Appaloosa Horse Club in Rose Parade

Another Rose Parade, another stereotypical display of "Indians."



Apparently the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club dressed as (their idea of) Nez Perce Indians to honor the Nez Perce history with Appaloosas. A Facebook video shows a 15-second snippet of their ride. Here are some photos taken from the video.
And an album of photos from an Old Spanish Days ride on August 7 of last year. Which may have been a precursor to the Rose Parade ride.

According to those who contacted the club, none of the riders were Native. Most dressed as stereotypical chiefs and maidens in "leathers and feathers," although a few women wore Nez Perce-style hats.



A behind-the-scenes photo makes it clearer that these people are dressing in wigs and makeup--i.e., redface. As someone wrote to the Tournament of Roses:We HATED the disgusting display of the fake Indian "performers" put on by the Calizona Appaloosa Horse Club during the Rose Parade yesterday. In 2016 you would think that educated people would know better than to make a mockery of a sacred culture by donning ridiculous wigs, face paint and fake sacred regalia. This was such an ugly insult to Native Americans. It's most disturbing and disappointing that an organization such as the Rose Parade would actually INVITE these buffoons to prance around in their caricature costumes and expect Native American people to feel "honored" by that. Please issue an apology and omit this ignorant group of people from the 2017 Rose Parade roster. Otherwise, it will be evident that the Tournament of Roses is run by supporters of racism and ignorance. Thank you.

Finally, the Nez Perce denied they gave the horse club any sort of permission or approval:

Nez Perce Did Not Give Horse Club Blessing to Play Indian at Rose Parade, Tribe Says

Oops. For more on stereotypical parades, see Debating an "Arab" Parade Float and Columnist Defends Mummers Parade.

Debating an "Arab" parade float

Facebook friend Brad posted a 2013 photo of an "Arab" float in a St. Patrick's Day parade. He added a caption:Like the original Irish emigrants to America--old white men pretending to be Arabs.



My immediate response: That's racist.

This led to an interesting debate with Brad and Cx. Brad spoke up early:Oh, that's not even the worst of it. Unfortunately I totally missed getting a photo of the float with two white women dressed as "black" basketball players!And then Cx and I were off to the races, beginning with her comment:And what, people can't satirize anymore without someone getting butt-hurt somewhere? Is theater dead then? Are red-nosed big-shoed clowns a stereotype too? Don't tell the thespians. It's a parade for cripes sake. Oh wait, no offense to the cripes. Have their people call my people. Keep pushing the word racism in the wrong context, it looses its meaning in the right contexts.One, I doubt anyone intended this to be a satire. Two, no, you can't satirize an entire ethnic group. Unless you're a member of that group, maybe, or the group as a whole has abused its power.

So you're saying there are contexts where racism is acceptable? Hell, no.There are contexts--theatrics as storytelling being one--in which apparel items and set design items are inherent in the telling of the story. People of other races can't portray each other without the label of racism? "Group that has abused its power" being a variable, and one of opinion.

Justifying when (and how) portrayal, parody or even sincere attempts to tell a story & use of items in the telling is not the answer to ending racism, if that's your goal. The old adage: *The honor of one is the honor of all.*Defending and justifying racism by making up a label such as "parody" or "satire" isn't the answer either. If the so-called parody isn't obvious, it doesn't exist except in the racists' minds.

Doing nothing except applauding racism like this example certainly won't do anything to end the scourge. My critiques are far more likely to do the trick.

"Art" excuses racism?

Theatrics or storytelling for what purpose? The purpose is the context. If it's to educate or enlighten, maybe. If it's merely to entertain by parading racism, literally, so observers will laugh at the funny nonwhite people...again, no.

So you're in favor of people in minstrel shows performing in blackface? Because that's exactly the same thing.

"People of other races can't portray each other without the label of racism?" Depends on the context and purpose. If it's to portray people falsely, with stereotypes, no. That's almost always unacceptable.

Perhaps you need to (re)read the documented harm of stereotyping as proved in psychology studies. Here you go:

The Harm of Native Stereotyping: Facts and Evidence

As one recent example of the harm, the "savage Indian" stereotype promoted by hipsters in headdresses tells Americans that tribal courts are unfair and violence against Native women is to be expected. Hence the conservatives' unwillingness to pass VAWA.You implying what I'm "saying" rather than focusing on what I'm questioning for the PURPOSE of questioning isn't necessary, Your responses are sufficient rather than implying what I mean. But your page, your pic, have at it.I addressed what you said and what you implied. If you think I got something wrong, feel free to address that point. Until you do, I'd say my interpretation stands.

Yes or no: This performance is equivalent to a minstrel show in blackface. If no, how is it different?The survey you link above being relevant to American Indian stereotypes specifically, can we keep the focus on THIS photo please? I don't know that it's satire, that's one assumption, but being I wasn't there and have never talked to these people to learn their intent, did you or Brad ask them?You're the one who wrote: "Keep pushing the word racism in the wrong context." This isn't the wrong context, it's the right context. You're mistaken if you think otherwise, and I've explained why.

If you have to ask someone if their racism is "satire," the satire has failed. If the satire isn't evident to observers, it doesn't exist except in the satirists' minds.

As I've explained dozens of times, the outcome is what matters, not the intent. People who malign women or gays or minorities don't get a free pass because they didn't "intend" to insult people. If they committed the offense, they're responsible regardless of what they intended.

P.S. Any research specific to Native stereotypes obviously applies to other minorities. More important, it's the tip of the iceberg. There's much more research about the harm to other minorities that I didn't cite.

Don't need no intentThis is a still photo. Without knowing the context or the persons' intent(s), you call it racism. Did you think to ask a person--better yet, take a survey of many (as opinions within a racial group vary)--from this way of dressing if they believe this is racism? Or are you the arbitrary the decider of racism in America, Rob?Intent is irrelevant. You don't understand racism and stereotyping if you think they exist only when people intend them to exist. Try again.

Again, their opinions on what they were doing are irrelevant. What matters is the outcome.

