Friday, April 30, 2010

Cecil Brown, white writers writing black material

Okay, since I was talking about Todd Bridges and John Hughes' inability to write blacks characters, here is a recent article by Cecil Brown on the Counterpunch website, Goodbye, White Friends!
"White People Aren't Into Black People Anymore"

http://www.counterpunch.com/brown04272010.html

Article mentions Clint Eastwood, Francis Ford Coppola, Morgan Freeman, Robert Altman, Richard Pryor, Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Louis Malle, Sean Connery, Johnny Depp, Heiner Muller, Volker Schlöndorff, Wim Wenders, Peter Aalbæk Jensen, Lars Von Tier and the Dogme bunch, Michael Moore, Bill Cosby, and finally, Melvin Van Peebles.

The article begins with a discussion of blacks with famous white friends who have stopped returning their calls.

Doesn’t it seem strange, even stupid, to expect Clint Eastwood to call you back? I personally would not have him in my address book. Not being that into his films to begin with — not since the movie about Charlie Parker’s life — I could not understand his disappointment. Why would he want to be friends with Clint Eastwood anyway? Clint, he insisted could really play the piano.

I yawned. Give me a break. I interviewed Clint on the set of "Bird," but to get the interview I had to wear a hassid wig and get in line with the extras.

But my friend is different. It just reminded me of the painful reality — many black people have famous white friends who don’t call them back any more.


And discussion on whites writing black characters:

The new black writers are not black, but white women. The novel that’s selling like hot cakes is a book by a white woman called “Helpers.”

When I sent my agent my book on my friend Richard Pryor, she wrote back that nobody’s interested in “Mr. Prior.”(Her spelling and her ignorance.) When she meant that if there is a book by a white guy who never met Richard that would be a book she’s interested in.

...

I still get return messages from some white friends, though it really doesn’t bother me. I know what the literary agencies are up to, and I know that white authors and playwrights and script writers write all black material. The public is not very discerning these days. Real Black people are not in—white guys writing about blacks are really in.

Masking Tape and Markers=Beautiful Native Street Poetry



A comet flew through my soul
Not far from Black Hills Gold
Uphill from a 
Snaking
River
Did yellow hair die sinners?
Cheyenne
Cherokee
Navajo 
Pontiac
How 
The
____
Did Indian
Names 
Wind up on
Cars?
Four Sleeping 
Giants
View a Corn Palace Circus
From a cold land
As spirits roam alone
Bury my car at wounded knee


Many years ago, back when I was a wee sophomore in college, my roommate Charlotte stumbled upon this poem in the streets of San Francisco. I've had it on my computer ever since, and I love it.

This blog is filled with negative images, instances of racism and ignorance that erase our current existence--but this image is the opposite. I like to picture the busy residents of San Francisco scurrying through their everyday lives, heads down, eyes lowered, and pausing--for even a moment--to read the poem. Reading the mix of recognizable references combined with contemporary Native identity, and realizing, for one second, that Native people might live in their very city, and questioning the preconceived notions they hold.

I love the temporary nature of the project, and the anonymity. I think it lends to it's power. The poem is a fleeting moment, not meant to be permanent--guerrilla art in a rare Native form.


(Thanks Char!) 

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?

(image from http://www.facebook.com/iamhowlingwolf, which is an entire post in itself. geez.)

I've posted a lot about the phenomenon that is the hipster headdress (see here, here, and here), but I've never really broken it down as to why this trend is so annoying and effed up. A lot of this will be review and is repeated elsewhere on the site, but I thought it was high time I pulled things together into a one-stop-anti-headdress shop. Much of this can also apply to any of the "tribal trends" I feature here, and you can also consider this a follow up to my "Cultural Appropriation Bingo" post. The many sources I drew from are included at the end of this post.

