Khloe Kardashian in a headdress, again

Khloe Kardashian slammed for posing in feathered American Indian headdress at North West's first birthday partyMany a celebrity has attempted to imitate Native American culture. And unfortunately it rarely ends well... and usually results in a public apology.

But it seems that Khloe Kardashian hasn't learned anything from those who preceded her as she was seen on Saturday posing in a grand Indian Chief feathered headdress.

And although it was all in the name of fun for niece North West's first birthday party--the social media comments made it clear, not everyone could see the funny side of the elaborate costume.

Kidchella was the name given to the festivities and the Kardashian clan along with friends were spoiled rotten with a Coachella-like festival including their very own Ferris wheel and music stage.

Khloe Kardashian Is Getting Heat For This Native American Headdress Photo

Khloe's both scolded and defended in comments

By Althea LegaspiIt looks like Khloe Kardashian didn’t see our “Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wear A Native American Headdress” story, because if she did, she might not be getting heat on Instagram for posting a photo of herself wearing one.

The photo, which she captioned “Ray Of Clouds. Chirping of birds. Gurgling of water. Granted desire. One with water. #kidchella my first Coachella!!!,” has inspired some scolding comments on Instagram.

ei8hty2z wrote, “Appalled & feel so disrespected and I CAN say this because I’m a full blooded Native American! You’re only making yourself look like a fool! Smh……delete your photo. Everything we do and have and live as people has SO MUCH more meaning to it than what it may seem.”

fern_monster had a one-word response to the photo: “Problematic.”

Khloe Kardashian Disrespects Native Culture For North West's B'day PartyKhloe's photo met with criticism from some Instagrammers who found it disrespectful. They were of course slammed by Kardashian fans who feel they should lighten up. It's fair to debate this, but here's something to consider: Khloe's picture has 369,000 likes (and counting); Kylie's has 623,000 likes and counting. Love 'em, hate 'em, or don't care, the fact remains that any little thing the Kardashians do reaches a massive audience. More people consume a Kardashian or Jenner Instagram picture than consume all of the Internet's Native news sources combined. Debate is fair, but hundreds of thousands of Kardashian devotees gleefully shouting down a few Native voices isn't much of a debate.

As celebrities these people have the choice--and one wishes they'd feel some responsibility--not to spread ignorance to followers who will defend them and seek to emulate them. We can't say how many Kardashian fans now think Native Americans meditate in the lotus position, but we'd bet it's more than a few.

Yesterday, Khloe posted the below image to Instagram. Although she did not specifically reference her party costume, it may have been a comment on the controversy--regardless it's a comment on the persecution complex that rich and unthinking celebrities so often feel.

Comment:  None of these articles reported it, but Kardashian family members have stereotyped Indians several times:

Kourtney Kardashian in a headdress
Kardashian's mom hates an "Indian giver"
Khloe Kardashian in a headdress

Clearly the Kardashians and their mother are stupid stereotypers with a racist view of Indians. Indeed, they seem to be proud of their ignorance. So noted.

Kourtney Kardashian in a headdress

Hey Kardashians: Why you so obsessed with me?Another Kardashian transgression to add to the (growing) list: E! Online posted this pic of the Jenner girls with Kourtney Kardashian and Mason, taken at Mason's 2nd birthday party back in December. Looks like they were uber creative and went with a "Cowboys and Indians" theme. Wow. Adding insult to injury is the fact that E! used the headline "Cute Alert!"--I, personally, don't find racial drag "cute." If little Mason and his mama were sporting some blackface, would that be "cute"? (Answer: no. A Cowboys and Indians Party is just as bad as a Blackface Party.)Comment:  For more on the Kardashians, see Khloe Kardashian Thinks She's Native and Khloe Kardashian in a Headdress.

Media covers Jenner's apology

My posting on Kris Jenner's apology for using the phrase "Indian giver" has gained some media traction.

First to report the news was the Perez Hilton gossip website. Alas, it didn't attribute the item to Newspaper Rock, although that was clearly the source. Fortunately, other media outlets had more integrity.

Kris Jenner Apologizes To Native American Community For Indian Giver Comments!The Kardashian Klan just kan't seem to katch a break!