Is this a fair and accurate portrayal of Arabs or Muslims as a whole? If not, it's stereotypical. If they're singling out Arabs or Muslims for this treatment, it's racist.

Still waiting for an answer to my blackface question.

Every American can and should decide what's racist and speak out when something obviously is. If a person doesn't, she's part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Same as if they see a rape happening in Steubenville or on a military base. Those boys didn't mean to hurt anyone, and neither did those soldiers. Shall we give them a pass because of their intent?"Try again" I often see you do this when your point becomes validly challenged and you attempt to make your opinion right over the other person. "The outcome" to whom? See, that assigning of whose effects are important (and decisive) and whose are not--now there's a clue!You haven't "validly challenged" anything. I've raised a dozen legitimate points and I'm not seeing your answer to any of them. What are you waiting for, an invitation? Answer the blackface question, for starters.I say I have validly challenged. Now who gets to be the decider? Opinion leaders? Isn't this fun? :-)Challenging questions with questions such as "the outcome to whom?" is the weakest sort of debate tactic. It's what pathetic people do when they don't have any arguments of their own. "The evidence supports evolution or climate change? Says whom?"

Yes or no: Is this performance equivalent to a minstrel show in blackface?

Yes or no: Is this a fair and accurate portrayal of Arabs or Muslims as a whole?

Yes or no: We should judge military rapes by whether the rapists intended to cause harm?Questions means I don't have an answer--yet. And therefore I reserve judgement and labeling until I know more. I don't see a debate to be won or lost here, Rob, I see an exchange of opinions. In your opinion, these folks dressed as they are in the context of a parade is racism, is that correct?You stated that this is the "wrong context" in which to attack or judge racism. That's not a question, it's a judgment.

Yes, this performance is racist. I wasn't kidding when I wrote that in my first comment.Yes, in my opinion, which at this time in this context I am voicing, calling or labeling this racism--judging simply on this being people of one race portraying another--without you being an "opinion leader" or whatever representative (debatable) of persons of this type of dress or culture is the wrong context, that's correct, you heard me right.Brad chimes in

Finally Brad returned to the debate:I'll happily be the "opinion leader"!

I would concur that you have to consider "intent", however not at the expense of "result". I think the rape example is a poor one, because while intent can serve as a mitigating factor the end result is always unquestionably harm. With racism that's considerably more of a gray area.

I think it's possible for one race to portray another in the context of education, performance art, or historical commentary without necessarily being racist. So I would say that's a point for Cx's argument on the issue. One example would be if a theater company in Norway were putting on a production of Othello, I wouldn't expect them to hunt down a black actor capable of playing the part. So it would probably be forgivable if they put an actor in blackface even though it wouldn't be absolutely necessary.

In this example, however, I think I'd have to side with Rob because the intent clearly doesn't meet the standard of being educational or informative. Nor are these people "satirizing" Arab culture. I think the comparison in this case to the "borrowing" of Native American culture is a good one. These people are pretty clearly lampooning Arab dress for their own purpose. I wouldn't put it on the same level as someone stereotyping, such as portraying an Arab as a crazy terrorist, but I would probably say it's on par with white people dressing in inaccurate Native attire and holding a pow wow. ;-)

Here's some factual background to consider:

Abdallah Shrine: A Brief History

ShrinersCx responded:Oh lookie, it's Brad. Yea well who the heck asked your opinion buddy? Oh it's your pic on Rob's wall haha ok seriously. So we have context here, Brad, this a group of Shriners, an organization whose purpose or effect is fundraising for its support of children's hospitals, is that correct?Stereotypes can be positive (Asians are brains), neutral (blacks like watermelon), or negative. This example is closer to neutral than negative, but it's still stereotypical.

"Arabs are terrorists" or "Indians are savages" is negative. "Arabs ride camels" or "Indians wear feathers" is neutral. But again, all these claims are stereotypical.

And if you persist in making these claims after you've been informed of the facts, I'd say they're racist too.

As for Brad's claim, I thought I said portraying a different ethnic group may be acceptable in certain circumstances. This isn't one of them. As you put it, Brad, it serves no purpose as "education, performance art, or historical commentary."

Therefore, agreeing with Cx means agreeing with me on this limited subset of the debate. On the main point, though, you're right that I'm right. There's no question that this parade float is stereotypical and arguably racist.

With its talk of priests and mosques, the Abdallah Shrine looks like a whole "homage" to (i.e., mockery of) Islam. It brings to mind such faux "Native" groups as the Order of the Red Men and the Y-Indian Guides. These groups appropriated and abused Native culture; this group seems to have done the same for Islamic culture.

Brad reaches a verdictBrad
Ha! Ha! O.k. I think I see what you're getting at Cx. Yes, the result of this situation is that they raise money to help sick children. Are you suggesting that they couldn't achieve the same result without the pageantry or phony "tradition". I think they probably could.

In a parallel example, the Washington Redskins are civic organization which has won football championships and no doubt helped the Washington D.C. community in numerous economic and philanthropic ways. Does that make their use of Native culture and iconography acceptable because there's a positive outcome?

Cx
Brad, I'm still comprehending what this is exactly. At first I thought this was a music performance in costumes, and perhaps a parody. I've since learned from the link you included that these are a group of shriners. That's where we left off. I don't think that simply because shriners as a group are philanthropic affects is this racism or not. I see it more as a theatrical effort. I still don't know if they are a parody or satire or serious from the still photo alone. Donning the clothing common to another area of the world or culture isn't in itself racism either. I look forward to picking up where we left off, Brad.Racism and entertainment aren't two mutually exclusive categories. Something can be both.

For instance, the minstrel shows I mentioned. The performers thought they were just being "entertaining." But observers could see that their so-called entertainment was racist.Brad
My position on this particular affair Cx is that it's racist. I think the two things clouding the issue are that it's a culture that's considerably less familiar to us and that the origins of their misuse are so long removed from the current practice.