So why can't I wear it? 
  • Headdresses promote stereotyping of Native cultures.
  • The image of a warbonnet and warpaint wearing Indian is one that has been created and perpetuated by Hollywood  and only bears minimal resemblance to traditional regalia of Plains tribes. It furthers the stereotype that Native peoples are one monolithic culture, when in fact there are 500+ distinct tribes with their own cultures. It also places Native people in the historic past, as something that cannot exist in modern society. We don't walk around in ceremonial attire everyday, but we still exist and are still Native.
  • Headdresses, feathers, and warbonnets have deep spiritual significance.
    The wearing of feathers and warbonnets in Native communities is not a fashion choice. Eagle feathers are presented as symbols of honor and respect and have to be earned. Some communities give them to children when they become adults through special ceremonies, others present the feathers as a way of commemorating an act or event of deep significance. Warbonnets especially are reserved for respected figures of power. The other issue is that warbonnets are reserved for men in Native communities, and nearly all of these pictures show women sporting the headdresses. I can't read it as an act of feminism or subverting the patriarchal society, it's an act of utter disrespect for the origins of the practice. (see my post on sweatlodges for more on the misinterpretation of the role of women). This is just as bad as running around in a pope hat and a bikini, or a Sikh turban cause it's "cute".  
    • It's just like wearing blackface.
      "Playing Indian" has a long history in the United States, all the way back to those original tea partiers in Boston, and in no way is it better than minstral shows or dressing up in blackface. You are pretending to be a race that you are not, and are drawing upon stereotypes to do so. Like my first point said, you're collapsing distinct cultures, and in doing so, you're asserting your power over them. Which leads me to the next issue.
      • There is a history of genocide and colonialism involved that continues today.
        By the sheer fact that you live in the United States you are benefiting from the history of genocide and continued colonialism of Native peoples. That land you're standing on? Indian land. Taken illegally so your ancestor who came to the US could buy it and live off it, gaining valuable capital (both monetary and cultural) that passed down through the generations to you. Have I benefited as well, given I was raised in a white, suburban community? yes. absolutely. but by dismissing and minimizing the continued subordination and oppression of Natives in the US by donning your headdress, you are contributing to the culture of power that continues the cycle today.
        But I don't mean it in that way, I just think it's cute!
        • Well hopefully I've illuminated that there's more at play here than just a "cute" fashion choice. Sorry for taking away your ignorance defense. 
        But I consider it honoring to Native Americans!
        • I think that this cartoon is a proper answer, but I'll add that having a drunken girl wearing a headdress and a bikini dancing at an outdoor concert does not honor me. I remember reading somewhere that it was also "honoring the fine craftsmanship of Native Americans". Those costume shop chicken feather headdresses aren't honoring Native craftsmanship. And you will be very hard pressed to find a Native artist who is closely tied to their community making headdresses for sale. See the point about their sacredness and significance.
        I'm just wearing it because it's "ironic"!
        • I'm all for irony. Finger mustaches, PBR, kanye glasses, old timey facial hair, 80's spandex--fine, funny, a bit over-played, but ironic, I guess. Appropriating someone's culture and cavorting around town in your skinny jeans with a feathered headdress, moccasins, and turquoise jewelry in an attempt to be ‘counterculture’? Not ironic. If you’re okay with being a walking representative of 500+ years of colonialism and racism, or don’t mind perpetuating the stereotypes that we as Native people have been fighting against for just as long, by all means, go for it. But by embracing the current tribal trends you aren’t asserting yourself as an individual, you are situating yourself in a culture of power that continues to oppress Native peoples in the US. And really, if everyone is doing it, doesn't that take away from the irony? am I missing the point on the irony? maybe. how is this even ironic? I'm starting to confuse myself. but it's still not a defense.
        Stop getting so defensive, it's seriously just fashion!
        • Did you read anything I just wrote? It's not "just" fashion. There is a lot more at play here. This is a matter of power and who has the right to represent my culture. (I also enjoy asking myself questions that elicit snarky answers.) 
        What about the bigger issues in Indian Country? Poverty, suicide rates, lack of resources, disease, etc? Aren't those more important that hipster headdresses?
        • Yes, absolutely. But, I'll paraphrase Jess Yee in this post, and say these are very real issues and challenges in our communities, but when the only images of Natives that Americans see are incorrect, and place Natives in the historic past, it erases our current presence, and makes it impossible for the current issues to exist in the collective American consciousness. Our cultures and lives are something that only exist in movies or in the past, not today. So it's a cycle, and in order to break that cycle, we need to question and interrogate the stereotypes and images that erase our current presence--while we simultaneously tackle the pressing issues in Indian Country. They're closely linked, and at least this is a place to start.   
        Well then, Miss Cultural Appropriation Police, what CAN I wear?
        • If you choose to wear something Native, buy it from a Native. There are federal laws that protect Native artists and craftspeople who make genuine jewelry, art, etc. (see info here about The Indian Arts and Crafts Act). Anything you buy should have a label that says "Indian made" or "Native made". Talk to the artist. find out where they're from. Be diligent. Don't go out in a full "costume". It's ok to have on some beaded earrings or a turquoise ring, but don't march down the street wearing a feather, with loaded on jewelry, and a ribbon shirt. Ask yourself: if you ran into a Native person, would you feel embarrassed or feel the need to justify yourself? As commenter Bree pointed out, it's ok to own a shirt with kimono sleeves, but you wouldn't go out wearing full kabuki makeup to a bar. Just take a minute to question your sartorial choices before you go out.       
        ...and an editorial comment:  I should also note that I have absolutely nothing against hipsters. In fact, some would argue I have hipster-leaning tendencies. In my former San Francisco life, had been known to have a drink or two in the clouds of smoke outside at Zeitgeist, and enjoyed shopping on Haight street. I enjoy drinking PBR out of the can when I go to the dive bars near my apartment where I throw darts and talk about sticking it to 'The Man'. I own several fringed hipster scarves, more than one pair of ironic fake ray-ban wayfarers, and two plaid button downs. I'm also not trying to stereotype and say that all hipsters do/wear the above, just like not every hipster thinks it's cool to wear a headdress. So, I don't hate hipsters, I hate ignorance and cultural appropriation. There is a difference. Just thought I should clear that up.

        This manifesto draws heavily from these awesome posts:

        Lord Krishna

        Lord Krishna
        Lord Krishna - Photoshop ArtHare Krishna Hare Krishna

        Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

        Hare Rama Hare Rama

        Rama Rama Hare Hare

        FAMOUS ART QUOTES, MUSIC QUOTES, PAINTING QUOTES, FILM MAKING QUOTES, PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTES:

        The best approach is to let the film make itself, to let it grow organically, day by day. To find the rhythm of the director. To match a script to its space. To gain the confidence of the actors. To regulate the mood (good or bad) of the cast and crew.
        ~ Wong Kar-wai

        The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box.
        ~ Henri Cartier Bresson

        Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.
        ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

        A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges.
        ~ Benny Green

        Monday, April 26, 2010

        Katy Perry at Coachella: "A sight for Squaw Eyes"

        I thought this one deserved its own post outside of the hipster headdresses. Observe the outright ignorant racism of The Sun in the UK:


        (original post: here)
        Notice 4 things:

        1. The headline: Katy's "Poca face"?

        2. The text: "Katy Perry looks a sight for squaw eyes"? and she could have "doubled for Pocahontas"?

        3. Her pose: please tell me she's acting demure and not war-whooping?

        4. The photo caption: "How girl"?

        The Sun managed to wrap four of the most egregious and horrible stereotypes into one little post. So, first of all, of course there's the mention of Pocahontas, the only female Indian that anyone seems to know. Then, the use of the absolutely demeaning and offensive word "squaw" (read this article if you want/need more background on the term). Then, her pose, doing the stereotypical war whoop that is characteristic of almost any bad western movie or any non-Native attempting to do an "Indian dance". Finally, the caption. Because we all know that every Native in the US greets each other with a solemn face and says "How." Sigh. This is just a mess.

        Can we play a little imagination game and think of this with Katy in an African-inspired dress? would that fly at all?

        Here's the article: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/2937413/Katys-wearing-her-Poca-face.html


        (Thanks Lisa!)

