My sister re-discovered the joys of beach paddle ball when she was on her senior trip to Myrtle Beach, and since I’m home visiting my parents in San Diego for a couple of weeks, we dug around in the garage to see if we still had an old set. Lo and behold, not only did we have an ancient (and …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (Daufuski Korean Oysters)
Chrissy, one of my Twitter followers, came across this can of Korean Oysters while shopping at her local grocery store (I believe in Alabama?). From what I can gather with a quick google search, Dafuskie (with an “e”) Island in South Carolina used to be a big oyster producing area. But this website gives us this additional piece of Dafuskie …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (Eagle Medicine Woman Ball-Jointed Doll)
Reader Dawn spotted this beauty through a Facebook ad, and just like our other fabulous Facebook find (the “Spirit Guides” tomahawk), it comes from the company “Collectibles Today.” Ready for the description? “With her Medicine Wheel and her eagle spirit guide, she has the power to bring protection and healing to her people. The Eagle Medicine Woman alone can unlock …
Disney Appropriation–"Injun Donald"
One of these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn’t belong…let’s see: Minnie Mouse, Tom Sawyer’s Island, Fantasmic Logo…In’jun Donald?! Reader Audra sent over this image, taken at Disneyland, of the side of the penny-stretching machine (remember those? you stick a penny and like 50 cents in, and get a smooshed penny with a souvenir design …
Random Appropriation of the Day ("Navajo Bronze" Hair Dye)
Apparently Clairol has a color of their “Natural Instincts” line called “Navajo Bronze”–a “light caramel brown”. Of course, since Clariol wants you to think that this line of hair dye is “natural” and stuff, they have to use Natives for marketing, since we’re all tied to nature and pure and whatever else they think. Frustrating. Amazon listing: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E5EC4A/?tag=botkrajai-20 (Thanks Scott!)
Vince Vaughn Encourages Cultural Appropriation (well, sort of)
(image source) Vince Vaughn is shooting a new movie called “Cheating Hearts,” and apparently some scenes take place at a Chicago Blackhawks game. The casting agency put a call out for extras–“Blackhawk fans”–and some of the participants were a little overly enthusiastic with the Blackhawks “regalia” (like the pair above). ReelChicago.com describes the casting call: An estimated 1,100 persons eager …
Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Spirit Guides" Tomahawk)
Feast your eyes upon the “Spirit Guides Native American Style Tomahawk Replica” from a company called “Collectibles Today.” In case its use was unclear, it’s a wall hanging. duh. Besides the obvious stereotypes–tomahawk, wolves, feathers, beading, connection to the mystical, etc, you MUST read the description: Be guided by the wolf’s commanding spirit and remarkable courage with this awe-inspiring sculptural …
Ivy League Graduation Appropriation
Sunday was “Class Day” at an Ivy League university, and I sat with 5 of my family members, watching my little sister graduate. Class Day tradition at this school dictates students wear “funny hats” along with their graduation robes (the traditional mortar boards are saved for commencement the next day). As I waited for my sister to enter through the …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (International Pow Wow)
I was browsing twitter trending topics this afternoon, and saw that #powwow was a trending topic–way far down, but still! So I investigated, only to find out that none of the posts had anything to do with any powwow I had ever attended. Apparently this weekend was the 39th annual “Orlando International Pow Wow,” a travel trade show. read the …
Random Appropriation of the Day! (Plastic Indian Necklace)
Another great find from regretsy.com (a blog that combs etsy.com for weird and hilarious postings). This masterpiece was included in their “Top 10 Horrible Necklaces,” and awesomely titled “Dances with Plastic.” Beyond the ridiculousness of the necklace itself, we have the description: “I love the native american culture”? right. He’s “hunting…perhaps for dinner. or lunch.”? awesome. But let’s also point out: …