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. Many aboriginal people have been disconnected from their own cultures because of Residential Schools, the 60s Scoop, and continuing fostering-out into non-native families. Ive been perusing many appropriation related articles lately trying to clear up some confusions in my own brain on the topic. ; and Toronto is full of shops with signs written out in Arabic, Farsi, etc. When I feel like engaging. Afashionblog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Feather earrings I feel like has been answered (I make my own out of duck feathers and have received many compliments from native artists in my city. Delice believes the conversation around cultural appropriation grew louder due to the recent acts of racism and discrimination toward people of color. And that is exactly where we are at with so many symbols from cultures other than our own. The artist says she makes her beads for people of all races and she personally has no problem with it, but I want to try to get a broader scope on the issue and get as much feedback as I can to make sure I wouldnt be disrespecting or belittling anyones culture or heritage. In countries like Zambia and Malawi, the waist beads were used as a form of seduction by married women for their husbands and also worn by pregnant women. Anyway. Unlike centuries past when drawing on cultures for fashion was more commonplace and less contested today, fashion houses, brands and designers are chastised for missteps around cultural appropriation. However, I am white, and was wondering if I need to retire the skirt if it is indeed cultural appropriation. "There is a degree of pushing boundaries in college life," Scafidi said. When exploring the debate over waist chain cultural appropriation, it is important to examine how these items have been used in different cultures. The colors and materials especially held the most meaning. Urban Outfitters should really stop trying to celebrate cultures, because it just never ends well. Lolita in fact has come full circle in a sense, as it is now worn by Europeans. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips. 15 Popular Fake Chains That Look Real in 2023, Is Sterling Silver 925 Worth Anything? 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. Cultural appropriation, or the idea of borrowing things from a "minority culture" by the . Yes. Are Waist Beads Evil? Is Wearing Waist Bead A Sin? 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. The origin of waist beads is shrouded in mystery, but they were likely first used as a form of body decoration by ancient Egyptians. According to a poem from the fourteenth century, mens waist chains were popular in several regions of South India. Are your objections to this story more about its exploitation than its message and origin? For one thing, I have no idea how to put one on and would end up looking terrible. Yet some of the same articles make it sound like I, being white, cant wear them because others might think I bought them from a mass retailer for shits and giggles/because theyre ~pretty~. Even Ghanaian women were known to have been presented with these beads as a sign of coming to age among other reasons. People from an Islamic perspective are barely allowed to exist, much less have their cultural expressions respected. Usually imitating flicking around a feather like a magic wand. I have no intention whatsoever to promote them as authentic Aboriginal art. 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. Thank you! How cool! If you want to wear our waist beads, you should feel comfortable wearing our waist beads." . Im happy that i can get interested in and admire another culture,their designs and symbols without stepping on those peoples toes, and you just showed me some of the ways how to go for it. In recent years, celebrities have been called out by the public for their use of cultural appropriation for Halloween. This symbol has become increasingly popular on social media platforms and is most commonly hung on jewelry, which many people have started to wear without much prior knowledge of the symbol's background. ", "Parents can gently explain to their children, that depending on the age of the child, maybe a certain costume isn't the best choice because it might make their friends feel bad," she said. Critics of waist chain cultural appropriation argue that it is disrespectful to take something from a culture without understanding its significance and history. Hello. Scafidi said the popular Netflix show "Squid Game" will inspire many Halloween costumes, but there may be people that may take their green tracksuit costumes too far by "changing their features to emulate an Asian person." I dont think so. Like many other accessories, they are simply decorations that have been adorned by women, especially African women, since time immemorial. I was taught back when I was a classics major that the rhythmic aspects of these poems were originally mnemonic devices, in fact. As such, it is important to understand the history and cultural significance of waist beads before deciding to wear them. Youre collapsing the -awi- to pihtkosisn? Through your tireless research on Tumblr, I have learned a lot about the crassness of drunken white people that I didnt know already. Yes, that