        The Hipster Headdress Abounds at Coachella

        (image via www.shockhound.com)

        Can you believe it's been almost 3 months since I first grappled with "The Strange Case of the Hipster Headdress?" Since then, I've definitely been shocked by just how much the trend has invaded indie/hipster culture, as well as more mainstream outlets (like Ke$ha on American Idol). Two weeks ago, the Coachella music festival was held in the desert of Southern California, and it seems like the go-to outfit of choice for attendees (and even some performers) included the now ubiquitous headdress. Abundant evidence below:



        (image via GQ.com)

        A commenter on the Coachella.com forum asks: "Why was every other douchebag at this year's festival dressed in a colorful Native American Feather Headress with neon paint all over their bodies?"



        Twitter user evlauren tweeted from the event: "Coachella Indian head dress count so far=2" (she got up to 4)

        Nylon Magazine reported that "The official uniform of Coachella is cut-off jean shorts, a drape-y, belly-baring white tee, and an Indian headdress." 


        Twitter user krishaleanne tweeted, the day before coachella: "packed for coachella. but still needed: an indian headdress, more confetti, light-up toys . . .oh and a ticket to coachella."

        Then there was Icelandic artist Jonsi, who performed his set in a full-on warbonnet-type thing:
        (via Nylon Magazine's flickr feed)

        Which even made it to the bbc.com article on the festival:

        (article and image here)

        These are by no means exhaustive, there was a ridiculous amount of material to draw from. I just wanted to use this post to point out how prevalent it was, but look for a follow up that will offer a primer on just why and how this trend is harmful, hurtful, and effed up.

        UPDATE 4/27: Here's the follow up post--But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress

        Earlier: 



        (Thanks Jesse, Lici, Lisa and anyone else who sent me links!)

        Indian Cotton Salwar Kameez

        Indian Cotton Salwar Kameez
        Indian Model posing in Printed Cotton Salwar Kameez.

        FAMOUS ART QUOTES, MUSIC QUOTES, PAINTING QUOTES, FILM MAKING QUOTES, PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTES:

        Music, when soft voices die
        Vibrates in the memory.
        ~ Percy Bysshe Shelley

        Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?
        ~ Pablo Picasso

        I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream.
        ~ Vincent van Gogh

        The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.
        ~ William Faulkner

        Sunday, April 25, 2010

        Who was South Park trying to offend and why?


        The thing about "transgressive art"---does it really count as offensive when you're trying to offend people other than those who watch your show? How many devout Muslims watch South Park? I guess some rather fanatical Muslims found out somehow that the South Park fellows portrayed the prophet Mohammad on their show. Hard to imagine they were regular viewers, though.

        It seems that a website for a group of al Qaeda sympathizers ran a photo of murdered film director Theo van Gogh (great-great grandnephew of Vincent van Gogh) killed after making an anti-Muslim documentary. The website said that the South Park fellows had acted stupidly and that they might face a similar fate.

        South Park's attack on Scientology was intelligent and rather brave. The "Church" of Scientology likes to intimidate critics with lawsuits. Their "religion" is copyrighted and they'll sue you for copyright infringement if you try to discuss their beliefs. It's a "religion" that you have to join, be a member of for years and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to before you're allowed to know its basic tenets.

        But the attack on Islam revealed nothing new, it didn't directly attack those who would murder them for making the episode. In fact, unless they are targeted for death, it undermines the episode's message that no one can attack Muhammad for fear of being killed. Other than the website telling them that they were doing something stupid, I'm not sure anyone has been especially upset over the episode even though it's been seen by far more people than the cartoons in Denmark.

        Islam is like any other religion.

        The Catholics in Northern Ireland are a brutally oppressed people, denied the right to vote, forced to live in ghettos, segregated from the rest of society, denied jobs and government services, brutalized and even routinely tortured by police. They launched a non-violent civil rights movement modeled on the one led by Martin Luther King, Jr, and they were gunned down in the streets, bombed, and put into prison camps. It was then that they turned to armed resistance.

        The Catholics in the Republic of Ireland, on the other other hand, are brutal oppressors. You want to know how brutal, look at the scandal now over Catholic clergy's treatment of Irish children in their care. There was a case of a 12-year-old girl, pregnant after being raped at knife-point, who was barred from leaving the country because they were afraid she would get an abortion. (Their supreme court finally let her leave.)

        So are you with the Irish Catholics or against them?

        Muslims in Palestine are facing extremely violent, brutal oppression. The Zionists target Muslim children. They use starvation, not to mention white phosphorus, as a weapon against the people of Gaza.

        On the other hand, governments run by Moslems elsewhere can be rather oppressive themselves.

        A critique of South Park I read somewhere

        They pointed out that South Park had fallen into a trap. They can whip out an episode very quickly thanks to computer animation. It just takes a few days. They can comment of current events as they happen. And they've been taking more advantage of this lately, but not all the episodes have been especially funny.

        Isn't there a book out claiming South Park as a pro-Republican show? It didn't surprise me. The show does that have that slant. They had the gay boy scout episode which ended with the gay scoutmaster quitting so as not to offend the gay hating Boy Scouts. The anti-Mormon episode ended with a pro-Mormon message.

        They're awfully mealy-mouthed for "transgressive artists".

        Aamir Khan Biography

        Aamir Khan Biography
        Aamir Khan BiographyAamir Khan Biography: Aamir Khan, with his penchant for perfection and professionalism, is one of the few method actors in Bollywood, who has taken acting to a whole new level. An actor, director, producer, playback singer, a state tennis champion, and mentor to his nephew – he’s all that and more.

        A Step Back In Time
        Aamir Khan celebrates his birthday on 14th March. He was born on 1965 in Mumbai to Tahir and Zeenat Hussain. He has three siblings Faisal, Farhat, and Nikhat. The film industry was part of his life growing up as many members of his family were a part of it like his father, his late uncle Nasir Hussain, and his cousin Mansoor Khan. It was Mansoor Khan’s Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak that brought him success.