On face, I'd say this no different than the hipster "pow wows" The origin of this civic group was in a "secret" society or club of white folks who used the Arabian imagery and mythos for their club strictly because it was old and "cool" and gave their organization the air of being something ancient and mystical.

As if that weren't bad enough, the current members are appropriating the cultural hallmarks of Arab society and wearing them in a mocking or cartoonish way, again much as the pretend Indians do. In that sense, I'd say Rob's example of the minstrel shows isn't parallel however as these people aren't attempting to actually portray Arabs.The rape example is a good one if there's no physical damage. The psychological harm of rape and racism is an apples-to-apples comparison.

In both cases, the act can cause painful mental trauma. Yes, rape is usually worse, but people have committed suicide over racist taunts and bullying, just as they've done over rape. The only "gray area" here is how severe the trauma is, not whether it exists.

And in both cases, you can't be sure of the perpetrator's intent. A rapist could've seriously thought he was "making love" to his victim and you can't prove him wrong. As with racism, we judge rape by the results because the intent is irrelevant. Harm is harm whether the perpetrator intended it or not.

As for the Shriners, I suspect they thought they were portraying actual Arabs. And I doubt minstrel performers were any less aware then than they are now. They were spoofing or caricaturing blacks for "fun," exactly as these Shriners are doing to Arabs.

Therefore, all my examples are good ones. Other than that, I agree with Brad since he agrees with me. ;-)

For more on the subject, see Bloody Jackson, Family Guy, and Archie Bunker, Hipster Racism, and The Magical Power of Intent.

Indians in Macy's parade 2013

Three reports on different Natives participating in the 87th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:

Cherokee National Youth Choir to participate in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Red Lake girl to take part in Macy's parade

Crow dancer to appear in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

And a summary of their experiences:

Native Pride Celebrated at the 87th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Cliff MatiasThe 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be remembered as the year of Native Pride. Three different Native American groups were highlighted in this year’s festivities. Returning for the fifth year in a row, the Oneida Indian Nation float called “The True Spirit of Thanksgiving” shared the parade route with the world renowned Native Pride Dancers from Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the Cherokee Youth Choir from Talequah, Oklahoma.

This was the first time Macy’s hosted more than one Native American group in its parade and for many Native participants, the general feeling was that this is the beginning of something exciting for American Indian people.

“I think this is a great time to share who we are,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO. “It’s important for America to see who the real Indian people are. We are not mascots; we’re not stereotypes. We want a more accurate image of who we are and what our part in history has been.”

Temperatures were below freezing, but people’s spirits were upbeat. “We are pumped,” said Larry Yazzie, founder of the Native Pride Dance troupe. “We are excited to represent all Native Americans across Turtle Island. We have 10 champion fancy dancers with us today.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see Oneida Float in Macy's Parade 2012 and Oneida Float in Macy's Parade 2011.

Below:  "The True Spirit of Thanksgiving float along the parade route at the 87th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade." (Cliff Matias)

Navajo Nation band at the inauguration

President Obama delivers second inaugural address

By Alysa LandryFollowing his speech, Obama led the inaugural parade, which snaked along a 1.5-mile route along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol building to the White House. Tens of thousands of spectators filled bleachers that lined the route.

It was one of the biggest–and most prestigious–audiences the Navajo Nation Band has ever had.

"It was a bit cold and everyone was nervous," Darwyn Jackson, band director, said during a phone interview Tuesday. "But once we made that final turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue, we knew we were making history."

About 80 band members made the journey from the Navajo Nation to march in the parade, Jackson said. The parade included entries from across the country, hand-selected by the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

After walking the route himself, Obama took his place at the Presidential Reviewing Stand, where he waved and cheered for about 8,800 people participating in the parade, including bands, dancers, celebrity musicians and children on unicycles.

"Some of us got the chance to see Obama," said Valerie Harrison, the band's administrative coordinator and assistant band director. "Some of us saw him wave at us."Comment:  For more on the 2013 inauguration, see At the NMAI's Inaugural Ball and Woman Warriors on CBS.

Columnist defends Mummers parade

Recently, Philadelphia's Mummers parade included white folks dressed as American Indians, Asian Indians, and blacks. Now another columnist has tried to defend this obvious racism. His key argument about why the parade was okay:

Thou Shalt Not Wear a Native American Headdress

By Thom NickelsWearing Native American headdresses used to be a rite of passage for most American boys. My childhood Boy Scout troop, for instance, had many halo and straight-up Native war bonnets that we wore during Scout Jamborees in Maryland along the Mason-Dixon line. Dressed up, we built campfires, put on war paint, and hunted one another down in a great Native American fantasy that usually ended in a great bonfire and a circle dance. (Today, a bonfire would be outlawed as "dangerous" and war paint as "unacceptable.") Such ceremonies taught us to be respectful and to honor the American Indian. These rituals were the high point of camp life, so much so that for the longest time I wanted to be an American Indian. Pretending I was American Indian was such an intense childhood obsession I'd take my bow and arrow, spear and halo war bonnet and lead charges against my faux cowboy or Calvary friends on the steep hills behind my house in Chester County. I didn't care that I was the only kid playing the part of an Indian because I saw the American Indian as a scared underdog in an unjust war with the land-stealing Calvary.

The girls in my Chester County country neighborhood would often don a headband with one feather sticking straight up in the back. They played Native squaws. In those days, nobody thought that outdoor theater like this was disrespecting Native culture. If anything, the opposite feeling was usually present: by our dressing up as American Indians, we felt we were honoring our true American ancestors in a special way.Readers respond

Because this column appeared on the liberal-leaning Huffington Post, the comments were actually good--thoughtful and intelligent--for once. A sample:Matthew Atkinson

Sorry, but I am totally out of sympathy with your complaint, starting from the first sentence in which you decry "political correctness" with the pathetic cliche about a "warpath." This is not about your fond memories of pretending to be another race. For us (I am Native), headdresses are not costume pieces or decorations. They are holy. They indicate achievements and reverence akin to wearing a priest's stole--you don't simply put on a fake one and go play. For you to describe our ceremonial lives as mere "inconsequential minutiae" is PRECISELY the attitude of arrogance and cultural bigotry that makes our protectiveness necessary. The fact that you have a history of behaving in such ways is not a validation of the history, any more than the legacy of blackface is a defense of that. It's a shame that you've attached such nostalgia to bigotry as a rite of passage, but that's what makes this our problem.