shit is offensive. @pihtawikosisn Wondering what your thoughts are on United States v. Alvarez, and the Stolen Valor Act of 2005? Just admit straight up that you dont care about being disrespectful. When is it OK to wear an item from another culture, and when is it An In-Depth Exploration, Exploring the Iconic Horror Franchise: A Guide to All of the Jason Movies, Welcome Your Guests in Style: Entryway Tile Ideas for a Stylish, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, How to pick out the proper payroll software for your enterprise, Security Tips For Every Web Developer Should Follow, Elevate your e-commerce business by enhancing packaging, Top 15 Decentralized Autonomous Organization Companies, 10 Must-Have Skills for Any Web Developer (Latest Guide 2023), Does Chobani Have Live Cultures? "It's the same kind of mindset of 'how far can I take my new freedom?'". that the world is forms that hold meanings) are completely marginalized. I worked really hard to make a head piece which was too big and ended up like a collar or head dress which can be worn many different ways. Thanks. | Salt Your Bones, Thoughts on Non-Natives in War Bonnets (aka Hipster Headdress) | Eyemusing Muses, http://www.spin.com/articles/a-tribe-called-red-sisters-video/, Halloween edition: Hip vs. Horrible Halloween Outfits | The Talon, The Stories We Share: When is it Appropriate and when is it Appropriation? That should all be illegal. Except I want to avoid all that negative stuff as best I can. | EuroMarket News, Thoughts From my First Powwow Cry and Nurse On, Thoughts From my First Powwow - Cry and Nurse On, Lets Talk about Bell Canadas #letstalk campaign Part Two | Tiffany Sostar, Headdresses, Football, and all other kinds of Appropriation | A General understanding, 150 Acts of Reconciliation for the Last 150 Days of Canadas 150 ActiveHistory.ca, Cultural Appropriation and Intellectual Property | Dowsing for Divinity, 150 actions de rconciliation pour les 150 derniers jours de Canada 150 HistoireEngage.ca, Cultural Appropriation everywhere Emily Grace, The Messy Racial Politics of the Native AmericanThemed Taiwanese Hooters - MEL Magazine, Racism in the fibre community Roses & Purls, 150 Act of Reconciliation minogondaagane, Indigenous Beading Resources & Artists: Read, Follow, Learn | Digits & Threads, First Steps to Reconciliation Part 2 On Site Placement, A mini-series on misconceptions about the Mtis: Part 1, Names and the White Possessive: Information for Creatives. most of asia are already aware about what white people have done by tainting Christianity and renaming the Christian lord jesus Christ when his real name is yeshua messiach and he wasnt white . Ever since i got pushed onto the topic of cultural appropriation and kept reading about it, all it did was confuse, frustrate and enrage me, because, just as you said, it is a very heated and emotional one. . Scan this QR code to download the app now. As Jessica R. Metcalfe, creator of Native American blog and boutique Beyond Buckskin . Sorry, you probably answered this in the other post. Recently, especially during the pandemic, the infatuation with body jewellery has returned. Hi there, I have been trying to learn more about cultural appropriation and I really enjoyed this post, not only because it is informative but because it has helped me to understand more about why is it bad that a symbol (with an important meaning and story behind) becomes mainstream, something that I was having trouble to wrap my mind around. In Middle Eastern cultures, waist chains were often used to denote religious beliefs and spiritual practices. I understand that other natives might have different opinions). 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. https://fashion-manufacturing.com/disclosure. Would you be committing a grave sin? When people admire it, I tell them that my brother made it and give them his business card, which I have in my purse just for this purpose. Further discontent ensued when the brand had the turban on sale at Nordstrom for $790. When considering whether or not it is culturally appropriate to wear waist beads, it is important to consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks. In addition, posing celebrities are often pushing new styles and have a significant impact on younger people. Cultural appropriation leads to a narrow look at other cultures and often exploitation of those cultures. This was an absolutely fantastic post. It is also important to consider how the use of waist chains has changed over time and if they have been used in a respectful manner. Im not much of a fan of the whole marginalism thing, obviously. Cultural appropriation is a seriously hot-button topic. You might also consider researching the manufacturers who peddle apparel with Native American influences. This means being aware of the history and significance of waist chains in different cultures and ensuring that any decisions to wear them are made in a respectful manner. "There's no reason to take it for yourself," she said. Waist beads have been used by many different cultures throughout history, including African, Caribbean, and Native American cultures. Now, whether its considered fashion appreciation or appropriation, it can be a hot button issue. Many indigenous people will receive only one in their life-time, or