Random Appropriation of the Day: Nestle Redsk*ns

In random appropriation by Adrienne K.8 Comments

Reader Michelle submitted this example today–apparently Nestle Australia sells a raspberry flavored candy called “redsk*ns”. According to all-knowing Wikipedia, “In 1996, a complaint was made to the New Zealand Advertising Standards Complaints Board about a Redskins advertisement aired on New Zealand television. The advertisement featured comedian Mark Wright dressed in American Indian clothing and assuming an accent. A mock drumbeat featured on the soundtrack. …

New Billboard for Florida State’s MBA Program

In indian mascots, random appropriation, stereotypes by Adrienne K.27 Comments

Florida State University (home of the “Seminoles”) has unveiled a new billboard for their MBA program. I always wonder how these types of things make it through so many layers of approval. Kirsten who sent it over said this has been their slogan for awhile, apparently. While we’re at it, have you seen the new commercial made by students in …

Chelsea Handler in a headdress shirt: Do we care?

In chelsea handler, headdress, headdress shirt, random appropriation by Adrienne K.12 Comments

Last night on Chelsea Lately, Chelsea Handler sported what appears to be a shirt with a big ol’ warbonnet on it. Chances are, it’s not from a Native designer–if it is, by all means correct me, and this becomes a very different post–but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not the worst, and she’s not wearing the headdress, unlike …

Your Daily Combo Merman-Indian Chief Christmas Ornament

In chief merman, christmas, mermaid, random appropriation, wtf by Adrienne K.35 Comments

“Chief Merman Christmas Ornament from December Diamonds is a traditional tribal chief that leads a tribe.” He must be the “traditional tribal chief” of one of those NW coast tribes. They really like their salmon. Ayyye. Yeah, I have no idea. Luckily this guy is only $23.95, much unlike our lovely $7000 “Pueblo Clown Goes to Sturgis” from last week. …

Your Daily Pueblo Pirate Clown on a Tricycle

In Indian Store, kachinas, pueblo, pueblo clown, random appropriation, wtf by Adrienne K.3 Comments

What do you get when you combine a ken doll, some sharpies, maybe a little tempra paint, a small dancing mud kachina that looks like a bear, and an intricately carved to scale wooden three wheeled motorcycle? This, apparently. Thank my dad for this one–he was driving through Vista, CA on his way home from jury duty and spotted “The …

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Lush "Pow Wow" Lip Scrub)

In lip scrub, Lush, powwow, random appropriation by Adrienne K.11 Comments

It’s been a few months since I posted a “Random Appropriation of the Day”–things that use Native imagery/names/references that are just totally random and don’t necessarily necessitate (necessarily necessitate? ha. I’m leaving it.) an entire wordy post. These “Random Appropriations” are simply to point out how ubiquitous the use of Native imagery is in our everyday lives, and to question …

Random Appropriation of the Day! (JCrew Storefront)

In jcrew, random appropriation, tipi by Adrienne K.6 Comments

Just a quick post for today, check out the tipi in the storefront of JCrew out here on the East Coast. We love to encourage “playing Indian“, right? I’m still pulling together a big post on the major transgressions over at Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, but this is just a preview of what the mainstream fashion scene is doing …

"Indian Run": Offensive?

In Indian Run, palo alto high school, random appropriation by Adrienne K.6 Comments

I’m currently in NorCal (I was presenting at the NAISA conference in Sacramento–our Native Bloggers panel went really well, thanks for all your help!). I went to get a quick lunch in Palo Alto before I headed to the airport, and spotted this sign as I was walking down University Ave. Notice anything weird? The local Lululemon store has a …

Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Native American Teepee for fluffy little critters")

In pets, random appropriation, tipi by Adrienne K.4 Comments

This “Teepee” for your pets has been making the rounds on all sorts of design blogs on the internet in the last week or so. So random. And it’s cardboard, not exactly a plush hangout for your “fluffy little critter”. The description reads: This Tipi, entirely made of recycled corrugated cardboard, distinguishes itself through its innovative design inspired by a …

Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Tiger Lily Teapot")

In fred flare, random appropriation, tiger lily teapot by Adrienne K.7 Comments

Reader Michaela spotted this one while christmas shopping online. Called the “Tiger Lily Teapot”, she sports the awesome stereotypes of braids, a headband, a feather, and “indian” designs and colors. The description (via Fred Flare) reads: This darling lil’ lady is outfitted with a small interior metal steeper and her head becomes the tea cup when you remove her feathered …