is it cultural appropriation to wear waist chains

The rise of boho chic has especially blurred the lines. You might also consider researching the manufacturers who peddle apparel with Native American influences. Moving into the 20th century, innovations in textile development would allow for commercial gains and successes via artistic license. So, lets take your moccasin example, you say youre ok with me (a white person wearing them). 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. Does it represent a traditional story, or a modern one? Understand their origin, purpose, and meaning. `, Thank you for this post. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. (I have four other brothers and sisters via the same rite, none of them Native.) I mean, what did they do for 10,000 years before the British government forced them into treaties in (what is now called) Canada? 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. Buying indigenous apparel and accessories from an artisan directly is an entirely different experience than buying Native-inspired goods from a corporation. Some had gemstones, essential oils, or charms added to them as a way of adding rejuvenating or healing qualities. Promise. Ive seen a German silver worker using Aboriginal designs, images ans spiritual symbols in central Ontario. Thank you! If you are thinking of getting yourself a set but are unsure, our best advice to you is to do your research. Her reporting focuses education, race, and public policy. These are designs similar to t-moko, but without the specific important meanings. Moody-Ramirez said a good tool for parents to consider is to think about all the homes their child will knock on for trick-or-treating and if one homeowner would find their costume offensive. The popularity of body chains can therefore be seen as the best way to appreciate a culture, as they are increasingly worn around the waist and can be constructed of hooped chains, threaded strings, or tiny beads. While countless consumers will inadvertently buy products inspired by indigenous cultures, some will make a conscious decision to appropriate Native dress. But as I mentioned this is, sadly, all completely new to me and I am sincerely trying to figure it out so I can educate my children on how to treat Native American culture respectfully so they dont end up as 35 year old oblivious moms heading to Party City. Preview The METs Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of BeautyExhibit. The asymmetries of history are very much the point that your line of reasoning refuses to take seriously. We express different ideas with how we use the symbol, and we do not generally punish people for doing what they want with that symbol. This phenomenon now mainly refers to the exploitation of marginalized cultures by more dominant, mainstream cultures, Morsiani said. 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. Exploring the Debate Around Cultural Appropriation and Wearing Waist Beads, Exploring the Do Not Rock the Boat Dance: History, Benefits, and Cultural Significance, 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? "He's been invited by you and your family. Fashion is a top-down system. Even though in some cultures women wore the beads as tools of seduction, it was exclusively meant for their husbands or lovers, only they were allowed to see the beads on their waist. At a local First Nations event, no less. Still, we feel that there are certain things you need to take into consideration, beginning with why you want to wear the beads in the first place. . I had no idea that the Metis sash was something non-Metis people shouldnt wear. While the early days of trade opened the door to cultural exchange, it simultaneously made way for cultural appropriation. We could use some help to keep this blog running! I'd go so far as to say that cultural appropriation only exists because the world isn't fair . Dressing up in Native American attire, as well as blackface, arepopular ideas of cultural appropriation. The colors and materials especially held the most meaning. I would love to support Aboriginal artists, but its difficult for someone not of the culture to know what is and isnt okay, especially with the colonialist history. And I even see people talk about how living at home when you can move . It seems that there is a distinction that can be made between the concert-goer who wears a headdress but isnt trying to fool anyone; and the German silversmith who makes a profit selling jewelry with aboriginal designs. When Marc Jacobs can have Gigi and Bella Hadid walk his runway show with a wig of dreadlocks, it highlights the worlds imbalances. Now she is also a writer for our website. Shouldnt matter if my son wanted that style for the day of the dead celebration which is an aztec and Mexican spiritual celebration our family has celebrated in vastly different and unique ways all through out history. They dont need it theyre the center of their own worlds if they want to be, you know? I worry this might be cultural appropriation. In India, waist chains have traditionally been seen as a symbol of marriage and fertility. The leather fringe purse youre crazy about may look great with your new outfit, but its actually modeled after a medicine bag, which has religious importance in indigenous cultures. Is it okay that some Indigenous ppl exploit cultural teachings or mass produce restricted items for profit? 