Here at Neonology, we respect everyone. That however, does not mean that we have to agree with everything everyone does.
For example idividuals who shouldn’t be wearing headdresses and do.
I am sure you’ve seen pictures like this:
- (image via weirdtv.blogspot)
Or this:
- (image via nativeappropriations.blogspot.com)
Or this:
- (image via hipsterappropriations.tumblr.com)
It has become very trendy, especially at music festivals, to don Indigenous headdresses in the name of fashion.
And I have a big problem with this.
Wearing a sacred headdress for fashion or otherwise is an example of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is when one cultural group (usually a dominant group) adopts some element of another cultural group (usually a minority group). Some examples of this are the Japanese Kimono or the Arab Keffiyeh.
- (image via midnightpoutine.ca)
In this example, headdresses (or warbonnets) are a sacred part of some First Nations peoples culture, with incredibly important meanings that go beyond my understanding. I do know that wearing a headdress is a privilige bestowed upon a person, and only certain people are allowed to wear them. The individuals in the above pictures are disrespecting the great importance headdresses play in some First Nations communities and at the same time reinforcing stereotypes about First Nations people (that they all wear traditional regalia and exist only in the past). There is a great website called Native Appropriations that does a fantastic job explaining why wearing a headdress is offensive.
I would be interested to know what you think about this subject- are cultural groups just being too sensitive? Or do you think they have a point? Do you have any other examples of cultural appropriation?
If you disagree with me- that is cool- I would just offer one more question before you put that headdress back on: would you feel comfortable wearing it to a First Nations Pow Wow? If the answer is no, then maybe a little part of you understands where I’m coming from.
But do your own research- and let me know what conclusions you’ve come up with!
- Sioned
