I agree about the headdresses…love the blog for the most part, especially the great tutorials (making a hex nut bracelet right now, actually!) but the thing about headdresses is…they aren’t fashion statements or props for photos. Here are some really great posts on the subject.
Here’s the thing that headdresses make me wonder about (these days): are there other religious/cultural items that are “off limits,” as it were, for fashion? As much as I enjoy this look, I avoid it; too fraught an issue here in the US. Doesn’t seem to be as taboo in Europe, perhaps because genocide on others’ soil feels like ancient history?
(Outi at outsapop once pointed out, in the comments generated by her own post of a blonde white girl in a headdress with face paint smoking a cig, that she doesn’t participate in the soviet kitsch trend of late because her grandfather fought the Soviets for Finnish freedom, etc.)
I look at headdresses the way I look at mohawks, dreadlocks, Tibetan prayer flags and other things that are part of rituals and spiritualities of cultures of which I am not a part.
And I don’t know that I’d say genocide feels like ancient history to everyone in Europe. Plenty of people remember WWII and fascism is, once again, on the rise in parts of Europe.
It’s such a difficult debate. Fashion appropriates so much, and some of it seems considerably less offensive than other things. Headdresses are just so.. Blatant?
perhaps my language was unclear. I’m not invoking genocide as an abstract, generalized concept. I think we’re all pretty aware that genocide exists. However, I said that we have a tendency to forget “genocide on others’ soil,” as in specific genocides that took place “elsewhere,” sooner than we do genocides that take place on our own soil.
Many Europeans I’ve met don’t honestly have these PC-or-not discussions about headdresses that we do. This is our genocide. In fact, I admit that I was shocked when intelligent, thoughtful Czechs were delighted to learn that a real, live “Red Indian” was sitting at dinner with them (this was in 2009). At this same dinner, a British man and woman actually asked me to turn in profile so that they could see my ethnic heritage in my face – they pointed out the hook in my nose and my high cheekbones. These people weren’t ignorant or uncultured; I think that distance is a great insulator, however. I am just saying that we have to take these things into consideration, and perhaps reflect on what appropriations of our own might be offensive?
For example, you invoke WWII, but overlook not the Armenian genocide. Is it okay, then, to wear vintage Turkish military regalia these days? We are, after all, having a military-trend in our fashions – but in a particular context, this would be supremely offensive – and I think every bit as blatant as a headdress.
These photos are beautiful recognition of Native American art and I love them! Real works of art, along with the accessories shot in them. Good find! More leather jewelry and purses at the link below…
Gorgeous. Those blue pants, wow.
Collections & Shopbop GIVEAWAY
Loving the cowboy/indian influences in your blog! LOVE it!
Just a Silhouette
what a great influence. i love the pictures.they are so vibrant and full of color.
xx, http://wordbyjessie.com
OMG now I want a headdress!!
I can never get too much blue, I have a bluebird hair feather extension I made inspired by blue feathers like in that headdress.. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69794737/beautiful-bluebird-long-hair-feathers
Great pants and bag. She works that headdress.
Still with the head dresses?
Racism isn’t interesting or okay.
It is, apparently, still hip and fashionable.
Wow, I’m like, so totally surprised.
I agree about the headdresses…love the blog for the most part, especially the great tutorials (making a hex nut bracelet right now, actually!) but the thing about headdresses is…they aren’t fashion statements or props for photos. Here are some really great posts on the subject.
aaah, the beauty of blue…and feathers.
new follower. love what you do, thank you.
gorgeous. I particularly like the first shot.
Here’s the thing that headdresses make me wonder about (these days): are there other religious/cultural items that are “off limits,” as it were, for fashion? As much as I enjoy this look, I avoid it; too fraught an issue here in the US. Doesn’t seem to be as taboo in Europe, perhaps because genocide on others’ soil feels like ancient history?
(Outi at outsapop once pointed out, in the comments generated by her own post of a blonde white girl in a headdress with face paint smoking a cig, that she doesn’t participate in the soviet kitsch trend of late because her grandfather fought the Soviets for Finnish freedom, etc.)
Any thoughts?
I look at headdresses the way I look at mohawks, dreadlocks, Tibetan prayer flags and other things that are part of rituals and spiritualities of cultures of which I am not a part.
And I don’t know that I’d say genocide feels like ancient history to everyone in Europe. Plenty of people remember WWII and fascism is, once again, on the rise in parts of Europe.
It’s such a difficult debate. Fashion appropriates so much, and some of it seems considerably less offensive than other things. Headdresses are just so.. Blatant?
I want the bag…….great pictures!
http://www.thoughtsofawildchild.com/
dear …
perhaps my language was unclear. I’m not invoking genocide as an abstract, generalized concept. I think we’re all pretty aware that genocide exists. However, I said that we have a tendency to forget “genocide on others’ soil,” as in specific genocides that took place “elsewhere,” sooner than we do genocides that take place on our own soil.
Many Europeans I’ve met don’t honestly have these PC-or-not discussions about headdresses that we do. This is our genocide. In fact, I admit that I was shocked when intelligent, thoughtful Czechs were delighted to learn that a real, live “Red Indian” was sitting at dinner with them (this was in 2009). At this same dinner, a British man and woman actually asked me to turn in profile so that they could see my ethnic heritage in my face – they pointed out the hook in my nose and my high cheekbones. These people weren’t ignorant or uncultured; I think that distance is a great insulator, however. I am just saying that we have to take these things into consideration, and perhaps reflect on what appropriations of our own might be offensive?
For example, you invoke WWII, but overlook not the Armenian genocide. Is it okay, then, to wear vintage Turkish military regalia these days? We are, after all, having a military-trend in our fashions – but in a particular context, this would be supremely offensive – and I think every bit as blatant as a headdress.
These photos are beautiful recognition of Native American art and I love them! Real works of art, along with the accessories shot in them. Good find! More leather jewelry and purses at the link below…
christijay.etsy.com
Seriously?
SERIOUSLY?
The headress trend needs to die, now. Unimaginably offensive.