comment. I think the only thing to do when this sort of thing happens is accept your fault and try to improve your views and the situation but I can imagine if your were really in the public eye it might be easy to become wrapped up in your own opinions and might become a little defensive. It's a tricky one. Anyway thanks for your comment. it really cheered me up.
Ally
I really have so much respect for you for the way you've handled this ♥ I was a little nervous about leaving my comment on the post, partly because it's not my culture that was being appropriated (although I don't believe that's ever a reason to remain silent) and also because it's naturally a delicate subject. I really admire how you've handled it with such grace and think you're wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteFreya,
DeleteI'm so glad you wrote that comment! I know that often it can be as awkward to point out the flaws in others (especially in a public forum like a blog!) as it is to realise them in yourself. I really appreciate you speaking up about his because had you not I just wouldn't've had the impetus to learn I was wrong!
I'm really looking forward to moving away from this point with a new awareness.
Ally