I know a white woman (with no FN blood at all) who volunteers at a FN center (details are here left intentionally vague); people appreciate her and like her there, but when she expresses no interest in acquiring the usual accoutrements of FN religiosity, the response normally is, Oh, so youre part Indian after all?, and shes back to explaining that shes merely a white person with good intentions (as on day one). In Latin American cultures, waist chains were often used to show strength and courage. While many people view waist beads as a form of self-expression and a way to honor the culture from which they originated, others argue that wearing waist beads outside of their traditional culture is a form of cultural appropriation and is disrespectful. They believed that the strings of the beads were anchors that tied the menstrual tissue. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. (aw plus i goes to inside of stems quite a lot. I think this is a reactionary debate and for the right reasons, he said. Commonly made of glass, metal, crystals, gemstones, charms, wooden beads, or plastic beads, they are typically strung on cotton thread, twine, wire, clear cord, or elastic . I found this article encouraging and truly appreciated that it was not filled with anger or judgment, but rather a helpful and educational advice. Stones like rose quartz were also added to the waist beads for their love, compassion, and healing properties. It was also made using different materials like beads, glass, plastic, leather, or even clay. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. During the circus that was the 2010 Olympics in Whistler, the Cowichan knitters of the beautiful and famous Cowichan sweaters were ripped off for chinese knockoffs, just as the symbolism of those games were a culturally ambiguous ripoff of the Inuit Inuksuk, which has nothing what-so-ever to do with BC aboriginal culture. Traditionally, a highly spiritual person was the one responsible for stringing the beads, and the materials, colors, and design were purposefully selected. One such item is waist chains, which have become increasingly popular in modern culture. Was I wrong to do so, and am I wrong to wear feather earrings? Why, of all things to put on your head, wear an Indian headdress? Im a mom of a second grader in Mississippi who was completely clueless about cultural appropriation until about 3 hours ago- so keep that in mind. Simply choosing it because it looks nice and wearing it out to a party, does not a statement make. My question . Thats certainly true. Thank you so much for this. The emergence of social media platforms like tumblr, Facebook, twitter and yes, blogs, has created amazing possibilities for aboriginal people to combat centuries-old stereotypes and misconceptions. Fashion is a top-down system. One point I have to disagree with is what you said about the Metis sash. Is Wearing Waist Beads Cultural Appropriation? good article! I tend to focus on cultural appropriation as it relates to native peoples, though this issue is hardly limited to us. True, the sash is rightfully worn by those peoples as well! Kumi also believes when individuals or corporations try to profit off selling waist beads without giving cultural context they are appropriating African culture. I think so often people get really upset while discussing this and when I ask questions Im seen as trying to argue when Im really not. This is more of an anthropology question and Im trying to separate it from colonial history as much as possible, because I recognise that in such a context the problem of appropriation is pretty obvious. Ive found a few pairs I really like and I want to support a native artist, but I dont want to buy a pair if I cant wear them outside. I was (am) totally clueless until now. She didnt explain to me why it made her uncomfortable, perhaps she couldnt even articulate it herself at the time, but clearly she took issue with cultural appropriation. Oblivious. We have nothing similar in Canada, though how such a law would work here is not something Im prepared to figure out right now. I also cant help notice it is almost always the white people who are prowling and cherry-picking on other cultures, tribes and religions. As new TV shows, movies and memes become popular each year, new costumes that can appropriate a culture pop up. In India, waist chains have traditionally been seen as a symbol of marriage and fertility. The conversation quickly led to cultural appropriation and to this article and now my mind is blown. As an African, it could be a great way for you to reconnect with your heritage and roots. Still, Christians argue that the accessories mentioned are a representation of all forms of jewelry including waist beads. I dont identify as a hipster, I dont want in any way to participate in cultural appropriation/misappropriation, and I agree completely that non-Natives should not wear Native regalia or things that resemble such regalia, especially people of European descent like me. By supporting indigenous designers and learning more about the missteps the fashion world has made in regards to Native dress, you can avoid making the ultimate fashion faux pascultural insensitivity. We do a prayera blessingfor the wearer of the piece, and we hope they accept this with their heartall of the teaching from the parents and from our family.. The image we would like to use is creates by a French Canadian artist. Ive stopped wearing it out of fear I dont deserve to wear it. It is honestly one