        Aamir’s family roots can be traced back to Afghanistan. He is said to be a descendant of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was a scholar and political leader and Dr.Zakir Hussain, the former President of India. Dr.Najma Heptullah, who was a Chairperson in the Rajya Sabha is his second cousin.

        Even as his first hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak made him an overnight heartthrob across the country, he married his sweetheart Reena Dutta secretly as their parents opposed the marriage. She even made a blink-and-you-will-miss appearance in his song Papa Kehte Hai in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. They have two children Junaid and Ira. The couple filed for divorce in 2002. Soon after, in 2005 he married Kiran Rao, who was an assistant director on the sets of Lagaan.

        Aamir was honoured with the Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India in 2003. He turned down the offer to replicate him in wax by Madame Tussaud’s. He was also a tennis champion representing the state of Maharashtra.

        Trailblazing Years
        Nasir Hussian’s Yaadon Ki Baarat, one of the hits in 1973, had Aamir playing Ratan in his younger days.

        The Eighties
        He made his debut in Ketan Mehta’s Holi in 1984. The film also had Ashutosh Gowariker as part of its cast, who was a friend of Aamir and later went on to direct the award winning Lagaan. But it was in 1988, with the release of Mansoor Khan’s Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, loosely adapted from Romeo and Juliet, which brought Aamir into the limelight. The film was a big favourite among film-goers and Aamir won the Filmfare Best Debut Actor Award. He received several nominations for the Filmfare Best Actor Award until he finally nailed it in 1996. In 1989, he had two releases. Raakh was a non-commercial film and his performance as Aamir Hussein was recognized. The second film was Love, Love, Love another teen love story with Juhi Chawla.

        The Nineties
        The 1990 release Dil with Madhuri Dixit made a big splash on the film scene. In 1991, in the remake of It Happened One Night, Mahesh Bhatt’s Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin, he played Raghu Jetley, an out of work journalist, who comes across Pooja Dharamchand, a spoilt brat played by Pooja Bhatt. The film was a big success. In 1992, he had another hit with Mansoor Khan’s Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander.

        Aamir continued to work in one or two films a year, a majority of which became unforgettable hits. Mahesh Bhatt’s Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ki in 1993 paired him with Juhi Chawla, and did extremely well. In 1994, he shared screen space with another Big Khan of Bollywood, Salman Khan, in Andaz Apna Apna, which was lighthearted and fun. Ram Gopal Verma’s Rangeela in 1995, gave him a new look as Munna. It turned out to be a blockbuster. The same year he had another hit in, Akele Hum Akele Tum, with Manisha Koirala. His role as Rohit Kumar, a failed playback singer and single father, was well-received.

        In 1996, he won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for Raja Hindustani, a love story between a taxi driver and an heiress. The film won several awards. He acted in Ishq, a romantic comedy and a multi starrer, which enjoyed good reception in 1997. Ghulam, in 1998, had Aamir singing ‘Aati Kya Khandaala’ to Rani Mukherji. His two films – John Mathew Mathan’s Sarfarosh and Deepa Mehta’s Earth 1947 – were critical and commercial successes. He played IPS officer Ajay Singh Rathod intent on fighting terrorism in Sarfarosh. In Earth 1947, he played Dil, the ice-candy man, caught in a love triangle. It was set during the partition of India and Pakistan and the resulting bloodshed.

        2000 Onwards Aamir’s only release in 2000 was Mela with his brother Faisal Khan. The film did not do well at the box office.

        In 2001, he produced and starred as Bhuvan, a villager in British occupied India, in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan. He won the Filmfare Best Actor Award. The film was India’s entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards. However it lost to No Man’s Land. His other hit the same year was in complete contrast to Bhuvan. He played the suave and urban Akash Malhotra in Dil Chahta Hai, a fresh look at friendship between three men.

        After taking a break from films for nearly four years, he returned in 2005, with Mangal Pandey – The Rising. The film’s performance was average and got caught up in controversies about how accurately or inaccurately the Sepoy was shown on screen. In the 2006 release, Rang De Basanti, he played a laidback DJ who tries to take justice in his hands. In Fanaa with Kajol, he played Rehan Khan, a terrorist. His performance in Rang De Basanti won him a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance. He made his debut as a director with Taare Zameen Par in 2007. He also produced and acted in this film about a dyslexic. It was a critical and commercial success in India and overseas. In the early part of 2008, he launched his nephew Imran Khan in Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. Aamir produced the film along with his cousin Mansoor and it went on to be a major hit.

        Christmas 2008 saw the release of the much talked about Ghajini, a remake of the Tamil film by the same name. Aamir played Sanjay Singhania, who suffers from short term memory loss and his quest for revenge. The movie was a high earner which broke previous industry records. His 2009 release, Three Idiots, was based on Chetan Bhagat’s popular novel Five Point Someone. It starred Kareena Kapoor, Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi. The movie received a thumbs up from the public and critics.

        Up Next
        He is producing Delhi Belly which has Imran Khan in the lead. Aamir will be seen in a brief appearance, mostly in an ‘item’ number.

        source

        Designer Work Sari

        Designer Work SariPhotoshop art of a lady posing in Designer Work Sari

        FAMOUS ART QUOTES, MUSIC QUOTES, PAINTING QUOTES, FILM MAKING QUOTES, PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTES:

        Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
        ~ Twyla Tharp

        Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.
        ~ Edward Steichen

        The photograph itself doesn't interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.
        ~ Henri Cartier Bresson

        Never really went in for that kind of filmmaking about love. I think love...
        ~ Joe Pesci

        Saturday, April 24, 2010

        Random Appropriation of the Day ("Squaw Badge")

         Lisa Charleyboy found this lovely display of cultural sensitivity here. It's a pin/button to show the world your love for...costumed animals?

        but it gets worse, it's called a "squaw badge".

        In case you care for other forms of appropriation, don't worry, there's a "Bob Dog Badge" (Rastafarian dog with dreadlocks) too.

        "Squaw" Badge: http://www.takkoda.com/store/gifts-badges-c-38_43.html

        (Thanks Lisa!)

