Recently, I read an article from Colorlines discussing Pharrell's choice of "head decor" displayed on the cover of Elle UK's magazine. If you're unaware, the image, which I will post below, shows Pharrell wearing a Native American Headdress. With the controversy growing- stemming debates over individuals being "too sensitive", cultural appropriation, and how offensive the image is-I shared the article on my Facebook page for opinions from my peers. Was Pharrell in the wrong? Are people that are offended over-reacting? Is our ignorance to other cultures, races, and ethnicities, causing us to unintentionally fail to acknowledge the fault in his action? Have we overlooked other instances in which individuals have worn items from other cultures in which they, too, have caused frustrations and brought insult to other people?<<YES. Are people, including Pharrell, aware of the significance of other items, but overlook the significance in order to promote a certain type of fashion statement? Bridget Johnson, a graduate from Indiana University commented (after speaking about Pharrell's interview with Oprah about being a 'new black'): "...For the headdress thing, I mean, it's a war bonnet. A lot of Native American people were upset because you have to earn those and they're meaningful. Non-Natives appropriating it is a slap in the face like 'Naaaah you can't have your land back or decent conditions on the reservation, but we wanna play around with your culture for fun'. If he isn't active in that culture, he can take his new black/generokee self outta that bonnet!"
Bridget said it. Straightforward, short, and direct...Here is why Pharrell wearing the warbonnet (although claiming to be of some Native blood) is, in fact, offensive. Already possessing some knowledge about Native American history and culture, I researched other articles that offered information on Native American warbonnets/headdresses. Similar to what my friend, Bridget, said, warbonnets possess immense meanings. Everyone in the Native American culture is not entitled to a headdress. These warbonnets-believed to be started by the Sioux tribe- vary in image among tribes. Not only are these warbonnets worn by figures of power, but each feather (sometimes dyed for certain reasons) on a warbonnet is earned, so while some of us may solely be enamored with the physical appearance of the warbonnet, others understand and admire the reasoning behind the variations of beautiful feathers. The feathers are earned; not given. Warbonnets possess more meaning than what some of us may be aware of. They are worn by individuals that have demonstrated bravery, have surpassed certain expectations, and are a means of communication and understanding to members of the culture in which warbonnets are worn. What we must understand is that some of the items we select to wear as fashion accessories may withhold history or represent something within one's culture, and ignorance or the absence of understanding and respect causes conflict and insult- even in instances in which we are attempting to pay "homage" to another's culture through sporting that item. Cultural appropriation is not completely easy to identify. Certain dances, body art, and apparel have and may bring forth controversy and blatant disrespect or ignorance in certain situations, but there are instances in which cultural appropriation is easily identified. What may be perceived as minuscule to one, may be of immense relevance to someone else. It's important to encourage and demonstrate cultural relativism and the understanding of practices of one another. It could possibly lead to better communication.
Bridget Johnson speaks again:
"Making light of cultural genocide is inappropriate and doesn't foster understanding of other cultures or diversity. Basically, a culture isn't a costume or the punch line to a joke."
Something to think about...
B. Elae
06/05/2014-06/06/2014
Google Image
http://indianvillagemall.com/headdress/headdress.html
http://www.native-languages.org/headdresses.htm
http://globerove.com/usa/native-american-indians-headdress/2276
Bridget said it. Straightforward, short, and direct...Here is why Pharrell wearing the warbonnet (although claiming to be of some Native blood) is, in fact, offensive. Already possessing some knowledge about Native American history and culture, I researched other articles that offered information on Native American warbonnets/headdresses. Similar to what my friend, Bridget, said, warbonnets possess immense meanings. Everyone in the Native American culture is not entitled to a headdress. These warbonnets-believed to be started by the Sioux tribe- vary in image among tribes. Not only are these warbonnets worn by figures of power, but each feather (sometimes dyed for certain reasons) on a warbonnet is earned, so while some of us may solely be enamored with the physical appearance of the warbonnet, others understand and admire the reasoning behind the variations of beautiful feathers. The feathers are earned; not given. Warbonnets possess more meaning than what some of us may be aware of. They are worn by individuals that have demonstrated bravery, have surpassed certain expectations, and are a means of communication and understanding to members of the culture in which warbonnets are worn. What we must understand is that some of the items we select to wear as fashion accessories may withhold history or represent something within one's culture, and ignorance or the absence of understanding and respect causes conflict and insult- even in instances in which we are attempting to pay "homage" to another's culture through sporting that item. Cultural appropriation is not completely easy to identify. Certain dances, body art, and apparel have and may bring forth controversy and blatant disrespect or ignorance in certain situations, but there are instances in which cultural appropriation is easily identified. What may be perceived as minuscule to one, may be of immense relevance to someone else. It's important to encourage and demonstrate cultural relativism and the understanding of practices of one another. It could possibly lead to better communication.
Bridget Johnson speaks again:
"Making light of cultural genocide is inappropriate and doesn't foster understanding of other cultures or diversity. Basically, a culture isn't a costume or the punch line to a joke."
Something to think about...
B. Elae
06/05/2014-06/06/2014
http://indianvillagemall.com/headdress/headdress.html
http://www.native-languages.org/headdresses.htm
http://globerove.com/usa/native-american-indians-headdress/2276
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/06/03/not-happy-natives-pan-pharrells-headdress-look-elle-uk-cover-155142
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