Not only were many members of the public outraged with Kris Jenner's appearance on Good Morning America, on which she spewed a whole lot of reasons why Kim Kardashian's 72 day marriage to Kris Humphries was NOT a joke, but a majority of the Native American community was deeply offended by her usage of the term "Indian Giver" in regards to the soon-to-be-ex taking back his engagement ring!

Publicist Tara J. Ryan sent the reality momager an e-mail asking her to make a public apology for saying such a hurtful thing on national television, as well as daughter Kourtney's Pochahontas costume on the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars, and she replied with the following:

From: "Kris Jenner"
Date: 11/04/2011 06:56 AM
To: "Tara J. Ryan"
Subject: Re: This week's events, some thoughts to ponderThe Daily Shuffle:  Kris Jenner Issues An Apology

By Hannah LawrenceBefore we knew Kim Kardashian was planning on keeping her $2 million engagement ring instead of giving it back to Kris Humphries, Kris Jenner suggested to Lara Spencer on Good Morning America that she hoped her daughter would keep the ring because she "hates Indian Givers." But it looks like she didn't want to take any more crap for her comments because she has since written to Tara Ryan, who's in charge of a Native American arts and entertainment company, and kind of apologized. --Newspaper RockJenner Responds to ‘Indian Giver’ BacklashKris Jenner, momager to the Kardashians, responded to an e-mail request from Tara J. Ryan, who asked her to publicly apologize for using the racist term “Indian giver” during a November 3 episode of Good Morning America.

Ryan, the Chickasaw/Choctaw president and owner of Tiger Lily Co.—a Native American arts and entertainment organization—took the time to contact Jenner directly pointing out not only the racist term but her daughter Kourtney Kardashian’s Pocahontas costume.

“A family of people in this case, specifically two persons, who very publicly on National television in one week, in the very month that is supposed to be a teaching and learning month that is National Native American Heritage month (November) are in a ‘bubble’ of ignorance, especially ridiculous since you are surrounded by so many people of color and your children and late ex-husband are of Armenian descent,” Ryan wrote to Jenner November 3 according to Newspaper Rock. She went on to ask Jenner for a “real, genuine public apology.”

Jenner responded saying she is “truly sorry” and that she “had no intention of hurting or offending anyone.” She chalked up the comment to being put on the spot and said “because of my dry sarcastic personality I was apparently trying to find a bit of levity in a really tough situation.”Comment:  I wouldn't exactly call sending an e-mail "issuing an apology." But I suspect Jenner knew that people would share and report on her message.

For more on the Kardashians, see Khloe Kardashian Thinks She's Native and Khloe Kardashian in a Headdress.

Below:  "Kris Jenner, mother of Kim Kardashian, was interviewed on Fox & Friends Thursday, November 3." (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Jenner responds to "Indian giver" controversy

A correspondent took the time to contact Kris Jenner, the Kardashians' mother, about her "Indian giver" remark. Here's the e-mail and the response:From: "Tara J. Ryan"
Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:40:46 -0400

Dear Ms. Jenner,

As you well know by now, our community and even before you made the tasteless and thoughtless "Indian Giver" comment, are disappointed to say the least with your ignorance and cavalier manner in such public forums with regard to our community.

None of our community members spend their entire days on every single ignorant person in this country, can you imagine for a moment if we did? We'd have no lives and no money to put food on the table, however, this is definitely a teachable moment as I posted on your daughter Kourtney's official page for her awful Live DWTS display of "leather and feather" costume of not just herself, but also of a toddler, her son, your grandchild. I can only imagine your response if someone was making racial and ignorant commentary and public displays that reflected the blood that ran through the veins of your family or any member or your family's ancestry, what your response would be, especially with all the air time at your disposal. What a shame.

Kourtney's personal blog comment "Hi dolls. Please don’t forget to watch Rob tonight on Dancing with the Stars at 8PM on ABC. It’s a special Halloween episode! I’ll be there, Halloween costume and all! Pocahontas is in the building!!"No, Ms. Jenner and Kourtney she [Pocahontas] is not, and was not, as she passed on long ago, having lived a very difficult life.

http://officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com/2011/10/support-rob-tonight-on-dwts/#comments

A family of people in this case, specifically two persons, who very publicly on National television in one week, in the very month that is supposed to be a teaching and learning month that is National Native American Heritage month (November) are in a "bubble" of ignorance, especially ridiculous since you are surrounded by so many people of color and your children and late ex-husband are of Armenian descent.

