Liverpool High football fans crossed the line with depictions of Native Americans(Editorial)
Despite the resounding public anger and being an LHS graduate, I happen to agree with the criticism. I believe that inappropriate cultural representation in modern society is an important topic to have a frank dialogue about. The taking of certain elements of a minority culture without permission also referred to Cultural appropriation, can often times reinforce harmful stereotypes and disrespect a culture's unique traditions.
Wearing a Native American headdress is a negative and common example of cultural appropriation in our society. To fully grasp why it is offensive we must first understand its significance within Native tradition. The feathered headdress or War Bonnet is primarily associated with the Great Plains tribes of the Midwest region, it is generally worn by male warriors and chiefs. A War Bonnet traditionally consists of tail feathers from an eagle, an animal associated with protection than holds large spiritual significance within their customs. Each feather represents a specific honored act; warriors would earn feathers from combat and chefs from doing positive deeds within their community.
Wearing a Native American headdress is a negative and common example of cultural appropriation in our society. To fully grasp why it is offensive we must first understand its significance within Native tradition. The feathered headdress or War Bonnet is primarily associated with the Great Plains tribes of the Midwest region, it is generally worn by male warriors and chiefs. A War Bonnet traditionally consists of tail feathers from an eagle, an animal associated with protection than holds large spiritual significance within their customs. Each feather represents a specific honored act; warriors would earn feathers from combat and chefs from doing positive deeds within their community.
A Non-Native wearing a traditional headdress is the equivalent to wearing a medal received by a service member without their permission. Imagine someone wearing a fake Congressional Medal of Honor simply for the aesthetic, it would be an obvious disrespect to veterans. There are certain portions of various cultures that are socially restricted to outsiders, all too often unfortunately, people cross these lines. I honestly believe that many of the Liverpool students meant no disrespect by their actions.
Sometimes it may be difficult to avoid these situations entirely, but it is important to be willing to alter future behavior when it comes to light that a certain practice is considered offensive. There are some that hold the belief that people have lately become oversensitive, I personally disagree with this idea. I believe that we have reached a point in society and technology where previously invisible groups finally have a voice to express their ongoing struggles.
Some individuals also argue that the majority should not have to change because of a few people being upset. To this I say, imagine being at a party with all of your closest friends, one of those friends tells you that a joke you just told genuinely hurt their feelings. In this situation the polite thing to would be to apologize and avoid using the joke in the future out of respect to your friend.
I strongly feel that each person deserves this same respect, especially those who are part of a group that has been historically oppressed and abused. The United States is a land of stunning diversity and intricate cultural exchange; this wonderful mix certainly enriches all of our lives when it is done with respect. In my opinion, we all should explore different cultures but with the mentality that we are a guest into their way of life.
Sometimes it may be difficult to avoid these situations entirely, but it is important to be willing to alter future behavior when it comes to light that a certain practice is considered offensive. There are some that hold the belief that people have lately become oversensitive, I personally disagree with this idea. I believe that we have reached a point in society and technology where previously invisible groups finally have a voice to express their ongoing struggles.
Some individuals also argue that the majority should not have to change because of a few people being upset. To this I say, imagine being at a party with all of your closest friends, one of those friends tells you that a joke you just told genuinely hurt their feelings. In this situation the polite thing to would be to apologize and avoid using the joke in the future out of respect to your friend.
I strongly feel that each person deserves this same respect, especially those who are part of a group that has been historically oppressed and abused. The United States is a land of stunning diversity and intricate cultural exchange; this wonderful mix certainly enriches all of our lives when it is done with respect. In my opinion, we all should explore different cultures but with the mentality that we are a guest into their way of life.
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