of the best resources I have ever seen, so please give it a gander! Couturiers like Charles Frederick Worth, who revisited Renaissance costume stylings to create one of the most influential houses for women of the time, including Queen Victoria, set the tone for certain fashions, inspiring elements of what dressmakers and tailors would make for the masses. Religion as a category is not more real than the specific instances that are in that category; and respect between one religion and another is a reciprocal arrangement, unique to each pair, and very difficult to generalize about. It is entirely possible for Muslims to practice their religion inside Buddhist countries (under Buddhist governments) and they do, with large Muslim temples and communities found throughout places as diverse as Sri Lanka and Thailand; meanwhile, it is both illegal and impossible for Buddhists to practice their religion inside Saudi Arabia (and you can look at other examples of majority-Muslim countries on a case-by-case basis some of them just barely tolerate the existence of Buddhist temples, and some dont at all, etc.). Our Ladies and Gentle Men, What do you do with a culturally appropriative tattoo? I follow a black artist on tiktok (@kwiggity) who makes waist beads herself as well as educates about them and their surrounding cultural significance through her social media, and I feel like I have at least a tip-of-the-iceberg understanding and appreciation for the history. Fashion is defined by ever-increasing speed and capitalism is about the quest for profit. I responded with a link to your blog. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Shannon Speed, director ofAmerican Indian Studies Center at UCLA and member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, said rather than dressing up,people should respect and engage with communities instead, whether that be learning about their interest or needs as a community. Many people expressed to me that they saw my clothing and jewelry (I also wear a nose ring and, while in India wore anklets, toe rings, bindis, bangles, etc as appropriate for a married woman) as a gesture of respect to their . Promise. My reaction is, no. I was taught how to make dreamcatchers by an Aboriginal woman three years ago (though we used materials that were not the authentic ones typically used). Im talking a plain animal skin no feathers and beads ( or very little of that at least). The other questions I have concern wearing feathers and headdresses. Rajasthanis of the higher class wore waistbands known as cummerbunds or patkas in mediaeval times. In Latin American cultures, waist chains were often used to show strength and courage. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? These kinds of symbols are not for our own, personal recognition of our achievements alone. Over here in Quebec, the sash is often worn in traditional francophone winter celebrations and its meaning is different. Ever. We have to stop guarding cultures and subcultures in efforts to preserve . Answer (1 of 7): What's with all this appropriating cultures? For context, Im thinking about Greek and Roman epic that views stories as coming from the gods and therefore it is impossible to claim ownership or history because the stories are almost minor deities that inspire people to tell them. But is this cultural appropriation or high fashions attempt to salute indigenous cultures? Moody-Ramirez said social media has also played a huge role, positively and negatively,in cultural appropriation. With the indigenous peoples of Canada, the asymmetry is extreme, and I find all of your arguments on the matter logically flawed. In the past, they were more than just symbols of femininity, growth, and a rite of passage, but also spiritually believed to contain healing, rejuvenating, and protective properties. As much as I think they are beautiful and would be warm during my winter commute. For example, this: http://respect-mag.com/2013/10/disrespect-native-americans-are-not-dead-kanye/. Fashion . She addsit's important people actually understand the culture and aren't attempting to profit from it, whether it be monetary or by popularity, and there are many other ways to appreciate a culture throughout the year. Some Indigenous artists appropriate west coast designs in their art as another example. Im aware of some of these issues. Lolita in fact has come full circle in a sense, as it is now worn by Europeans. You can imagine the reaction to someone pretending theyd earned the Victoria Crossor someone claiming they have a degree in medicine when they do not. But I think you presented the topic in a way that clears up some of the foggy areas quite nicely Its okay to be inspired by things. Why or why not? Anyway, long story short, this is a wonderful post! The African women wear waist beads to express pride of their culture. ). Thank you so much for this! This is such a beautifully well worded article, and your point comes across so clearly, but without conceit. We must all ask ourselves whether wearing these many types of body jewellery is cultural appropriation or an appreciation of different cultures. A recent Tik Tok posted by@courtwashere showed a Halloween store selling culturally appropriatingitems, such as dreadand afro wigs, as well as Egyptian-inspired costumes. It is a brilliant phrase that illustrates how many people feel. [Question:] Its pretty seldom that pics like these get posted by the people who are actually IN the photos, but thats good. What were you thinking? Exploring