I can guarantee, based on your own show, that I actually used to watch up through the wedding no less (and am kicking myself for it now) and your family being so "open", with Kim in the beginning of divorce proceedings this week and everything that's going on, you wouldn't be as calm or as classy as our community has responded thus far to this.

At the very least, since you are on the air nearly 24/7 right now and our children, families, etc. can't get away from Kardashian images even when we want to, a real, genuine, public apology is in order, with some in depth explanation as to how your family could possibly be so out of touch given your past and present reality. This is a sooner rather than later, immediate action suggestion. As my experience in PR isn't just because I felt like doing it one day...it's been over 15 years in the making, with high honors and a degree, a family in entertainment and broadcasting from birth, this one isn't going to just "go away".

Just a couple of examples that it won't:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/11/kris-jenner-indan-slammed-largest-native-american-group-controversy-over-her

http://www.theinsider.com/gossip/45886_Say_What_Kris_Jenner_I_Hate_an_Indian_Giver/

There are many more, even and especially from the African American and especially the hip hop community as well, but I've spent enough time on this, you are going to do or not do whatever you wish. It is your choice, as doing greater things for OUR community, is mine.Jenner's responseFrom: "Kris Jenner"
Date: 11/04/2011 06:56 AM
To: "Tara J. Ryan"
Subject: Re: This week's events, some thoughts to ponder

Hi Tara..thank you very much for the very well written note re my careless remarks yesterday on GMA...I am truly sorry if I offended anyone with something I said and I certainly had no intention of hurting or offending anyone...I am probably the least judgmental person you will ever meet, and never would make fun of anyone, of any race....I was asked a question on the spot and because of my dry sarcastic personality I was apparently trying to find a bit of levity in a really tough situation. I was on a book tour in nyc that was booked several months ago and never expected to be thrust into the media storm that occurred but nevertheless would do anything for my kids. obviously not an ideal situation and I'm sorry that careless remark came out of my mouth...I grew up in the 60's and in school it was a silly think kids would say if you took back a gift etc and I'm sure kids never gave it a second thought as to the kind of pain it could cause...but I get it and profusely apologize...I also feel so bad that you take offense of my daughter and grandson and their costumes...I think you can look at something real negative, or the glass half full..I always choose the glass half full because its so much more productive. Kourtney loves fashion and I assure you its a compliment that she is inspired by the indian community and the amazing native style...my grandson wears moccasins almost every day because she likes the way they look...I would look at that at a nod and smile rather than she is trying to poke fun...just another way of looking at it...I am saddened to hear that you might be one of those people who believe everything you read about my daughters decision to separate from her husband. Think about it...obviously something must have happened to have her make this type of decision. I'm sorry you are disappointed but maybe take a step back and use common sense and not judge someone else unless you are walking in their shoes...Just trying to do my best...God Bless you! And thanks for the email..Kris

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TAnalysis

Ryan reflects on the exchange:Kris Jenner

Disgusted and considering the comments made by Ms. Kris Jenner using the phrase "Indian Giver" in reference to Kim not giving back the ring on National Live Broadcast television, then making no public statement that she made any kind of mistake or had any remorse or apology for it, on Thursday, November 3, 2011 I emailed Kris directly to suggest that she do exactly that, and quickly (full emails are below), as it resonates to leave a comment like that just hanging out there in the wide public arena for all to digest and not apologizing just further just solidifying her total lack of knowledge or consideration for the weight of her words on our community, especially our impressionable youth. She responded that the glass should just be seen as "half full" (full comment below).

Kris' comments about Kourtney Kardashian

In the same email, since I was making direct contact, I chose to also broach the subject of Kourtney's appearance, again, on National Live Television on Monday, October 31, 2011 in a "Pocahontas" "costume" and her references to it, as something that she may re-consider doing in the future and use it as a "teachable moment" to try and move forward with more cultural sensitivity for our community, from our Elders through most importantly, our teens and others who may have watched her show. These type of people, ones who aren't exactly fully aware of the resonating affect of their statements and actions, don't have to be perfect, but this set of statements and actions in one week was very telling, especially after receiving her response, dashed on from her Blackberry on Friday morning, November 4, 2011 at 6:56am EST without a thought or care for writing them out, further showing that with her so called "media savvy" how little she truly thinks of our community.