perhaps never have that opportunity. Are Native American designers employed by the company? Every group tries to re-invent the wheel and fight alone (and each other). She says, We put good intentions into our work, and look forward to the person who will wear it. The context of the sash is not lost from what youre telling me. Are all feather headdresses cultural appropriation, even ones which bear only a slight resemblance to Native sacred regalia or none at all? Buy a print. So do I just decide to quite doing the thing I love because there are people who arent ok with it? Today, waist beads and chains are more than a cultural thing, and you can wear it for different reasons, including non-scale weight monitoring, enhancing your sensuality, and just for aesthetics. Then there are symbols in Canadian culture which are not restricted to those who have achieved specific things. How do I go about finding out if I had been insulting when I was meaning to be supportive, and who do I apologize to if I was in the wrong? Please stop speaking for others to make a point. At the same time, the cartoon figures that were used for merchandizing were designed and manufactured in China. Thank you for posting this. Fashion . So it confuses me because it is sort of saying that cultural appropriation can only be done by white people? Amazing fabrics I can drool over all day. Theres a reciprocal aspect of this that is even stranger: it is now so common for white people to appropriate FN religiosity that it is expected of white people by many FN people themselves in strange contexts. I feel like I have a better understanding of the subject now. For one thing, it depends on whether or not the wearer understands the culture and history behind the beads. It would really bother me to see folks using that symbol without strong ties to the cultural understandings of the place thunderbirds hold in our cultures. When I see models wearing the headdresses and little else I am always taken aback. Its not appropriation for us.. its something we always look forward to every single year and spend months getting ready for. They argue that wearing waist beads without understanding their cultural significance can lead to a misrepresentation of the culture and a lack of respect for its traditions and beliefs. Others added bells to theirs as a sign that they were still as pure as they were when they were married. Even oral English culture does check out some of the excellent work done on the issue of Entitlement in English conversation and storytelling (e.g. 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)? While some people believe that wearing waist chains is a form of cultural appreciation, others argue that it is an act of cultural appropriation and should be done with respect and knowledge of the culture from which it originated. Interestingly, the fur trade companies started issuing voyageurs with plain red worsted sashes that were woven on looms in northern England because they were so useful. The asymmetries of history are very much the point that your line of reasoning refuses to take seriously. On the other hand, some people argue that wearing waist chains is an act of cultural appropriation and should only be done with respect and knowledge of the culture from which it originated. 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). The National Park also uses an arrowhead and buffalo since 1951. I found this article encouraging and truly appreciated that it was not filled with anger or judgment, but rather a helpful and educational advice. I will look in the comments section. My mumbo-jumbo comment was both about people who reject anything religions out of hand because of their own cultural feelings about religion AND to those who dabble in new-age spirituality. Thanks. What was your mindset? Critics alleged cultural appropriation (though that term hadn't yet become the buzzword that it is today). Usually when we say sacred, there are more complex terms in our own language that applyall of which basically mean to impart that the thing in question is important and meaningful in a specific way. LIST OF CLOTHING BRANDS WITH A GIRL LOGO! Being presented with a feather is a great honour. Paddys DOES bother me). Creators of the film "Black Panther" have said children of any race can dress up like the superhero. Even if culturally embedded trends begin at the street level, luxury brands and fashion houses still have more power to push their global acceptance. Am I just another cog in cultural appropriation? In recent years, there has been an increasing debate around the world about whether certain fashion items are culturally appropriative or not. Im talking a plain animal skin no feathers and beads ( or very little of that at least). A call for unity? Yes/No? east Indians have been dehumanized by Europeans and further harassment will lead to problems. 