the Benefits of Probiotics in Greek Yogurt, Who Invented the Pythagoras Theorem? I also think one of the biggest problems is that SO many things are being labelled as appropriation now that it is the new buzz word. But its important to recognize when cultural appropriation occurs and that some of the Native apparel commodified dont just have cultural significance but also spiritual significance in Native American communities. Im very sorry if (that?) This op-ed explores cultural appropriation at Coachella, as witnessed by our staff. i recently bought a jacket from a brand called golf wang that i really liked. But yes, doing this sort of thing implies you understand the culture or at least are engaging with it in an exploratory fashion. I bring this topic up precisely because it does scare and confuse and inflame. Wait around for the King of England to recognize them? If you like our stuff enough to want it, then please. You can even have a whole lot of it, legitimately and guilt-free! Although the New Age moment claims to have parted ways with modernity, it actually replicates its fundamental values and practices. In short, the conversation around cultural appropriation is much bigger than putting dreadlocks on a white model or traditional Ethiopian weavings into a collection without giving the artisans due credit. I used peacock feathers which were just a style choice. Its also worn during francophone cultural celebrations because of its association with voyageurs. I would not be okay with someone wearing a Mtis sash if they are not Mtis, however. Carvings, woven baskets, clothingthere are skills and training involved in producing this sort of thing that can be imitated, but not matched. While innovators like Paul Poiret, Mario Fortuny and Madeline Vionnet revived neoclassical silhouettes highlighting the influence of Africa, Japan, India and the Americas, the source cultures and artisans often went uncredited. I have not attended an Indian wedding, or other occasions where wearing a sari makes sense. And so throughout the event, I or my dad point out to various people that hes given me this eagle feather to hold, and the reactions of the indigenous people there seemed kinda funny. Ive read a lot of stuff on cultural appropriation, but this post shows me that I still have more to understand. It can also be a way to celebrate and honor the culture from which they originated. There is also an absolutely fantastic, clear, and accessible guide now available from Simon Fraser University as part of their Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project (2015) called Think Before You Appropriate: things to know and questions to ask in order to avoid misappropriating Indigenous cultural heritage. Often these cultural motifs, materials or styles are discovered and embraced at the luxury level and little credit goes to the communities or heritage the fashion draws from. Your email address will not be published. And also, is cultural appropriation only about symbols or can it also be about philosophies or practices? While wearing jewellery is ultimately a matter of personal preference, knowing the background of the pieces origins might give us a better perspective of whether we should or shouldnt do so. , Shari M. Huhnforf, Going Native: Indians in the American Cultural Imagination. To add to Leannes comment, I would like to that the sash is usually worn within the context of Festival du Voyageur, or by historic interpreters who are interpreting Mtis or fur trade history either at Festival or elsewhere. "There's been so many events like that in the news, so I think we're at a point now where everyone has heard about cultural appropriation," Moody-Ramirez told USA TODAY. People tend to be sensitive about it, though largely, I think, from an inferiority complex about not knowing the classic stuff as well as they really ought to (being European-descendants and all, whose entire worldview has been shaped by this stuff). Many times appropriation occurs by borrowing textile design techniques, which is often not discussed, so teaching textile history from a social justice lens is important, said Delice. (How far do you think youll get on tumblr before you find an appropriation of Catholic symbolism?) 'Sexy baby,' 'Sexy Handmaid's Tale':Have Halloween costumes gone too far? The Untold History of Native American Enslavement, Porter, S'habiller, Se Mettre En Saying "To Wear" In French, 30 Famous Quotes for the Fashionable at Heart, Biography of Coco Chanel, Famed Fashion Designer and Executive, M.A., English and Comparative Literary Studies, Occidental College, B.A., English, Comparative Literature, and American Studies, Occidental College. Ultimately, it is important to understand the history and cultural significance of waist beads before deciding to wear them, and to do so in a respectful manner. Just a short Question about the feathers: What about me as a European wearing as an accessoire or using feathers in general (not eagle feathers, but from just any bird)? Usually this consists of being told to check my privilege (sorry, Im young, female, gay and most importantly a former foster kid who grew up in some truly horrible neighborhoods I may be white but try telling my teachers growing up that I was not trouble or jailbait telling me that I have no idea what it feels like to be discriminated against pretty much automatically gets me defensive even IF the person is making a good point.) It is indeed ridiculous that anyone should have to tell you to be respectful