She responded regarding Kourtney and Mason's "costumes" and Kourtney's subsequent postings on her website, etc. (literally passing the ignorance from mother to daughter (Kourtney), and then Kourtney to her son), that just because Kourtney has so much "fashion sense" that her choices should dictate how myself and my community feels about such a "costume" and take it as a nod and a smile, essentially, a compliment. This clearly indicates that she sees nothing wrong with the statements she made, and her daughter's actions, and in fact believes because it's members of her family doing and saying these things that we should somehow be honored.

As you know, with all the posts on Facebook, in Blogs, emails, video responses posted on YouTube calling for her to get educated and publicly apologize (though clearly, as stated below, she wouldn't mean it) made by our community members, that we as a community, do not feel honored.

Though I am normally business only, especially publicly, I feel it's time to make an exception. There are some times when silence is no longer "Golden".

Thanks Rob!

Tara J. Ryan
Tijer Lily Co
A Native American Arts and Entertainment Company
www.TijerLilyCo.comComment:  I'd say Jenner apologized decently for her "Indian giver" remark. Then she undermined it by not acknowledging a worse offense--her daughters dressing as stereotypical Indian chiefs and maidens.

"Glass half full"? There's no positive side to these chief and princess stereotypes. I haven't heard a single Indian say, "Wow, it's great that the Kardashians are falsifying and trivializing our history."

And Kourtney "is inspired by the Indian community"? If the Kardashians know anything other than what a stereotypical chief or maiden looks like, I'd be surprised. If Indians inspire you, try learning something about them. Then try sharing your knowledge rather than ignorance.

For more on the subject, see Sophie Turner's "Poca-Hotness" and Whites Defend "Right" to Be Racist.

Below:  Khloe Kardashian in a headdress.

Kardashian's mom hates "an Indian giver"

The latest offense from the Kardashian clan:

Kris Jenner on Kim's ring:  'I hate an Indian giver'

By Ann OldenburgAmid all the muddy divorce details, there's still the question of that big piece of bling, the engagement ring Kris Humphries gave Kim Karadashian.

It was said to be priced at $2 million, although Kim's mom, Kris Jenner, said in an interview Wednesday it was worth "less than half that."

Now, there's buzz that Humphries has asked for the ring back. Kim hasn't said what she'll do with it, but this morning on Good Morning America, Jenner, on to promote her book, was asked about it.

Her response? "I hate an Indian giver. It's a gift, you know."Some background on the phrase from Indian Country Today:

Kim Kardashian’s Mom ‘Hates an Indian Giver’By 1838, evidence that the term had evolved into a playground insult can be found in the New-York Mirror on June 23 in an article discussing school children: “Among them are distinct species of crimes and virtues. I have seen the finger pointed at the Indian giver. (One who gives a present and demands it back again.)”

The term shows up again in 1860 in John Russell Bartlett’s Dictionary of Americanisms: “When an Indian gives any thing, he expects to receive an equivalent, or to have his gift returned. This term is applied by children to a child who, after having given away a thing, wishes to have it back again.”Adrienne Keene provides more background. Her conclusion:

Kris Jenner uses the term "Indian Giver"Basically, I think we can all agree that it's probably not the best term to use to describe a negative act, considering it stereotypes Indians as deceitful and un-generous (not generous?), which, if you've ever been in a Native community, is about the farthest thing from the truth. Ever heard of giveaways? or potlatches?

The Kardashians don't exactly have an awesome track record with sensitivity towards Native issues. Khloe wore a headdress a few months ago, twice, and for Dancing with the Stars on Halloween, Kourtney (and Mason, her son) wore Indian costumes. Though they claim Native heritage (vomit).NCAI Statement on Kris Jenner’s Use of ‘Indian Giver’ Calls for Observance of Native American Heritage MonthJacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, has released the following statement on Kris Jenner’s use of the phrase “Indian giver” on Good Morning America:Once again American Indians and Alaska Natives have been misrepresented by a single misinformed statement. Native American people serve in our country’s military at disproportionate rates, are respected business leaders, citizens of the United States, members of Congress, professional athletes, musicians, teachers and active participants in civic life.

The phrase “Indian giving” is wrong and hurtful. The cultural values of Native Americans are based on giving unconditionally and empowering those around them. Instead this cultural value is forgotten when negative stereotyping of Native people occurs.