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. I just want to understand where the line is, you know? Can I wear waist beads as a white person? 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. This accessory came in different designs and colors. Still, on the issue of materials used, there are waist beads that include crystals believed to help with healing and manifestation, which are practices belonging to new agism and considered demonic by religions such as Christianity. 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. Because fashion is predicated on a trending cycle, the use of cultural symbolism as inspiration may seemingly last for a moment, but once it is deemed palatable, the market for repetition is inevitable. As such, they will never get any respect now. In the past, both men and women in India wore waist chains as ornaments, as a part of religious rituals, as accessories, and to display wealth. But then sometimes it can be done on purpose.". To be honest, the more I think about these issues, the more confused I become. Not that I have ever (or will ever) wear a headdress or bindi etc. This is an informative post. You can use it as a way of alerting you when you need a diet or exercise change. I was also thinking to add information about the origin of dreamcatchers (e.g., Ojibwe tribe) as well as the meaning behind them. And always behind that material, physical symbol, is the oft-times intangible thing you achieved that is linked to the symbol itself. The point is, they arent just pretty designs. At least, I hope so for the sake of modern Cree young people who have no stories to tell. As an African, it could be a great way for you to reconnect with your heritage and roots. I can completely understand why and how people (in the current generation) have developed this binary assumption: either youre white and interested in dissimulating being FN, or youre actually FN, and therefore not interested in dissimulating it (and, perhaps, you are not particularly interested in being invited to a traditional religious ceremony, because youve been to a hundred of them already, and will need to go to more when your family next cajoles you into it, etc. Arrowheads have a symbolic meaning. Its wonderful. Regardless of your views, this is an excellent article that provides information, insight, and encouragement in a clear, civil, and balanced way. And humans like nice things and want them for themselves. These sashes are firstly not the super nice ones that takes a bazillions hours to make and their design hold no specific meaning. Every group tries to re-invent the wheel and fight alone (and each other). You are playing both ends of the argument. We must all ask ourselves whether wearing these many types of body jewellery is cultural appropriation or an appreciation of different cultures. I bring this topic up precisely because it does scare and confuse and inflame. Racial injustices and discrimination in the broader landscape play a role in the anger felt toward brands accused of cultural appropriation. I just want to be clear on that. etc.). shouldnt be treated in the same way as things that have a genuine religious or cultural value to a group of people. One such item is waist chains, which have become increasingly popular in modern culture. Kumi also believes when individuals or corporations try to profit off selling waist beads without giving cultural context they are appropriating African culture. And also, is cultural appropriation only about symbols or can it also be about philosophies or practices? Great article! May I ask your opinion on this? Really, I just think this is fantastic and thank you so much for writing it. I think it would be inappropriate to use religious or particularly sacred jewellery or clothing if you arent a part of that culture or religion. I texted my sisters this morning all oh dont yall remember how fun Squanto Day was! (Theyve been doing it over 30 years and we went to same school my kids do.) But surely there are people with in your community who arent ok with it, right? 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 Maori have sacred tattoos called t moko. Other people have experiences with and within the culture that mean they can wear the sari and not feel strange. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips. Cultural appropriation often is viewed as a problem of . In Latin American cultures, waist chains were often used to show strength and courage. As Americans dress up for Halloween during a year of record holiday spending, experts are saying: Be careful. On the one hand, wearing waist beads can be a source of empowerment and self-expression. The respect that one religion accords another may not be reciprocated: First Nations may be indulgent of monotheism, while the monotheists (in return) may regard everything about First Nations religiosity as the devil to be destroyed. I dont want to offend anyone or denigrate the meaning of the necklace. I will and have done anything needed to help them be safe and happy and they will and have all done the same for me and my husband. I think its an excellent idea to compare Cree literature/philosophy/language to the classical world for a variety of reasons. Thank you for the lessons you are