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 …
Hoya Hoya, Cultural Appropriation! Or Why Suburban White Folks Shouldn’t Play Indian
A few weeks ago I was home visiting my family in southern California, and went to my local YMCA with my sister to work out. They’ve done a lot of remodeling since the last time I was there, including adding oversize (like 4 feet tall) photos on the walls of staff, kids, members, and events. Most of them are nice, …
Random Appropriation of the Day! ("100 Secret Indian Prophecies")
Reader Winter Fox sent this over–apparently there are 100 secret Indian Prophecies (that will change your life forever!) out there, and The Sun has tracked them down. So exciting! We all know that every Indian is a magical shaman with mystical powers, so I’m glad The Sun has finally recognized that fact. ha. Also, note that it’s right above “Elvis …
Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Native American Teepee for fluffy little critters")
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")
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 …
Random Appropriation of the Day ("Friend Tire" Truck)
Going with the theme of Indians on the back of trucks/buses established in our discussion of Trans-Bridge’s mascot yesterday, I thought I would share this image sent over by Bethany, spotted in Memphis, TN. At least it’s not “Savage Tire”? or “Enemy Tire”? (Thanks Bethany!)
Random Appropriation of the Day (Miller Tomahawk Beer Tap)
(listing here) Reader Leah passed this one over via Facebook, it’s an Ebay listing for a “Miller TOMAHAWK Beer Tap Handle”. I’m guessing the whole concept here was Miller–American Beer–“Real American”–Indians. Or something like that. I’m also a fan of the labeling: “Tomahawk…Peace Pipe…War Ax.” Um, I’d say “Peace Pipe” might be the outlier there. Here’s the listing on Ebay: …
Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Money House Blessing" Air Freshener?)
One of the things I love most about having this blog is getting Random Appropriations from my friends as they go about their lives all over the world. Last week I got a text message from my friend Shane in Taipei showing an “aboriginal” cartoon at the airport, my friend Steven sent me some great ones as he drove cross …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (Totem Cups)
(source) I initially didn’t have much to say about these “Totem Cups” by designer Rob Southcott–they’re cups. That look like a totem pole. Oh, but they are made in the land of many great Native appropriations: China. Southcott is a Toronto-based artist, and his pieces seem to incorporate a lot of the natural world with “functionality”. Lots of driftwood looking …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (Crate & Barrel "Hogan" Rug)
Another Random Appropriation courtesy of my parent’s house in San Diego. My mom got some beautiful new rugs for our bathroom from the Crate & Barrel outlet, and I don’t know if you can read it, but this style of rug is called a “Hogan” rug. Still missing the Native connection? This is a Hogan: (image source) Hogans are the …