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. Obviously, a larger conversation needs to be had with my daughters school about the whole event and I have no faith anything will change in 2 weeks, but Im not afraid of being the one to start it. This should be common sense. And also, is cultural appropriation only about symbols or can it also be about philosophies or practices? In Latin American cultures, waist chains were often used to show strength and courage. So, if yours were to break, it could be an indication that you have added on a bit of weight. The same goes for fringe purses, vests and boots, not to mention mukluks, moccasins and Native American prints on clothing. May I ask your opinion on this? And bloggers can tag these posts by subject matter, thus enabling other users to browse all posts on Tumblr by tag. Anyone can post whatever they like to Tumblr, although most posts tend to be images. Let's be friends!Instagram: stylesenpaiTwitter: thefuumanchuuBlog: http://thefuumanchuu.blogspot.com 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 actions like that described above are not just a way of lashing out at people engaged in cultural appropriation. While the early days of trade opened the door to cultural exchange, it simultaneously made way for cultural appropriation. Is it cultural appropriation to wear waist beads as a non-African woman? Cultural appropriation is defined as the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture (Cambridge Dictionary). Western tourists happily tromp through Buddhist temples with their shoes on, asking who they can pay to light some joss sticks while Richard Gere expounds on his fancy understanding of Tibet. Still, even admiration still may offend someone else and it's important to be thoughtful"in a very diverse society. Yikes! Clothing chains such as Urban Outfitters have come under fire for labeling their goods Navajo with reportedly no input from the Navajo Nation. I had no idea that the Metis sash was something non-Metis people shouldnt wear. In the 21st century, cultural appropriationlike globalizationisn't just inevitable; it's potentially positive. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Some are fine with it, for the reasons you suggest that Mukluks are not ceremonial and are meant for everyday use. On one hand, some people view waist chains as a fashionable accessory and believe that anyone should be allowed to wear them regardless of their cultural background. You can even have a whole lot of it, legitimately and guilt-free! funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . | Ive read in some places that wearing multiple pieces of Native jewelry is appropriation, especially Din jewelry. and North American St. As new TV shows, movies and memes become popular each year, new costumes that can appropriate a culture pop up. Likewise my husbands (very fumbling) and my (somewhat fumbling) attempts to speak in Hindi were greeted very positively as a sign of respect. This accessory came in different designs and colors. , Shari M. Huhnforf, Going Native: Indians in the American Cultural Imagination. But still, there has been some caution and controversy around the costumes. 1Using black hairstyles, like braids or cornrows. Still, Christians argue that the accessories mentioned are a representation of all forms of jewelry including waist beads. 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. Some belly chains are referred to as pierced belly chains because they are attached to a navel piercing. When "Moana" was released, the voice of the titular character, Aulii Cravalho, encouraged people to dress up as the Polynesian-based princess. Thanks very much pihtawikosisn and Monique for your responses; that clears things up a lot! "For Halloween, I think it's important just to kind of steer clear of those types of costumes," Moody-Ramirez said. We have altars and head pieces and flowers and candles and photos of our dead relatives and friends and pets. They especially anchor this belief on 1stPeter 3:3. I know. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. I think the way to combat aboriginal appropriation is to hit the root, not the branches. Not sure why it too me so long to find a straight(ish) answer, hah! Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). A connection to the country? While the early days of trade opened the door to cultural exchange expanding commerce, bringing exotic textiles to new markets and allowing never-before-seen novelties to inspire designs it simultaneously made way for cultural appropriation. 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. Especially (and this is at the root of a lot of the resentment felt when people use these symbols) since so many of our spiritual practices and expressions were actually made illegal by Canada for a number of generations. Some people may beg to differ from our point of view, but nothing shows cultural appreciation better than wearing such waist beads and body chains, among other kinds of body jewelry. You can do this as an insider. As a fashion piece, Guccis turban would profit in the face of that. We have nothing similar in Canada, though how such a law would work here is not something Im prepared to figure out right now. At the most, it should be finding a way to work with those cultures and bring them into the fold. What culture is waist chains? - Cultural Appropriation No, we see the wearing of waist beads today as seem like more of a cultural appreciation of the African cultures. I dont think it came off that way at all:). But it is a powerful symbol now, and sometimes presented to Mtis in the same way the eagle feather is presented. If you contrast the religious history of First Nations in Canada to any other group (from the