imparting. https://www.thoughtco.com/is-fashion-appropriating-native-american-culture-2834537 (accessed May 2, 2023). But these beliefs are subjective and not factual. Obviously, other cultures also have restricted symbols linked to deeper, less obviously visible achievements. Appropriation and Authenticity in American Law," said the issue really came to light in 2015 when Yale told its students to be cautious of wearing certain Halloween costumes. I might as well be naked! argument that some people use when talking about appropriation. On the other hand, some people cant hold back their distaste for this particular accessory and go as far as considering it evil and a sin to wear. Oh, and you also have the ability to appropriate style from any number of cultureswithout the need to worry or deal with the cultural implications of what you're doing. But there will probably always be someone who thinks what Im doing isnt ok, which makes this decision somewhat difficult. This indicates to me how sensitive and polarized people often are surrounding this issue. Fidelity of transmission wasnt thought of the same way, so its a tough comparison to make clearly. I had planned to make dreamcatchers as part of a 10th grade American Indian Culture unit. I love the jacket in every way except the motive on the back, whats your opinion? The modern solution is to bulldoze over these significant differences (sometimes literally). Yes, that shit is offensive. Others argue that wearing waist beads outside of their traditional culture is a form of cultural appropriation and is disrespectful to the original culture. Hello pihtawikosisn. The question is, who has the power and privilege to represent another culture?. Your comment about that damned two wolves story got me going. I knew about half of that from disparate contexts, but wasnt sure how it fit into the whole, and you made things very clear. Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. I was taught by a native man how to make a hand drum. One person in the discussion recounts his 1958 visit to a Cherokee Baptist Church in northeastern Oklahoma, very near the Cherokee Nation Tribal Headquarters. Not necessarily on the back of a chair mind you Perhaps on the wall? A Comprehensive Analysis, Exploring the Innovative JBX Theater: Revolutionizing the Entertainment Industry. Just as I try, when explaining issues of sexual violence to male friends who dont understand the problem with rape jokes, not to belittle or minimize but to explain my perspective, I really started to understand exactly how appropriation IS a big issue reading this. Without that deeper meaning, the Victoria Cross is gaudy jewellery, a Bachelor Degree is just a piece of paper, the Giller Prize is abstract art and an eagle feather is just ornamentation. I lived near the water and my sister, papa, and I would go for long walks on one of our many beaches near by, and canoe a lot. I am Canadian as is my husband. When exploring the debate over waist chain cultural appropriation, it is important to examine how these items have been used in different cultures. I am of Scandinavian decent and much of my Norse background comes through as well in the line drawings. While the New Age valorizes a distorted (Westernized) vision of Indianness, for example, it pays little heed to the historical presence or contemporary dilemmas of Native Americans. In terms of your analogizing the misuse of other symbols like the Victoria Cross etc. Despite what most men would concur, waist beads are not some sort of charm made to ensnare them and force them to hand over all their money. Its only the written traditions that change these things drastically. Try not to wrap the string or tape too snugly around your body. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. "People are trying to have fresh content. Dene? Take a look at reddits atheism page to see how Christianity fares in general, or ask anyone you know what they think of Mennonites, Evangelicals, Catholics, etc. My works are going to be published and sold as prints in the near future and I was wondering if that is okay or cultural appropriation? :D Awesome article! Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to express themselves through fashion, but it is important to do so with respect and understanding of the culture from which it originated. So, in that case, it would not be a sin for you to wear one. Through your tireless research on Tumblr, I have learned a lot about the crassness of drunken white people that I didnt know already. Its also been interesting to me, as an Asian-Canadian, to compare the differences and similarities in the way Native and East Asian cultures are appropriated, especially thinking in terms of restricted and unrestricted clothing and adornments. Best people to ask about this would be the Inuit. To avoid issues of cultural appropriation she encourages anyone interested in purchasing . I see that I am one of the few who didnt get the reference so I looked a bit & the first thing I found was a British site with a $40 poster of the story with a photo of a wolfs face staring out at me. Haida, Wakashan, Salish groups). Great post. Privacy Policy. The other questions I have concern wearing feathers and headdresses. It came to a point where i didnt even want to get into contact with any other culture any more because i was so scared of doing something wrong and being critizised and hated for it. Scan this QR code to download the app now. If youre buying art, find out what it means. Just as dressing up as a Native American would be inappropriate for Halloween, its offensive to pile on pseudo-Native attire to get in touch with your inner hippie at a rock concert, especially when you know little about the clothings cultural significance. And today cultural appropriation can prove to be a minefield for companies that make missteps. Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox. Thats the time when we celebrate our heritage (by we and our I mean both French Canadians and Metis), do lots of snowshoing, wear Keeping it Riel t-shirts, etc. For example, many people view waist chains as a fashionable accessory and believe that anyone should be able to wear them regardless of their cultural background. In some cultures, they are seen as a status symbol and are used as a marker of coming-of-age. Your spidey-senses begin tingling when the person telling the story cant specific which community the story originates in, or what actual member of a community passed this story on. I understand that other natives might have different opinions). There is no ownership, really only provenance, so for the old Cree tellers, it was perfectly fine to tell them to Bloomfield. After an extended exchange with one of his friends, he provided me with this link that attempted to find the storys origin. 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. Specifically, the hyperindividualism of the movement, its emphasis on personal growth, and its profound materialism show the influence of the industrial capitalist ethos. Still, Christians argue that the accessories mentioned are a representation of all forms of jewelry including waist beads. I would never want to offend anyone with my own work but the synthesis of style is compelling as an artist. Im sort of glad that there are things that us white folks can wear that, while from another culture, is not offensive or belittling sacred values I would never want to offend somebody by doing that, but I also do find these things incredibly beautiful and would love a way to celebrate my appreciation of them in a non-offensive way. Hi, do you think it is okay for non indigenous people to dance in pow wow or do beadwork? The sash has become a symbol of identity and achievement. But I want to fix that. Simply choosing it because it looks nice and wearing it out to a party, does not a statement make. I also purchased a wonderful set of instructional books, which are published by a First Nations artist, to get more detail about the different styles and ways of drawing. One point I have to disagree with is what you said about the Metis sash. The causes of this sort of thing should be addressed, not merely the manifestations. And given that you talk so much about having respect for others beliefs why cant you extend that respect to people who (from your perspective) dont believe in anything? As i got it i realized the motive on the back is a cat that is wearing something that looks very much like a war bonnet, is that considered offensive aswell or is it someone wearing the bonnet itself? Yoruba women would wear them for traditional and ritualistic reasons. Its this approach that has thrown aboriginal cultures into the crisis theyre in, of course but until everybody in these crises realizes theyre not alone until Mennonites realize that the Cree are in much the same straits and the Cree realize that the Irish are suffering from many of the same problems, theres not going to be enough of a concerted pushback to do anything. A shopper may associate a pair of feather earrings they like with hippies and bohemians and not with Native Americans. Hello! So when non-Maori started copying these tattoos, a decision was made to promote kirituhi. Yikes! (Im not trying to be antagonistic or anything; this is just a bit of a shock to a Winnipeggers system. I do. I think it puts aboriginal people eternally on the sidelines, waiting hoping to finally get recognition one day. Additionally,fashion-manufacturing.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. 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. The woman in this photograph (wearing what she tags as an Indian Hat at the Glastonbury Music festival) actually posted a self-justification for it as follows: A great post and thanks for the interesting read. In Middle Eastern cultures, waist chains were often used to denote religious beliefs and spiritual practices. But it really can be as simple as asking sometimes, or even just doing a little research on the ye olde interwebs. Final Thoughts on Waist Chain Cultural Appropriation. How it was a tradition that was passed down from grandmothers to the younger women. Prior to that day, and most likely going back to the dawn of Tumblr, the #Native American tag had been one which none of the native/first nations people could go to and not cringe and get pissed looking through. When someone who never was taught a story tells it, it breaks the chain and things get out of whack fast. I think this is a really useful rubric, but raises more questions than it answers. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. I was hoping youd address this. 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.
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