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Deviousness `anmari has been spreading her infectious positivity throughout our community for over 6 years. Throughout this time Ana has been at the core of all things devious, passionately developing an eclectic gallery, helping organise devmeets, participating in chat events and also recently completed dedicating her time as a Community Volunteer. We are absolutely delighted to bestow the Deviousness Award for May 2013 to `anmari, congratulations! Read More
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Sta.sh
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I don't see any hatred and intolerance here accept for your accusations towards me. And to accuse someone of being "racist" simply because of their use of a headdress in a photo is extremely superficial and judgmental. This image has nothing to do with Native Americans, a particular tribe, or a specific race, nor is this headdress an attempt to recreate or misrepresent the ritualistic or religious symbols of any native culture. In fact, by calling out my photo just because it features a headdress, aren't you doing exactly what it is you're against -- stereotyping?
I'm well educated on the subject of Native American appropriation. And yes, I will unashamedly admit that this is an act of appropriation (to take something and make it one's own). Appropriation is a fundamental concept of art. And I frequently appropriate the aesthetics of anything and everything around me that I find beautiful or intriguing. Indigenous aesthetics have always fascinated me, particularly the recycling and upcycling of animal parts (see my other photos that incorporate the use of bones and furs). So I take inspiration from these things and make them my own. I don't attempt to recreate, misinterpret, misrepresent, dishonor, or mock any source from which I take inspiration. Again, I make them my own -- set apart and unrelated to the source.
If being inspired and fascinated by the beauty of art that originates from a particular culture is "racist", then yes, I am a racist.
On a side note: I frequent a local store here called The Indian Store, and the employees are of all different Native American heritages. I come in here regularly to buy furs, bones, beads, feathers, leather, sinew, and other craft materials. I'm on a first name basis there and they're always interested in what I'm making, show me new things they got in, and teach me what certain items I'm buying used to be used for. No one is offended that I buy feathers to make hair pieces, sew coyote faces on headdresses, paint on bison jawbones, or wear talisman as jewelry. So I think I do just fine in this world. Thanks for your concern.
Just another white girl taking the small scraps of anothers' culture and claiming it for their own. By your own words, even! THINK how effed up that statement is.
And no, that is NOT the definition of racism, by the way. Racism = privilege + power inflicting damage on someone based on their race.
One can be racist without knowing it - in fact, most racism exists in this respect.