November is Native American Heritage Month and this moment calls for a reflection on the contributions of America’s first peoples to this great country. There are over 5 million US citizens identified as American Indians or Alaska Natives and 565 federally recognized tribal nations. This November we’re focused on celebrating 1.7 million Native youth under the age of 18 that face many challenges. There are many hopeful solutions and we invite the Jenner and Kardashian family to join with the country in learning more during Native American Heritage Month.Comment:  For more on the Kardashians, see Khloe Kardashian Thinks She's Native and Khloe Kardashian in a Headdress. For more on "Indian giver," see Indians = Philanthropists, Not Socialists and Simpson Really an Indian?

Below:  Kris Jenner on Good Morning America.

Khloe Kardashian thinks she's Native

Blogger Adrienne Keene tackles Khloe Kardashian again in her Native Appropriations blog:

No Khloe, I do not like your "tribal look"Our dear friend Khloe Kardashian is back at her dress up antics. Remember back in October when she tweeted a picture of her wearing a headdress? Well this week she stepped it up a bit and posted a picture from a professional photo shoot with a huge war bonnet.The accompanying tweet read: "What do you guys think of my tribal look?"

Well Khloe, I think it contributes to the continued stereotyping of Native peoples, relegates us to a "fantasy" or "dress up" character like a wizard or a clown, contributes to the sexualization of Native women, takes something sacred and meaningful and makes it a cheap commodity, and just overall gives me the sads.The following was a typical response:*headdesk* Infuriating. Unsurprising. Disgusting. Adding insult to injury, she has to call it her "tribal look." Arrrgh.Comment:  Someone named Jennifer asked Kardashian about this on Twitter. Kardishian's response:@icraprainbows That's rude! You think I don't know? I'm native american and VERY proud of it. You have no idea! Don't judge b4 u know!To which Jennifer responded:@ForeverKhloe right and if you are a "proud" native then you of all people should know better.So Khloe thinks she's an American Indian? And she thinks there's a valid reason for a Hollywood starlet to wear a chief's headdress? I'd love to hear her explain how she knows more about the subject than innumerable Natives.

Kardashian's response seems to be based on DNA results that show she's 3% Native American:Khloé Alexandra Odom (née Kardashian) was born in California. She is of Armenian descent through her father, attorney Robert Kardashian, and of Scottish-Dutch descent through her mother, Kris Jenner (née Houghton). On a March 2010 episode of Lopez Tonight, a DNA test result showed Khloe and sister Kim to be 97% European and 3% Native American.Is that all she's got? If she thinks 3% Native blood makes her Native or entitles her to wear a headdress, she's even more ignorant than I thought.

For more Indian wannabe celebrities, see Rachel Zoe as an "Indian Warrior," Kathy Griffin in a Headdress, and Paris Hilton as a Sexy Indian.

Khloe Kardashian in a headdress

Adrienne Keene notes this item in her Native Appropriations blog:

Oh no, Khloe Kardashian.Khloe Kardashian just posted this picture to her twitter, with the caption "I love playing dress up!"

If you can stomach it, read the comments. They're already playing the "omg get over it stop being so sensitive it's just a hat!" game.

Comment:  I'm not necessarily posting every pic of a celebrity in a headdress. But her comment expresses the problem perfectly. Kardashian doesn't care the slightest about real Indians. She isn't honoring or acknowledging them. She doesn't belong to some vague "world tribe" she just made up. Nothing like the half-assed defenses some hipster wannabes have offered.

No, she just likes "playing dress up." To her, an Indian is nothing more than someone with a funny hat. Anyone can become an Indian just by putting on a Halloween costume. In Kardashian's mind, Indians have no distinct history, culture, or religion. They're just people who do colorful and strange things: dancing, whooping, painting their faces, and dressing up in costumes.

Like other hipsters in headdresses, she's perpetuating the stereotype of Indians as primitive people of the past. If you told her Indians were dead and gone, I bet she'd agree. If you told her her agent, make-up artist, or bodyguard might be an Indian, she'd probably look at you like a slack-jawed idiot. If she doesn't see any buckskin-clad savages around her, they don't exist.

For more celebrities in headdresses, see Cher in a Headdress and Kiowa Gordon in a Headdress. For what it means, see Indian Wannabes = Celebrity Wannabes. For why it's wrong, see The "Honor" of a Plains Chief and Stereotypes Okay in "Cultural Commons"?