        Friday, April 23, 2010

        Twilight Saga Eclipse Movie Trailer

        The final movie trailer for Twilight Eclipse is here after being introduced on today's Oprah Show. Eclipse is the 3rd chapter in the Twilight Saga starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. It's scheduled to open in theaters on June 30, 2010. Check Oprah and one of the Twilight Series cast members, Dakota Fanning, introducing the new trailer, below:

        Here's the Eclipse Trailer clip from MTV:

        Thursday, April 22, 2010

        Cultural Appropriation Bingo: proving your comments are unoriginal and ignorant

         (made by Livejournal user Elusis)

        On all the fantastic articles on cultural appropriation that have been making the rounds these past couple of days (Threadbared has a awesome round up here, I definitely recommend a look), the comments are getting heated. People are getting defensive, people are throwing the "omg it's just fashion, get over it!" card, and people are getting downright nasty. I think the worst offenders so far have come on Jessica Yee's post over at Bitch Magazine--I couldn't even make it through the whole comment thread I was so angry.



        a couple of highlights:
        Oh please.
        This is like saying its not cool to eat pizza unless you're Italian. Or only the French can drink champagne. Learn to share your heritage. Stop holding on so tightly.
        My ancestors weren't even around before the 1900's. They didn't kill your ancestors. Get over it.
        ugh. I get that one a lot. and my new favorite response (thanks jezebel) "Dear anonymous commenter, YOUR WHITE PRIVILEGE IS SHOWING."  By the sheer fact that you live in the United States you are benefiting from the history of genocide and continued colonialism of Native peoples. That land you're standing on? Indian land. Taken illegally so your ancestor who came in the 1900's could buy it and live off it, gaining valuable capital (both monetary and cultural) that passed down through the generations to you. Have I benefited as well, given I was raised in a white, suburban community? yes. absolutely. but by dismissing and minimizing the continued subordination and oppression of Natives in the US, you are contributing to the culture of power that continues the cycle today. This could be a whole post in itself, so I'll stop there.

        ..ok, you know what? I'm not even going to post any others. These people aren't worth it. head over to the thread if you really want to read it. The article is here.

        I'm proud of Jess. Her points are things that bother me everyday. She has every right to be angry, and she doesn't need to apologize for her article, her tone, or her points. It's a voice that needs to be heard. 

        So why am I posting this? Not only to point out the ignorance of commenters on the internet, we all knew that already, but to point out how cliched and cyclical this conversation is. That awesome bingo card? made at least a year ago. This, sadly, isn't new. These arguments continue to be brought up, and marginalized voices speaking out continue to be dismissed.

        That's why I'm so glad there have been so many articles out on the internet, even in the few months since I started this project. It seems like the issue is being raised again and again, and the word is getting out. But how outrageous and offensive does it have to get before people stop and take notice? Rolling on the floor in a sacred war bonnet on national television (looking at you Ke$ha)? giving yourself a fake "Indian" name for the sake of publicity (that's you Speidi)? Mocking religious practices and calling them "Bro Therapy" (thanks Details)?

        It's not ok. It's just not.

        So go ahead, pick an article, any article, and head over armed with your brand new "Cultural Appropriation Bingo Card". Believe me, you'll be a winner in no time.



        Threadbared roundup: http://iheartthreadbared.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/linkage-the-feather-in-your-native-cap/

        Jessica's Bitch Magazine article: http://bitchmagazine.org/post/to-the-hipstershippies-on-native-culture-%E2%80%93-please-stop-annoying-the-fuck-out-of-me

        Wednesday, April 21, 2010

        Native Star Quilt Inspired Baby Gap Dress



        My friend Sam spotted this skirt at Gap Kids/Baby Gap, which seems to be inspired by a Native Plains-style star quilt. If you're unfamiliar with the tradition of quilt-making in Native communities, here are a couple examples:

         

        I hesitate to call this an outright "appropriation" because I know I will get push back--"quilts aren't 'traditionally' Native!"...
        "Other people besides Natives make star quilts!" "how can you lay claim to a quilt design?!" "It's called a 'chevron skirt'--it's just diamonds!". But anyone who is familiar with the history and ongoing tradition of star quilt making (and giving) in Indian Country (especially in Lakota/Dakota communities) might think otherwise.

        To start, quilting was brought to tribal communities by missionaries, but was quickly adapted to reflect designs that had adorned clothing and dwellings for centuries. For plains communities, one such design was the eight pointed star. These quilts have been around for a long time, as demonstrated by this photo of Chief Red Cloud's wife, taken in the late 1800's (look at the bed):


        (image via photowest.org)

        The quilts still hold deep significance in Indian Country, they are often given as symbols of honor, celebration, or thanks--at powwows, at basketball tournaments, at graduations, at baby showers, you name it. Like this picture of Kyle Langstaff, who received a quilt from his parents in honor of scoring 1000 career basketball points (they even made it in his school colors):


        So, for me, the baby gap dress represents a little more than just a cool design. I would venture to guess that most people wouldn't associate the dress automatically with Natives, but I think it offers an interesting case to bring up the line of appropriation/inspiration and what crosses the line. Would I say this crosses the line? probably not. But I like to make people think about the images they see in everyday life, and this is an example of a product most people would walk by without thinking about any deeper significance.

        here's a picture of the dress in real life:


        and the ad on the homepage of gap.com (I will say those are some adorable kiddies):


        Gap Kids "Chevron dress": http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8743&vid=8&pid=740572&scid=740572002



        (Thanks Sam!) 
        (and an extra shout-out to my gram and great-granny who passed the Native quilters gene to me!)

        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

        Random Appropriation of the Day! ($2,200 Backyard Tipi)

        Tipster Lucia pointed me to this backyard "tepee" from Design Within Reach. It retails for $2,200, and is made by "Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982."

