Sunday, 26 August 2012
Here is an image of my latest painting titled 1. 2. 3. which illustrates only some of the stereotypes that are relevant in Pop Culture today.
This painting was inspired by a personal experience. During a concert I attended with 3 of my close friends. Two of my friends (both Ojibwe I think) were speaking to a young man. I came strolling up at the wrong time because he was just pointing out how one of them was like Pocahontas. He continued on "Oh and so are you!" (referring to my other friend) and when he noticed me... "And you too!... It's Pocahontas one two and three!" All I could here in the back of my head was ♫ One little, two little three little Indians...
Here are some of the stereotypes I chose to highlight in this painting:
1. The Indian Headband. These were created in order to hold wigs on non Aboriginal actors during filming of classic westerns. http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/story.cfm?content=165304
2. The Skimpy Buckskin Dress. As seen on Pocahontas and found in many costume stores promote the sexualization of First Nation women. http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.ca/2010/06/nudie-neon-indian-stage-crashers-and.html
3. The Crying Indian. As played by Iron Eyes Cody a Sicilian man. Although the message is relevant the stereotype is not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM
4. The Misrepresentation of the Headdress. The headdress is unique to the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota people, and it is also a symbol of respect which should be honoured. Now a days I can't ignore the slews of people running around with headdress they bought off eBay and drinking themselves to sweet oblivion. Just stop. http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.ca/2010/04/but-why-cant-i-wear-hipster-headdress.html
All these strengthen the idea that all First Nation people are the same and fall under the term pan-indian. Each Nation is unique and carry values that should be payed the respect they deserve. Instead we're severely mislead by Pop Culture and the media. It's time to start identifying these and many other stereotypes to prevent even the most innocent forms of racism. This is simply the start.
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| I will replace this with a better photo soon. |
Here are some of the stereotypes I chose to highlight in this painting:
1. The Indian Headband. These were created in order to hold wigs on non Aboriginal actors during filming of classic westerns. http://www.nowtoronto.com/movies/story.cfm?content=165304
2. The Skimpy Buckskin Dress. As seen on Pocahontas and found in many costume stores promote the sexualization of First Nation women. http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.ca/2010/06/nudie-neon-indian-stage-crashers-and.html
3. The Crying Indian. As played by Iron Eyes Cody a Sicilian man. Although the message is relevant the stereotype is not. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM
4. The Misrepresentation of the Headdress. The headdress is unique to the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota people, and it is also a symbol of respect which should be honoured. Now a days I can't ignore the slews of people running around with headdress they bought off eBay and drinking themselves to sweet oblivion. Just stop. http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.ca/2010/04/but-why-cant-i-wear-hipster-headdress.html
All these strengthen the idea that all First Nation people are the same and fall under the term pan-indian. Each Nation is unique and carry values that should be payed the respect they deserve. Instead we're severely mislead by Pop Culture and the media. It's time to start identifying these and many other stereotypes to prevent even the most innocent forms of racism. This is simply the start.
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