Hutterites to the Muslims) it is very clear who has been barely allowed to exist. Some members of the West African community view wearing waist chains for decorative purpose as rude and inappropriate, while others think it is unnecessary even if you are not of African descent. Notice that none of these places are going to sell you eagle feathers or war bonnets. Do Metamucil Gummies Work as Well as Powder. Its only the written traditions that change these things drastically. I would never want to offend anyone with my own work but the synthesis of style is compelling as an artist. Fashion is defined by ever-increasing speed and capitalism is about the quest for profit. Waist beads werent made to last an entire lifetime. I am worried that it will draw less attention to my brothers artwork, however, and cut down on my ability to drive business to him this way. (Im not trying to be antagonistic or anything; this is just a bit of a shock to a Winnipeggers system. They are frequently fashioned of gold or silver. The former is protected free speech (however ignorant or offensive) and the latter is fraud. Your slip is showing, I very much doubt you are Native at all, and no, you wont be spewing ridiculousness here. The chain could be heavy and thick or delicate and tiny. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Im not sure if its appropriate to talk about appropriation of white cultures (Id appreciate an answer on this, actually) but its a pretty common argument I see and one that I can actually refute. Now she is also a writer for our website. Its wonderful. Despite being used mostly as a fashionable accessory; waist beads have a spiritual meaning too. The Dutch also have a version, btw, which I was surprised to learn one year. But they were not the only African community found to have worn these beads during that time. I think what you are describing is a situation where the wider population is aware of a particular cultural context and share parts of it. Of course, some will wear them subtly under their everyday clothes and those who wear them openly. Met Gala 2023: Celebrities Turn Out in Looks Honoring Karl Lagerfeld Anyway, long story short, this is a wonderful post! to worry about what some chucklehead somewhere else thought about something. Also, academic Jessica Metcalfe runs a blog called Beyond Buckskin that features indigenous fashions, brands and designers such as Sho Sho Esquiro, Tammy Beauvais, Disa Tootoosis, Virgil Ortiz and Turquoise Soul, to name a few. Its possible that my position could change with more thought and if, as you suggest, I can find a local artisan to purchase them from with their blessing. Other reasons women wear this accessory as an aesthetic, fashionable accessory, or as an expression of their African heritage and connection to their roots. I agree. I have heard everything from Texas to New York, yet almost none of them know what Qualla Boundary is or where it is located. I know eagle feathers sashes and headdresses are a sign of achievement, i just wanted to say this and get your opinion on this because i am not an expert; animal skin headdresses are worn in other cultures, most people i believe would assume it to be of your culture and there for find it offensive. I am looking for lessons that inspire my tactile learners, so Ill keep searching. -Check Our Detailed List. How Did Cultural Appropriation Come to Be in Fashion? - WWD The tattoos are specific symbolic representations of relationships, often kinship relationships. Not sure if that makes total sense but I tried. It would help me memorise the spelling. The debate around cultural appropriation and wearing waist beads is ongoing and complex. Some had gemstones, essential oils, or charms added to them as a way of adding rejuvenating or healing qualities. I work for the MNO at a. But when you wear another group's cultural signifiers head to toe, it can create the impression that you see them as a costume. 'Sexy baby,' 'Sexy Handmaid's Tale':Have Halloween costumes gone too far? I know it isnt about my feelings but I do appreciate the attempt to explain rather than criticize. Its why I always do copious amounts of research whenever Im incorporating other cultures in my stories, whether fantasy or set in our worldI want to see queer folk represented as people, and others want to see themselves represented as people as well. Privacy Policy. When they run out of ideas, they may go and borrow from another culture," she said. I just want to be clear on that. 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 . Waist beads - Wikipedia Blue was a representation of loyalty and truth, while black represented power and protection. Sorry for my lack of knowledge. 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. You may just as well preach to the government of Saudi Arabia that it is in their interest to build Buddhist temples within their territory for the sake of their common religiosity (they would then be united against all the people whom you deplore for not believing in anything, Jeff?). A Review of Cultural Appropriation and How To Spot It. Jeff, I know you dont want to hear it, but I find a great deal of what you have to say logically flawed. Understanding the significance of the chains and purchasing them from Indian and African-owned businesses is cultural appreciation.