Grafton Kevan

WTF.

American Indian people: "We find it offensive when you dress up as caricatures of us."

Thom Nickels: "We do it to honor you! You're being oversensitive! We're not gonna stop!"

Sane people: "..."

Clarification: Thom, you cannot honor somebody by doing something they find offensive. When somebody tells you they find something offensive, you can either ignore them, which is in your rights but disrespectful, or you can be respectful and comply with their wishes. You cannot honor somebody by being disrespectful.

This is not hard. The fact that you can write this many words about this topic and not stumble upon this simple fact is pretty impressive, though.

Celeste Smith

My father used to “play Indian” as a child too. The only problem was, he always wanted to be the “cowboy” which was ironic because we are Oneida/6 Nations People. He told me this was because the cowboys always won and the Indians always lost. Westerns were big (in the '50s) and of course, little kids emulated those stereotypes in play. The white kids in the neighbourhood thought it was great they had “real” Indians to chase and terrorize. You see the difference between us is that when you are done playing Indian you can take off the headdress. We cannot. We are stuck with dealing all those stereotypes you have created for us, good or bad, and we are the ones who have to live with them.

J-Roc77

Seems much of the time I see people complaining about 'political correctness' they are complaining about being called out for demeaning other cultures, race or ethnicity.

I find it interesting that you claim wearing a headdress as a rite of passage for your youth, totally oblivious to the rites of passage of the people you supposedly honor with such portrayals in your appropriation. Claiming it is just as much yours as the people who still use the traditions because you played with their culture, religion and traditions as a toy when you were a kid only shows the lowly stance you hold these people and their culture. It is a kids' toy to you, a romanticized idea or a source of amusement. It means something different to those who you claim are being overly sensitive and you refuse to acknowledge their side but insinuate they should accept yours as theirs.

You state you wanted to be a Native American is if it were a job or simply a lifestyle, have you ever played Mexican or black? Instead of warpaint you can wear black-face and you can pretend to fight against slavery or something, why not?

You are willingly ignorant to the other side of the story or to actually put some context into your actions. You are too busy in a mock defense of your right to speech, freedom etc. to realize your actions do not protect you from the consequences of your freedoms you choose to exercise.

Nancie Velasquez

I totally missed the part where you said the girls dressed up as "squaws." You do realize that that's a derogatory term right? What am I saying, of course you don't. That's the same as calling a black guy or gal a n*****. Let me suggest a past time for you to try next...go paint your face black and go out to see how people react. I'm so tired of people like you saying others are overly sensitive about our heritage and culture.I posted some additional thoughts as a comment too:

What you and all those children were respecting, Thom, is a clownish caricature of Native culture. You know, the savagery of primitive people whooping and dancing and committing other acts of wild abandon. That's not what Native cultures were like.

You were not respecting real Native cultures--either those that existed then or those that exist now. If you were, you'd be volunteering on a reservation, supporting Idle No More, or writing pro-Indian columns. I'm guessing your "childhood obsession" hasn't translated into any of these actions.

Respecting a caricature of Indians is exactly like respecting blacks by supporting minstrel shows, Aunt Jemima, and Amos 'n' Andy. Do you consider those fair and honorable representations of blacks? If there's a difference, explain it to us, because I don't see it.

Nickels tries again

Nickels's closing argument is worth noting too. He tries to shift gears radically and ends up proving his critics' point:Two years ago, a male acquaintance of mine dressed up as a 19th-century Turkish sultan for a Halloween ball. He was walking with friends across North Broad Street when he was attacked by another man who said he was insulting Islam. My friend was beaten pretty badly and spent a day in the hospital.

Now, dressing up as a 19th-century Turkish sultan is something straight out of an MGM movie set. A costume like that, to the modern mind, has a storybook quality with only a vague connection to Islam. Yet somebody was outraged and took matters into their own hands.

Welcome once again to our super-hypersensitive world.The response I posted:

What exactly is the point of your Turkish sultan anecdote? First you say you had a deep childhood reverence for Native cultures. As demonstrated by your cartoonish costumes and mock savagery, presumably. Then you say your "Turkish" acquaintance, and by implication the costumed Mummers, had only "a vague connection" to reality. In other words, these people were falsifying an ethnic group, not honoring it.

Which is it? Were the Mummers trying to "honor" Indians the way you supposedly did in childhood? If so, why did they wear phony costumes only vaguely connected to reality? Or were they and you stereotyping Indians because you were too ignorant to know any better? If so, why did you expect to get a pass for your belittling behavior?

Please elucidate.

For more on the subject, see Racist "Make Me Indian" App and Halloween = "Socially Acceptable Racism."

Below:  Kids who probably think about Indians the way Nickels did.

Mummers parade in redface, blackface

2013: Mummers Still in Blackface (& Redface)

By Tara MurthaFrom the outside looking in, you'd think every Philadelphian was a proud supporter of the glittered and feathered pageant known as the New Year's Day Mummer's Parade. But you'd be wrong.

Local news mummer puff pieces begin, as every year, with profiles of mummers getting ready for New Year's day parade, "America's oldest folk parade."

"The now-112-year-old orgy of banjos, glockenspiels, feathers and sequins that as much as anything we hold dear, symbolizes our sweetly eccentric corner of the universe," is a typical sentiment of these stories.But:Despite these stories pivoting on tradition versus progress, the prominent historic role of blackface in the mummer parade is oddly, rarely explicitly mentioned. Neither is the fact that it continues, despite apparently, city policy ruling it out in 1964.

Mummers in blackface has a complicated history in a racially complicated city within a racially complicated country. That said, today's parade makes it quite simple: it's time to have a serious conversation about mummery and the way participants choose to represent other ethnicities and races without hiding behind the cop-out of "But it's tradition!"

