DEPICTIONS LIKE THIS ARE HURTFUL.
Cultural appropriation is not beautiful.This is not an appropriate way in which to explore and celebrate your heritage.
WAR BONNETS ARE NOT A FASHION STATEMENT.
Here’s a quick checklist for whether it’s ok to wear a war bonnet:
Was it placed onto your head by an elder/legitimate authority figure from a select number of plains nations because you personally achieved something so great that it is worthy of that kind of honor? (corrolary: If yes to the above, are you currently wearing it in an appropriate ceremonial fashion/setting? Like are you at a powwow or speaking with the president?)
If you answered ‘no’ then IT IS NOT OK.
The depiction of ‘Native Costume’ type outfits in sexy photo shoots it its own kind of problematic: Native women are 3.5 times more likely to be raped. (80% of those rapes are committed by non-native rapists). The depiction of Native women as hyper sexual and the appropriation of a romanticized depiction of Native attire for additional sexyness in a photo perpetuates this.
Please don’t take pictures like this. Please don’t reblog pictures like this.