        Here's the screenshot of the page (click for a bigger version):


        The description reads:

        Tepee
        For adventurers of all ages, the classic Tepee (2008) is a simple solution for spending time outdoors with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. This one was crafted for DWR Tools for Living by Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982. We chose his work because of his quality materials and construction that provides proper ventilation, flame resistance and reinforced stress points. What’s also unique about this design is the sewn-in floor liner that allows proper air flow, while ensuring that nothing accidentally leaves or enters the Tepee. This floor also makes it easier to see where the poles should be placed when building the Tepee. The floor liner is not waterproof, which Ellis did on purpose since material that breathes won’t kill the grass underneath. The exterior canvas is tightly woven, preshrunk 100% cotton Army Duck that’s finished with a Sunforger baked-in process to make the canvas mildew resistant and water repellent. Campfire songs and ghost stories not included.
        "Campfire songs and ghost stories not included." At least it didn't say "war paint and headdresses not included"? Also note it's categorized under "Tepee--Outdoors--Play--Accessories". Look, they even offer "location" shots so you can see how it will look next to your expensive mid-century modern patio furniture:



        or when you decide to lug it to a fake desert movie set:


        look at that comforting glow. ha. This is definitely for a very specific demographic--it's a very small portion of America that can afford to spend $2200 on a backyard tent. Is there even a market for this?


        DWR "Tepee": http://www.dwr.com/product/accessories/view-all/tepee.do?search=basic&keyword=tepee&sortby=ourPicks&page=1


        (Thanks Lucia!)

        Indian Model posing in Printed Designer Sari

        Indian Model posing in Printed Designer SariIndian Model posing in Beautiful Printed Designer Sari

        FAMOUS ART QUOTES, MUSIC QUOTES, PAINTING QUOTES, FILM MAKING QUOTES, PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTES:

        Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.
        ~ Pablo Picasso

        The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?
        ~ Pablo Picasso

        Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things.
        ~ Edgar Degas

        Filmmaking is a chance to live many lifetimes.
        ~ Robert Altman

        The joy of music should never be interrupted by a commercial.
        ~ Leonard Bernstein

        Monday, April 19, 2010

        Lil Wayne | I'm Single Video Released While In Jail

        Check out Lil' Wayne's latest video. It premiered yesterday on MTV. Lil Wayne didn't wait until after his year of incarceration. He is making music while in jail! Nothin' can stop Lil Wayne! Nino Brown... Where You At???



        UPDATE: Lil' Wayne Released From Prison!

        Sunday, April 18, 2010

        Ridiculously Maddening Quote of the Day: Avatar Edition


         Welcome to a new feature--The Ridiculously Maddening Quote of the Day! Today's inaugural quote comes to us from James Cameron, director and screenwriter of Avatar (maybe you've heard of him?).

        Quote comes from this article, talking about his activism and involvement with indigenous peoples in Brazil:
        "I felt like I was 130 years back in time watching what the Lakota Sioux might have been saying at a point when they were being pushed and they were being killed and they were being asked to displace and they were being given some form of compensation," he said. "This was a driving force for me in the writing of Avatar– I couldn't help but think that if they [the Lakota Sioux] had had a time-window and they could see the future… and they could see their kids committing suicide at the highest suicide rates in the nation… because they were hopeless and they were a dead-end society – which is what is happening now – they would have fought a lot harder."
        Wow, James Cameron. Wow. So, the contemporary Lakota are "hopeless" and a "dead-end society"? and the generations of fighting against colonialism and continued oppression weren't and aren't fighting hard enough? Talk about ignorance. He makes it seem like the Lakota just rolled over and let their land be taken away. Couldn't be further from the truth.

        Ugh. So hear that Natives? We should have just fought harder, and the state of our Native nations would be different. right.

        Here's the original article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/18/avatar-james-cameron-brazil-dam


         (Thanks Katie!)

        How Mike Wallace did it

        Okay, here's how 60 Minutes' Mike Wallace got away with his aggressive interviews.

        It turns out that what he would do is politely ask all his questions. The interviewee would answer. When they were done, the person would leave. And Mike Wallace and the camera crew would film him asking the same questions again, but this time very aggressively. They would re-shoot those reaction shots of his.

        In case you were wondering why so many people put up with his crap all these years.

        Now his repellent son is on Fox News.





        Wallace's racism

        Mike Wallace himself was exposed as a disgusting racist years ago. He was doing a story on crooked banks giving loans to low-income people with the conditions of the loan in tiny print that was impossible to read.

        When Wallace thought the mics were off, he said of the Blacks and Hispanics being ripped off, They're hard to read if you're reading it over watermellon or a taco.

        In 2004, he was arrested for physically attacking two New York City Taxi and Limousine inspectors because he discovered them talking to his limo driver who was double parked.

        Saturday, April 17, 2010

        Photoshop Glowing Edges Art

        Photoshop Glowing Edges ArtPhotoshop Glowing Edges Art

        FAMOUS ART QUOTES, MUSIC QUOTES, PAINTING QUOTES, FILM MAKING QUOTES, PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTES:

        Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.
        ~ Henry Ward Beecher

        Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
        ~ Scott Adams

        Anybody can direct a picture once they know the fundamentals. Directing is not a mystery, it's not an art. The main thing about directing is: photograph the people's eyes.
        ~ John Ford

        What passion cannot music raise and quell!
        ~ John Dryden

        Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D Movie Trailer

        Kenny Chesney, the biggest ticket-seller of this century in any musical genre, has wrapped his latest concert tour, the Sun City Carnival. This weekend for a limited engagement in movie theaters nationwide, Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D, will give fans the chance to live the fun, the friends, the songs and the moments that make Kenny Chesney the must-see concert experience to kickoff the summer season.

        Friday, April 16, 2010

        Mystery Science Theater 3000: Two competing camps?



        Joel, Dr Forester and that guy who preceded TV's Frank

        Well, okay, I knew that Mike and two fellows who sound like Crow and Tom Servo have been hard at work. First they were doing commentary on DVDs that would otherwise have no commentary track. They were doing the MST3K thing on various bad movies.

        They noted the cruel irony---that in order to play characters forced to watch bad movies, they were actually forced to watch bad movies over and over and over to come up with their wisecracks.