Check out "Indi-insourcing," the skit performed by Venetian NYA, posted by YouTube under the title "Mummers WTF."

Murtha searched Twitter for responses to the parade and found these:Joe Nolan
@Joe_Philly
And the award for most racist Mummers brigade goes to "indi-insourcing" for dressing up as Indian people AND Native Americans

randyduque
@randyduque
This "Indian In-sourcing" routine is one of the most racially insensitive themes I've ever seen in recent times #mummers

Fantasource
@fantasource
Here's a few #Mummers guys dressed as Indian call center workers. Love the dot, so thorough #smdh ow.ly/gsOty (youtube via @dhm)

Charlie_O
@Charlie_O
#Mummers comic brigade celebrates "Made in America" theme with faux Native Americans raiding a faux Indian Call Center. Welcome to Philly.

That was before the Rastafarian-themed routine that featured blackface.

Courtney Wilburn
@cjwilburn
Curious about the thought process for the racist/xenophobic mummers skits. Were they like, "well since we can't do Blackface anymore…"

Courtney Wilburn
@cjwilburn
..and, there's the Blackface and fake dreds. Thanks, guys. #mummers

Jonathan Poet
@jonpoet
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, some Mummers walked up Broad St. in blackface.

Jen J Walker
@LucindaLunacy
@systris I saw a whole band of them as Jamaicans in blackface. Also in another float. One coming up has a flat out minstrel themeDefending the redface

Another columnist tries to defend the racist acts:

Stu Bykofsky: Strutting through controversy with the MummersThe other controversy is racism.

Out there in the twitverse--that's not a typo--some donkey sees blackface in the Mummers Parade and--kazaam!--as many as nine people on a couple of different "platforms" are finding other forms of "racism" in the parade, drawing insipid conclusions from their aggressive ignorance.

Before you can say, "What a load of crap," it winds up on storify.com (yeah, me neither) as a story or analysis--it's hard to categorize--by my friend Tara Murtha, who has done some really serious, penetrating work, of which this is not an example.

First, as Murtha acknowledges, blackface has been banned from the parade since 1964, which is longer than she has been alive.

Second, there's no proof that anyone was in blackface. Dignam says that every group has a city escort who enforces the rules.

Third, the alleged "racist" stuff was in the Comic Division, which uses comedy, satire and general silliness. The Venetian New Year's Association was mentioned for its Indi-Insourcing skit that satirized America outsourcing calls to India, then jumping the shark by having Native-Americans take over the call center.

Somehow, depicting Indians in call centers or Native Americans in buckskin is racist. Same with Eskimos (OK, Inuit) in igloos. Or women in polka skirts. Or male hillbillies in overalls. Or Turks in turbans. Or Hasidic Jews in long, black coats. They've all been featured in the parade.

If you're offended, here's a buck. Try to buy a sense of humor. Or an ounce of sense.Comment:  Racism in the parade is officially banned, and Bykofsky didn't see any of it. Wow, that's reassuring. What else is he oblivious to?

We've more or less banned racism in the country, at least officially, since we passed the 14th Amendment. Did that eliminate all forms of racism? No.

More than just buckskins

The faux "Indians" weren't just in buckskins. They emerged from a teepee, rode "horses," and wore headdresses. In other words, it was pure stereotyping. Moreover, they pranced in a way that caricatured Native people. They acted like stupid little children who don't know the first thing about Indians.

The "Asian Indians" were just as bad. They were dressed in saris, with dots on their foreheads, as they do a fake Hindu-style dance. There must be thousands of different ethnic groups in India, but the Mummers reduced them to a single stereotype.

The whole point of "satirizing" people is to mock and belittle them. Bykofsky basically admits the Mummers are making fun of minorities, and he thinks that's okay. No, it isn't.

Bykofsky's list of other ethnic stereotypes isn't at all reassuring. Being bigoted against several groups just means you're a really big bigot. Unless the Mummers spent the majority of the time mocking white Anglo-Saxon Protestants, they're clearly prejudiced against ethnic groups.

By the way, Bykofsky, your father is a coward and your mother is a pig. Do you find that offensive? I hope not, because "I was just joking."

If you're offended, here's a buck. Try to buy a sense of humor. Or an ounce of sense.

For more on offensive parades, see Callaloo Stereotypes "Native Americas" and "Indian Princess" in Doo Dah Parade.

Oneida float in Macy's parade 2012

Oneida Indian Nation float to appear in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Alaina PotrikusThe Oneida Indian Nation will take part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the fifth straight year.

This year’s float will include a choir led by Grammy-winning Native American artist Thirza Defoe, who will perform “The Tree of Life.”

Representatives from more than one dozen Indian nations from across the country will accompany the nation’s “True Spirit of Thanksgiving” float, which features a 30-foot-tall White Pine "Tree of Peace," which sprouts from the back of "Turtle Island," which symbolizes Mother Earth.

The nation was the first native tribe to have a float in the annual parade, which draws more than three million spectators along the parade route and attracts more than 50 million television viewers nationwide.

Natives From Across the Americas Will Participate in Today’s 86th Macy’s Thanksgiving ParadeFor the fifth straight year the Oneida Nation-sponsored float, “The True Spirit of Thanksgiving” will take part in the 86th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Representatives of over 20 different nations from across the Americas will accompany the float as it spreads a traditional message of peace and thanksgiving.

Heading up the all Native choir will be Grammy-winning Native American artist Thirza Defoe. Defoe is currently attending the New York University Fellow Graduate of Music and Song Writing Program and spent countless hours in the studio composing the song the choir will be singing called “Tree of Life” which was especially written for this year’s event. “I wrote the song with all people in mind not just from my own perspective, it joyously celebrates peace, love and giving thanks,” says Defoe. “I feel that Native participation in the parade can begin to bring about new ideas of Thanksgiving and possibly reinvent the stereotyped images Americans have of the holiday.” Choir members hope to show the public that native people are still here, alive and flourishing in present day America. The float will also show them how very different Native Americans are, touching on the fact that so many tribes are represented in this year’s parade.

