I will admit I am a bit frustrated today.
So I came across a video of a musician playing a song. The song was pretty cool and very well done. And I probably would have become a fan if it wasn't for one thing. He has decided to incorporate a costume Plains Native American Headdress as a part of his "brand". He has made the excuse that because it isn't the same as a Ceremonial Headdress that its okay for him to wear and use as a part of his costume.
What he fails to understand is the fact that making a costume out of any sacred item of any culture is extremely disrespectful of that culture. The many people in the Native Community have spoken out against being used as a Mascot, having their regalia and sacred items being turned into a costume, and basically having their entire culture and history being turned into a joke.
I am of Native Descent. My Great Grandmother was half Algonquin on my mothers side, and I know I am of Cherokee on my fathers side. I was raised around Lakota beliefs and culture up until a certain point when life took a different turn.
My point to mentioning my heritage is that I don't go walking around pretending I am some how a representative of all American Indians just because of that little bit. I haven't been a part of the culture now for many years. But yet I have seen people on his page saying "I'm a Native American and I think its cool". When I have taken a closer look at their profiles, its easy to see they are not at all involved in the community or the culture.
I do still pay attention to the struggles they go through. I do still have a great respect for my ancestors of this continent. And I will always stand with those who are fighting to protect their culture and to keep it alive.
All this musician has done is create an excuse all because he doesn't want to be told he is doing something wrong. He has now labeled everyone who is speaking out against him wearing the mock headdress as "Haters". He ignores the fact that creating a mock replica of a sacred item of a culture, or using anything that is a mock replica unique to a culture is cultural appropriation and is disrespectful of the people and their struggles and history.
If he wants to look like some kind of Goth Tribal person, there are ways to look tribal without using anything that is appropriating a culture. Make something up. Get creative. Don't just take from a culture you have no right to take from. A people's culture, a people's way of life, their history, is not something to be turned into a costume or a brand, especially if you are not a part of said culture.
Some people might make an argument saying that telling someone they can't wear the headdress is the same as telling someone who isn't Christian they can't wear a cross. A Culture and a Religion are two different things. You can convert to a Religion, but when it comes to a culture, you are either born into it, or adopted by it by being brought in by others who practice said culture.
If you want to see the video I will post it here along with his >> page << so you can see for yourself.