        So they started watching better movies. Sort of. Independence Day, the Star Wars movies. They couldn't release DVDs with their commentary on the movies, of course, but they could (and did) record their commentary separately to be played with the movie.

        Well, now the other guys are doing the MST3K thing live on stage. Joel, Dr Forester and that guy who used to be on there who I think also did the voice of a robot are appearing live.

        Are they in competition? Did Joel and his crowd feel they were being overshadowed by the continuing work of Mike and his bunch?

        Well, there's plenty of room for both if you ask me. But I don't know...

        I did see a You Tube video sometime ago. A lot of people are doing their own MST3K stuff, doing amusing commentary on bad movies. And I thought some of them were pretty good. They gone uniformly nasty comments from viewers, but that always happens.

        The public will only accept people from the original TV series doing that stuff.

        It's sort of like a certain works of conceptual art. Like the artist whose "sculpture" consisted of a couple of basketballs in an aquarium. He charged a fortune for it. It's a artwork anybody could create, but it's only authentic when that guy does it and only because he got the idea first.

        Random Appropriation of the Day! (yes, THAT Hanson)


        I'm about to let some of my major dorkiness show. Well friends, I have a confession to make. I, Adrienne K, am an unabashed Hanson fan. Yes, THAT Hanson. Of mmmbop fame. I've been a fan since I was 8 and I saw them at a county fair in Tulsa, and continue to be a loyal follower of their new music (which is actually really good!). The best birthday present I recieved in recent memory was a set of tickets to see their show in San Francisco for my 22nd birthday. So, yes, I am a nerd.

        Anyway, I posted the random appropriation from their newest music video above. Did you miss the it? don't worry, I made it more explicit below:



        See it now? haha. Also, obviously, that's not Hanson in the shot. It's their band. But the big 'ol cigar store Indian is in the background of most of the "studio" shots throughout. Their video is catchy and pretty good, and I think I might be the only one who caught the Indian in there--but I thought I would share.

        And, if you're curious as to what the Hanson bros look like now:


        all grown up! And that's Weird Al in the red pants, if you were curious about that too.

        Here's the video:




        (Thanks Laksh!!)
         

        The Jezebel Fashion Post that keeps on giving

         (Jen Mussari's now iconic image :) )

        I've come across some awesome blog posts in response to the Jezebel piece (found here) on Native fashion that Lisa at Sociological Images pulled together with images from this blog. The comment thread on the piece was really interesting, with people debating what should be deemed "ok" what is "offensive" and some just telling us all to STFU. I thought I would share a couple of the responses here. (If anyone knows of any others, please let me know)

        Juila at a l'allure garçonnière posted a great response entitled "The Critical Fashion Lover's (basic) Guide to Cultural Appropriation" and it's definitely worth a read. I'm tempted to quote the entire thing. It's beautifully written and insightful. She says:

        " I have heard a lot of arguments that there are way more important things we could be debating instead of cultural appropriation; that native people themselves don't give a shit if a severely intoxicated white hipster decides to tattoo pocahontas on his leg or if some magazine decides their next nude photoshoot should feature blonde women wearing headdresses. who knows! maybe the jingle dress will be the next hot thing in haute couture, but it doesn't impact the quality of life of the people who make, wear and perform in those dresses.

        my response to this is clear and simple; i don't think the issue of institutional racism and discrimination can be completely divorced from the question of cultural appropration. they feed into one another. one would not exist (at least not in the same way) without the other. if we lived in a culture that acknowledged the fact that most of us live on stolen land in north america and that recognized native people as complex, diverse, intelligent people without romanticizing or glamourizing them, i'd like to think that it would put an end to these sorts of reductive stereotypes popping up in fashion, film, music scenes. reducing an entire culture to a simple "inspiration" for your outfit, art project, fashion collection, or photoshoot is disrespectful and unhelpful, especially when we look at the bigger picture."

         And later she addresses what many of the Jezebel commenters were struggling with--what is ok to wear and what isn't?
        the biggest problem with the concept of cultural appropriation, in my opinion, is that it doesn't set out any explicit black and white rules for people to follow. as you can see based on the comments on jezebel, people are genuinely confused as to what the "right thing" to do in these situations are, and there's nothing wrong with that. you can't get answers if you aren't asking questions. my advice in these situations is largely about context, intention, and education.
        She was able to put into words many of the issues I was struggling with after reading the comment chain. great stuff.

        Another post came from Molly at the University of Michigan Arts Ink blog, entitled "The Hipster Headdress: A Fashion Faux Pas." The post itself is great, but I really appreciated the back-and-forth she posted in the comments between her and some facebook friends. It's really enlightening and says a lot:
        Friend 3: …great opinionated synopsis molly, really like your writing style and i agree with the feathered headdress as a stupid hipster clique. Although to be honest, I sometimes wear a feather in my hair (completely in humble respect to the Native Americans)…a modest little decorative item once in awhile.

        Molly: I think moccasins are items of comfort – though I realize there are “designer moccasins” out there selling for hundreds of dollars. You don’t put on a headdress because you lost your baseball cap. They’re not practical or comfortable. Plus, you can wear moccasins and walk down the street, go to a party, and nobody would really notice. I don’t know why people wear headdresses around, but whether or not it’s their intention – they get attention. I realize throwing in that P.S. is rather hypocritical regardless, but perhaps the note’d make more sense taking into account that Native Americans, at powwows, posts, what have you, might sell moccasins or dream catchers or other crafts – but you never see them selling headdresses (unless for ceremonial purposes, I suppose, but I’ve never seen a headdress for sale personally, at least). I found a hawk feather and wore it around for a little while. I don’t think single feathers are offensive, though I know that’s again flirting with contradiction. It’s like the difference between wearing some green eyeshadow or painting your entire body green. Also, I’m not insinuating that anyone who enjoys wearing headdresses occasionally is absolutely void of morals. I’m just not a fan.