‘The True Spirit of Thanksgiving,’ the Oneida Nation’s Macy’s Parade Float, Captivates the CrowdsAs the Oneida Nation float made its way down Broadway in this year’s 86th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, “Thank you for giving us Thanksgiving" was the most popular cheer heard from the crowd; “Look honey real Native Americans” was second. The float called “The True Spirit of Thanksgiving” was certainly a favorite among parade goers. Many visitors clapped their hands and danced as they heard the sounds of Iroquois social dance music blasting from the speakers on the float. As I crouched to take a photo I heard a father say to his child, “Look son, those are the First Americans."

For the fifth straight year Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter lead the tribes float accompanied by 12 Native American representatives, some from as far away as California. The goal of the Oneida Nations' participation in the parade is to combat the stereotyped images created by the media and create a positive and accurate portrayal of who Indian people are today. “We want to the public to see the very spirit of Native people and how the tradition and culture of our ancestors inspired the very first Thanksgiving” said Halbritter. I asked the tribal representative how he feels about the fact that many Native Americans chose to protest the holiday, his reply was a positive one “Native people certainly have a great many issues to address and need to come a lot further in our struggles but I think there is a time and place and right now I think is a time when the ceremonies of thanksgiving and gratitude to the creator for all we have is celebrated, we must remember the many blessings we have and we do have many."Comment:  For more on the subject, see Oneida Float in Macy's Parade 2011 and Chamberlain Joins Oneida Thanksgiving Float.

Johnny Depp in Comanche Nation Parade

Photos and Videos: Johnny Depp Makes Surprise Appearance at Comanche Nation ParadeActor Johnny Depp, who is portraying Tonto in The Lone Ranger, coming to theaters in 2013, made an unannounced appearance on Saturday at the Comanche Nation Fair in Lawton, Oklahoma. In May, Depp was adopted into the Comanche Nation by LaDonna Harris, president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity, who sat next to Depp in the back of a convertible that cruised the parade route.

Gil Birmingham, Comanche, who also appears in The Lone Ranger, was on hand as well. According to a report at TMZ, Depp served as grand marshal of the parade.Comment:  No, Depp wasn't "adopted into the Comanche Nation." The latest reports indicate he was made an honorary member at most. For more on the subject, see Johnny Depp Is Honorary Comanche and Jones:  Depp Is an Indian.

Below:  "Actor Johnny Depp with actor Gil Birmingham, LaDonna Harris, and Judy Winchester."

Choctaw Martin Luther King Jr. parade

Choctaw Chief kicks off MLK festivities

By Charlotte A. GrahamAnderson said it’s an honor to participate in the parade and spend time with the citizens of Laurel and other cities in the area.

“We understand the struggle Dr. King went through,” said Anderson. “His struggles were the same struggles our tribe went through.”

Anderson said the MBCI had to struggle with the federal government for certain rights, just as African Americans did.

Anderson said “it’s people like Dr. Martin Luther King and Chief Phillip Martin” who have made it possible to enjoy some of the privileges they are enjoying today.

“The (Civil Rights) march may have ended in 1963, but the walk continues,” said Anderson. “The walk continues with you and me.”

Anderson urged those in attendance to keep King’s dream alive. She noted that it was the slain civil rights leader’s dream that all people would be seen by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin.”Comment:  For more on King, see Bin Laden, Geronimo, and King and Sanitizing Martin Luther King Jr..

Below:  "Members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee carry the official banner as they lead parade participants through the streets of Downtown Laurel Saturday."

Soboba leader named grand marshal

Tribal Leader Chosen as Christmas Parade Grand MarshalThe City of Hemet, California chose Rose Salgado, vice chairwoman of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians’ Tribal Council, to be grand marshal for its Christmas parade held November 26, 2011.

According to a story posted on The Press-Enterprise website, Hemet City Manager Brian Nakamura said the city council’s decision was unanimous and based on her commitment to the community.

“Her kindness and giving toward the community and the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto really stood out in regards to her nomination this year,” Nakamura said in the story.Comment:  For more on Indians and parades, see Oneida Float in Macy's Parade 2011 and Brulé in Rose Parade.

Oneida float in Macy's parade 2011

Oneida Indian Nation’s “The True Spirit of Thanksgiving” Marks its Fourth Year in Macy’s Day ParadeThe Oneida Indian Nation’s iconic float, "The True Spirit of Thanksgiving," once again will tell its incredible story as it moves through Manhattan today. The Oneida Nation has had a float in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City every year since 2008. "The True Spirit of Thanksgiving" was the first float to be sponsored by an American Indian nation in the parade’s history. This year marks the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will be broadcast nationally, per usual, with the parade starting at 9 a.m.

“It is this spirit of peace, thanksgiving and generosity under one of the greatest gifts of the creator, which is the gift of peace to mankind, that marked the first special thanksgiving that we celebrate in our Macy’s Thanksgiving Day float,” stated Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises, in a Oneida Nation press release. “This holiday we celebrate today in America is about the harvest ceremonies of Indian people that were first shared with the newcomers to this Land and the thankful hearts of the Indian people as they shared all of their blessings with the struggling pilgrims.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see Chamberlain Joins Oneida Thanksgiving Float and Oneida Float in Macy's Parade 2010.

Below:  "The Oneida Indian Nations Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The True Spirit of Thanksgiving, with Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprise Ray Halbritter standing by the turtle's foot."

Chamberlain joins Oneida Thanksgiving float

The Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain Will Join Oneida Indian Nation’s “True Spirit of Thanksgiving” Float in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeNew York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, Winnebago, will be joining the Oneida Indian Nation’s spectacular True Spirit of Thanksgiving float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this Thursday. Chamberlain, who Indian Country Today Media Network interviewed for a feature article this past April, is a man who knows all about being thankful. As we reported in our piece, Joba’s father, Harlan, was born on the Winnebago reservation in Nebraska and contracted polio as a baby, which forced him into long hospital stays. Still, despite the crippling disease that left him unable to walk, deaf in one ear and with diminished use of his left arm, he raised Joba and Tasha (Joba’s sister) as a single parent. Joba has told of his dad still playing catch with him—with one arm—and of the entire neighborhood playing baseball at the Chamberlains’ home.