in the first place. But these beliefs are subjective and not factual. Thank you for writing this article from a relatively objective viewpoint; so many Ive attack as much as they explain, which, as you and many have pointed out, result in a knee-jerk reaction from others. Its just not clear how that goes on to those of us that read them now. A great post and thanks for the interesting read. The same goes for fringe purses, vests and boots, not to mention mukluks, moccasins and Native American prints on clothing. Jeremy Scott revisits 18th-century costume influences for Moschinos fall 2020 collection. The National Park also uses an arrowhead and buffalo since 1951. Nonetheless, my lack of any real connection to Indian cultures makes the entire thing awkward. Can I wear waist beads as a white person? I do have a lot of emotions around it because when I got older, I began to be drawn to many of the spiritual and shamanic beliefs alongside with my Christian beliefs as well. The influence continued to different parts of Southern Africa to the Caribbean. Women and men can wear waist chains in a variety of ways because they are both fashionable. For example, thanks to the anthropological work done by Swanton with the Haida back in the day, Robert Bringhurst can hop on over to a library, pull the texts, and republish them in whatever way he wants. The debate around cultural appropriation and wearing waist beads is ongoing and complex. Had they been sinful items then why would God instruct His people to take them? She said just wearing the costume of a character should be good, but adding features such as blackface, different hair or putting on tattoos can be insensitive. Other cultures using elements from our culture, is a sign. I would never want to offend anyone with my own work but the synthesis of style is compelling as an artist. People who put crucifixes in bottles of urine are not catholics, for example, and do not respect what the crucifix means to catholic people. Id say that Islamic religion and culture is flourishing in Canada especially relative to indigenous culture; if you make a map of the mosques you can visit in Toronto, youve an impressive array of choices, compared to First Nations institutions of any kind (spiritual or not). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Could you break down your name phonetically for me? It is also legitimately theirs. | So heres the story: my dad has worked in the school district for a very long time, and also has lots of connections with the Squamish and Musqueam nations which go back a long time. In addition, posing celebrities are often pushing new styles and have a significant impact on younger people. But sometimes thats the only avenue for them to benefit at ALL from their own culture. Half the western world likes to Riverdance to their newfound Gaelic Spiritualism and get drunk like a leprechaun on St. Pattys day. Did my response make it sound that way?? I do not believe I would be disrespecting Indian cultures by wearing a sari (unless I chose the very unfortunate day of Halloween to put it on as a costume in which case, please feel free to slap me). However, because of the turbulent history of religion in western settler philosophy (and in many other parts of the world, from whence Canadians come), the translation of terms from our languages into the word sacred can sometimes cause trouble. At least, I hope so for the sake of modern Cree young people who have no stories to tell.. Our stories come with provenanceas in, when we tell stories we say who we heard the story from, which community it comes from and so on. Things like this article are a good start, though. Globalization has made cultural cross-pollination inevitable, but there's a difference between showing one's appreciation for another culture . In the past, there were many reasons why women wore these beads. And always behind that material, physical symbol, is the oft-times intangible thing you achieved that is linked to the symbol itself. Bet you are a great teacher. I think there's a big difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. Not for me, not for you. But until things change, and thoughtless (and even mean-spirited) appropriation is a fringe behaviour, this is something you may have to live with if you do not come from the culture you so admire. They are versatile and therefore can be adopted into any personality. Jacobs said the hairstyle was inspired by American film director and producer Lana Wachowski, but there was no acknowledgement of the styles origins or spiritual significance to Rastafarianism. The common geisha costume attempts to imitate the maiko. What Should Women Wear to a College Interview? Buy a print. People from an Islamic perspective are barely allowed to exist, much less have their cultural expressions respected. I am a white settler woman living in the prairies and Ive been thinking about buying a pair of Manitobah Mukluks for the coming winter and havent yet come to a definitive conclusion, but Im leaning towards not now. In Middle Eastern cultures, waist chains were often used to denote religious beliefs and spiritual practices. According to critics of the practice, cultural appropriation differs from acculturation, assimilation, or equal cultural . Even if culturally embedded trends begin at the street level, luxury brands and fashion houses still have more power to push their global acceptance.
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is it cultural appropriation to wear waist chains