Yes, I know this Indian wouldn't be as dramatic as a Plains chief in full regalia. He'd probably be nearly naked, wearing a loincloth only. How would that play on national TV?
But you could actually honor his heritage with some items from (duh) his heritage. A hut or sweat lodge. An intricately woven basket. A grinding stone. Rock art. (See my pictures of a reconstructed Luiseño village for inspiration.)
A few giant baskets against a wall of rock art would make a nice display. Compare this to the bears and trees on the actual float. What do these things have to do with Indian heritage?
Writerfella here --
ReplyDeleteBut -- but -- but -- how does the theme 'Passport To The World's Celebrations' suddenly get limited only to California? Maybe it would be as logical to have grabbed the first Native seen walking the streets of Culver City and put him on the float! Per exemplum, writerfella lived there in Culver City when he first moved to L.A. in 1969, so it wouldn't be impossible, just illogical...
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
If Farmers thought an Indian embodied a "Passport to the World's Celebrations," why a Plains Indian and not a California Indian? There's no good reason for that choice. My choice makes more sense for the reasons I gave.
ReplyDeleteTo me, "passport" suggests someone who actually conveys Indian beliefs and positions to the world at large. That would mean someone like Arvol Looking Horse or Winona LaDuke. Or even Russell Means. It wouldn't mean a Plains chief from 150 years ago who doesn't represent today's Indians.
Farmers gave us a rationale of sorts when it titled the float "Celebrating Our Rich Heritage." It implied that all Indians = Plains Indians living in the Wild West. But as we know, that isn't true.
In other words, it's a stereotype and I criticized it as such. The misguided float is going straight into the Stereotype of the Month contest for January, where it'll serve as a permanent example of stereotyping. Too bad, Farmers...better luck next time.
Writerfella here --
ReplyDeleteIn which case, writerfella hopes you have your auto insurance with GEICO or even AARP. Since Farmers abandoned thousands of New Orleans householders, they wouldn't hesitate to say your next head-on collision was but a mere 'fender-bender...'
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
My auto insurance is with State Farm. I'm not old enough for AARP--at least for another few weeks. But even if Farmers handled my insurance, I'd still criticize them.
ReplyDelete