This marks the fourth year that the Oneida Indian Nation’s float, True Spirit of Thanksgiving, will be making its way from Central Park to Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan. This year marks the 85th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will be broadcast nationally on NBC, per usual, with the parade starting at 9am.Comment:  For more on Joba Chamberlain, see Chamberlain Pleads Guilty to DUI and Joba Goes to Disney World.

Occupy Denver joins Columbus protest

Columbus Day Protest Widens

By Carol BerrySmoldering and flaming, copies of two documents that initiated the destruction of Native cultures went up in smoke to loud cheers October 8, as opponents of the Columbus Day Parade in Denver widened their attack to include Wall Street, the Keystone XL pipeline, sacred sites desecration, and other manifestations of the Columbian legacy.

Burned were a Papal Bull approving the subjugation of Natives and the theft of their lands, as well as a copy of Johnson v. McIntosh, which in 1823 concocted a legal basis for the seizure of Indian lands.

It was street theater worthy of Denver’s earlier Columbus Day Parade protests, which have included the pouring of ceremonial blood in the streets, dolls representing infants killed by invading Spaniards, burnt tipis and other creative expressions of outrage.

The parade protest is almost a Denver tradition. Beginning in 1989 with about 50 dissenters, only three years later the number had swelled to more than 1,000 who, following the red banner of the American Indian Movement (AIM), shouted at parade participants for honoring Columbus, a man they called a mass murderer and slave trader.Occupy Denver endorses Colorado American Indian Movement's indigenous proposal

By Patricia CalhounGlenn Morris, the University of Colorado Denver associate professor who's in the forefront of the Columbus Day protests, was back at the Capitol with fellow Colorado American Indian Movement members on Sunday, to meet with reps of Occupy Denver and ask them to sign on to AIM's platform.

Many Occupy Denver members "did participate with us in our protest of the Columbus Hate Speech Parade," Morris reports, "and many of them came to the Four Winds American Indian Center to share a meal with us" on Saturday. And after an hour of discussion and debate, he says, the Occupy Denver General Assembly unanimously endorsed the Colorado AIM-initiated indigenous proposal.An excerpt from the document:An Indigenous Platform Proposal for "Occupy Denver"

In observing the "Occupy Together" expansion, we are reminded that the territories of our indigenous nations have been "under occupation" for decades, if not centuries. We remind the occupants of this encampment in Denver that they are on the territories of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute peoples. In the U.S., indigenous nations were the first targets of corporate/government oppression. The landmark case of Johnson v. McIntosh (1823), which institutionalized the "doctrine of discovery" in U.S. law, and which justified the theft of 2 billion acres of indigenous territory, established a framework of corrupt political/legal/corporate collusion that continues throughout indigenous America, to the present.

If this movement is serious about confronting the foundational assumptions of the current U.S. system, then it must begin by addressing the original crimes of the U.S. colonizing system against indigenous nations. Without addressing justice for indigenous peoples, there can never be a genuine movement for justice and equality in the United States. Toward that end, we challenge Occupy Denver to take the lead, and to be the first "Occupy" city to integrate into its philosophy, a set of values that respects the rights of indigenous peoples, and that recognizes the importance of employing indigenous visions and models in restoring environmental, social, cultural, economic and political health to our homeland.Columbus Day must go

As usual, there were reports of several other Columbus protests around the country. Here's one of them--ironically, in Columbus, Ohio:

Columbus’ discovery mourned

Rename holiday Indigenous People’s Day, protesters say

By Quan TruongWith the Santa Maria replica as a backdrop and near a Christopher Columbus statue at City Hall, a small group of people gathered yesterday to pray and mourn.

“Why do we have statues of Christopher Columbus, which represents the worst of our culture and the worst of our people?” shouted Bob Fitrakis, a political-science professor at Columbus State Community College.

Fitrakis was one of about a dozen who spoke yesterday, when Columbus Day is observed, by the replica on the Scioto River. Most had some Native American lineage.

“We wanted a different perspective. ... We also wanted to expose the myths, the lies and the trauma this discovery has brought many people,” said Mark Stansbery, with the Community Organizing Center, a nonprofit that rallies for various human-services causes.

Stansbery called the boat behind him “a symbol of occupation, exploitation and slave trade.”Comment:  Sooner or later this worthless holiday will be gone along with the offensive mascots and stereotypes. Replacing it with Native American Day would be a good idea.

For more on Columbus, see Textbooks Neuter Columbus Critiques and Columbus the Pedophile.

Below:  "Sky Roosevelt-Morris, 20, Shawnee/White Mountain Apache burning a Papal Bull and copy of Johnson v. McIntosh during the Columbus Day Parade protest in Denver on October 8." (Carol Berry)

Callaloo founder responds to criticism

In a thread on Facebook, Marlon Singh, one of the founders of Callaloo, responded to the criticism the event has received:To the Native American Community:

I am receiving numerous emails in regards to the misrepresentation of six nation and north american native aboriginals. We in turn deeply apologise for this as it was not done with any malicious intent or specific purpose of demoralization of your culture.

Carnival is similar to halloween its a pagan festival in which different themes are picked differently each year be it space, greece, the romans or fantasy and fiction.