        Thanks to both of you for keeping the conversation going, I'm just so glad these issues are being discussed in the blog-o-sphere after remaining off the map for so long. Keep up the good work!



        Julia's post: http://alagarconniere.blogspot.com/2010/04/critical-fashion-lovers-basic-guide-to.html

        Molly's post: http://www3.arts.umich.edu/ink/2010/04/14/the-hipster-headdress-a-fashion-faux-pas/

        The original Jezebel post: http://jezebel.com/5516362/feathers-and-fashion-native-american-is-in-style

        Thursday, April 15, 2010

        Random Appropriation of the Day! (Indian Smurfs)

        Virtue B. sent over these smurf figurines from her recent trip to New York. They were posed to look like they were acting out a scene from a movie with cowboys and Indians.

        This guy's wearing a buffalo headdress and leggings/loin cloth combo

        While this guy's got an angry expression, some war paint, and a feathered spear. (see the smurf with the boom mike and headphones in the back?)

        Note the mid-war whoop pose on that center one.

        The thing about these little figurines is, I have one. My friend Scott has them in his office (he's Native). The associate director of the Native program at my school has some. I can only speak for myself, but I bought the one I have (he's in a canoe) because I thought it was hilarious and should be so offensive, but, it's a smurf, so you can't help but smile. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the ridiculousness, because I find it tiring to be angry all the time. By buying the figurine I realize I play into the stereotyping and mis-appropriation, but at the same time having it in my room as something ironic and silly makes me feel I have more power over it. It's a give and take. :)


        (Thanks Virtue!)

        Sweat Lodges Part II: No, you can't. Here's why.


        AK note: This is Part II in discussing sweat lodges and non-Natives. For Part I and background,click here.

        After that long lead in, lets break it down into some of the major issues at play here. I feel like I'm treading in a bit of dangerous water here, because admittedly sweats have not been a part of my spiritual tradition. If anyone has corrections or comments, please let me know, and know that it is not my intention to generalize, stereotype, or offend.

        Sweat lodges are sacred. plain and simple. Not every tribe in the Americas has a tradition of sweat lodges, but many do. Each tribe has different origin stories surrounding the ceremonies and songs--hear that? songs, not chants!(one of my pet peeves)--that go along with them, so it is impossible for me to write a concise history. But realize that these ceremonies, when performed in their traditional cultural contexts, are religious practices. Equivalent to something, like, say, the act of receiving communion for Catholics (not an exact comparison, but work with me). Even non-Catholics respect the role of a priest and his position, and would never wander around selling "communion ceremonies" out of a backyard or garage, and moreover, people wouldn't think that participating in one of these ceremonies was a replacement for the real thing.

        Why, again, is it ok to appropriate sacred traditions from Native peoples?



        There are many directions I could go with this discussion--the commodification of cultural practices (ie there are many "legit" Natives who sell their services as medicine men and women or lead sweats for money) , the fact that these men (and jezebel women) are participating in dangerous practices that when not understood or performed correctly can result in death and injury (see this case from Arizona last year where 4 people died in a sweat run by a white new-ager), or the fact that these non-Native "shamans" are making $500 an hour on an appropriated (well, stolen, really) practice while Natives live in some of the poorest communities in the US. All valid issues. But, for sake of space, I'll focus on the Macho Man/oppressed women narrative.

        Assumption One: Participating in a sweat is a way to "prove" your manliness, push yourself to the limit, put on a show of bravado

        No. Again, I can't speak for all tribes, but from my understanding, it is the exact opposite. A sweat is a time to be humble, not assert your strength. This description from a book written by a non-Native, called "The Lakota Ritual of the Sweat" (you can read part of it online here) shows just how unimportant machismo is to the process--though I hesitate to post it because I can't vouch for the accuracy or if the community is ok with the publication:

        (I hope I'm not violating like 1200 copyright laws with that). Note the lines "This was not an endurance contest", "insisted he was not worthy", "repeatedly stated that he was poor, humble, and nothing". Does this sound like the description from Details? not so much.


        Assumption Two: Not allowing women who are menstruating into the sweat is a sign of patriarchy and sexism and is rooted in a deep disrespect of women.

        No. Again, it is completely the opposite. Barbara Omaha, White Earth Ojibwe, says of the practice:
        During her Moon time, a woman is going through her own natural purification process. While her body is going through this natural purification, she is also recharging her own body's powers and energies, so it is a cleansing and restorative time for her. Because a woman's power is being renewed during this process, she must stay away from all sacred ceremonies...A woman's power during her moon time is so strong that it can draw the power away from the sacred Sweat Lodge, Sundance, and Pipe ceremonies. Her power during this time can interfere with the power in the Sacred Pipe, Eagle Feathers, and the food offered for the feasts following ceremony.
        Women cannot participate not because they are "unclean" or as a sign of male power, it is because women have so much inherent power that they can interfere with the ceremony. Omaha also notes:
        Men do not have their own natural purification and renewal process, therefore they must come to the Sweat Lodge ceremony for purification.
        So, Jezebel women, it's not a sign of disrespect, it's a sign of ultimate respect. That's the case with many practices outsiders deem sexist towards women in Native communities--standing outside the drum circle, for example--come out of a place of a deep understanding of the power and role of women in our communities.

        In sum, cultural sensitivity: ur doin it rong.

        For a great documentary on the subject, check out "White Shamans and Plastic Medicine Men", which is actually on youtube, in three parts (but it appears part 3 is missing). Watch it. Inform yourself. Part 1 below:



        (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCLmT_M-qtk)

        Article on deaths in Arizona sweat lodges:  http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/religionandtheology/1906/new_age_tragedy_in_sedona:_non-indians_in_the_sweat_lodge__/

        Earlier: http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.com/2010/04/sweat-lodges-bro-therapy-part-i-summary.html

        Details article: http://www.details.com/style-advice/grooming-and-health/201005/sweat-lodges-enlightenment-health-detox?currentPage=1

        Jezebel article: http://jezebel.com/5517139/sweat-lodges-the-therapy-of-choice-for-bros