July 05, 2012

Trail of Tears fireworks

Someone posted this photo of a box of fireworks on Reddit, and Native Appropriations reposted it.

Making light of, trivializing, and commercializing the Trail of Tears are the obvious problems here. The subtle problem is deciphering the connection between the fleeing Cherokees, the fireworks product, and the "30 Shots" slogan.

The message I'm getting is, "Ignite the fireworks and watch the flaming balls shoot. Scary and powerful enough to send savages fleeing." As if forcing people to run is a desirable outcome--a reason to celebrate.

For more on trivializing the Trail of Tears, see "Mail of Tears" and "Trail of Tears" Halloween Costume.

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