In class today we discussed the actions of cultural appropriation and how it can destructive against the Native American culture. To begin the class, we watched a music video by Gwen Stefani called, “No Doubt”, which showed actions of cultural appropriation. To start, Stefani had a terrible representation of the clothing by using sexualized Indian clothing as her wardrobe. To add on, she made herself look very stupid when she threw the medicine stick as a spear during their “fight” scene, which, of course, was against the cowboys (very stereotypical). I sure hope she realized that the medicine stick would not actually impale someone since it has a rounded edge, but then again, she did star in this disgrace of a music video.
Near the end of the class, a student brought up questions about how to assure authenticity of native piece of culture is true. Then, our teacher told us about the markets they have at Powwows for anyone to buy native pieces of clothing or artwork. When you buy at a tribal ceremony, you can be certain that you are giving back to that community to thrive and prosper. The exchange of resources (native pieces of clothing and money) shows respect to the communities and it details the gratitude the customer has for the native communities.
avestoll June 27, 2018
I thought it was neat to talk in class about the impact and respect involved with buying Native items from the Natives themselves. I have always enjoyed shopping in privately owned stores and supporting small businesses, so it was cool to hear that you can do that with Native items as well. I also thought it was nice that when buying something from a Native vendor, you are pretty much guaranteed to not have something that you shouldn’t have or something that would be disrespectful. It is also interesting how this fits into the cultural exchange verses cultural appropriation debate. When you are buying something from a Native, the sale becomes an exchange, money for item. This sale then fits into cultural exchange. If you buy a Native item at a commercial store and the Native receives no benefits from the sale, then it is cultural appropriation.