We picked the theme "NATIVE AMERICAS" because we work closely with members of the Cree and Ojibway community, we agreed and built and designed costumes together probably not copying identically native wear but putting a caribbean carnival twist to it.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE CHANGED THE THEME FROM NATIVE AMERICAS TO CARIBBEAN NATIVES AND TAKEN DOWN NUMEROUS COSTUMES AND PRINTED MATERIAL,(CALLALOO.NET) WE HAVE ALSO CHANGED ALL NAMES ASSOCIATED WITH ANY INDIGINOUS NORTH AMERICAN CULTURE BUT IN TURN FOCUSED ON MY HOME COUNTRY WHICH I AM PART CARIB INDIAN,AGAIN WE APOLOGISE AND FOCUS NOT ONLY NOW BUT FOR FUTURE CARNIVALS TO CEASE AND DESIST IN DEPICTION OF ANY NORTH AMERICAN ABORIGINALS, WE HOPE WE CAN WORK IN PEACE AND HARMONY AND AVOID ANY CONFLICTS OR VIOLENCE DUE TO THIS IN THE FUTURE.

YOURS RESPECTIVELY,

MARLON
647-702-6169My response:  Thanks for taking the time to respond, Marlon.

I'd say your theme change is a step in the right direction, but not nearly enough. You're still associating genuine Caribbean, Central American, and South American tribes with hyper-sexualized Native women. In short, you're still exploiting Natives as sex objects.

P.S. "Probably not copying identically native wear"? I think we can say "definitely not." I'm confident no traditional Native women have ever dressed like Las Vegas showgirls.

Other responses

Others were more gracious:I'm impressed with the fact that Marlon responded and is taking some steps to change the theme of their festival. Since Cree and Ojib First Nations people are involved with this I'm assuming they are not too upset. I've seen pictures of Brazilain Carnivals before and the women sure do dress very scantily. So to have a "Brazilian" style carnival with Native women dressed like Vegas Showgirls is definately offensive, but not the end of the world for sure. I'm more concerned with the "Plastic Shaman" like James Arthur Ray out there who are exploiting Indingenous ways for profit. Or White Eagle Medicine Woman with her "Prayer Formances" for $35 a head. I'd be interested to hear what your Cree & Ojib friend have to say on this subject Marlon. Again, thanks for at least caring!

The fact that Marlon took the time to acknowledge the issue publicly and did what they could to work with everyone's concern is really good, many others would not have done this.A few more comments:

Singh and company have now removed the tomahawks and arrows from the home page. I'm glad our criticism is producing results. I'm sorry it was necessary.

It's not clear if Singh's Cree and Ojibway friends actually know the details of the event. And since Callaloo primarily stereotypes Caribbean and South American Indians, Canadian Indians aren't the main victims.

I believe Central America and the Caribbean are part of North America. So Singh is wrong when he says he's not doing anything with North American Native cultures. He's not doing anything with his impression of North American cultures, maybe, which means chiefs and teepees. But he's still stereotyping North American Indians.

Actually, it doesn't matter which Indians he chooses to stereotype. Or whether he's part of the culture he's stereotyping. Stereotyping is wrong, period. There are no free passes for images that objectify Native women across two continents. Nothing that contributes to the horrendous violence against women is acceptable.

For more on the subject, see Callaloo = Sexual Objectification and Callaloo Stereotypes "Native Americas."

Below:  "Tribal Princesses"...with a Plains tipi in the background. So much for disassociating Callaloo from North American cultures. It couldn't be much clearer that the whole event is an excuse to parade sexy savages.

Callaloo = sexual objectification

Before Callaloo changed its 2011 theme from "Native Americas" to "Caribbean Natives," I posted a note about it on Facebook:

This is why starlets such as Tinsel Korey, Julia Jones, and Janina Gavankar get Native roles while Irene Bedard gets abused. Namely, the sexual objectification of Native women.

This led to the following discussion with a woman on the NativeCelebs page:Brazilian and Caribean Culture is a whole different ball game than Hollywood. I don't think one has anything to do with the other. I used to dance Samba and make costumes. In Brazilian and Caribean culture women are proud of their bodies and show them off. And they are not all skinny models in those skimpy costumes. I support Irene Bedard and love her work. Her husband is a jerk. And yes Hollywood objectifies women. Why they are using the Native American theme here is beyond me. I would never have used it like that. The so-called mid-coastal costume is a mess. Most of the others are quite nice.This carnival is being held in Toronto, not Brazil. The theme is "Native Americas," not "Brazilian and Caribbean culture." And no Native women have ever dressed like this except in stereotypical displays: Hollywood movies, advertisements, fashion spreads, etc.

Korey and Jones not Native?

Someone else questioned my questioning of Korey and Jones. I continued:

My point isn't only about the actresses' origins. It's about having to be Hollywood beautiful to get a role.

Native actors often don't fit Hollywood's definition of what leading men and women should look like. So "minimal bloods" like Johnny Depp, Taylor Lautner, and Brandon Routh get the roles while genuine Native actors go hungry.

Hollywood derives its perceptions of Natives from stereotypes such as this carnival's. So when a studio does cast a "Native" woman, it's usually someone who fits the mold. Someone like Tinsel Korey, Julia Jones, or Janina Gavankar. Or Megan Fox, Lynn Collins, Mizuo Peck, or Nicola Peltz, to name other examples. As long as she looks hot and exotic, it doesn't matter whether she's Native or not.

Don't blame "carnival culture"?

My original correspondent added:There is huge Caribbean community in Toronto as there is in San Francisco. All I'm saying is Carnival Culture has nothing to do with Native America or Hollywood. Hollywood had their stereo types long before Carnival came to town. So don't blame Caribbean Culture for Hollywood's B.S. What I don't like about the Callaloo for 2011 is that the Native American theme is highly inappropriate due to the vast culture differences in how women see themselves. I got your point the first time around. My father was Santee Sioux and my first husband was from Belize so I have the ability to see both sides of this arguement thru my familiarity with both cultures. Now the point upon which we can agree is that when it comes to Natives Hollywood has had it very wrong for a very long time.Again, the carnival's theme is "Native Americas." This region stretches from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. In no way is it synonymous with Brazil or the Caribbean. And Callaloo is explicitly calling the young women "Indians," not non-Indian Brazilians or Caribbeans.

Yes, "Hollywood had their stereotypes long before Carnival came to town." But each new instance of stereotyping confirms the false impressions in people's minds. That's why many of us oppose Native stereotypes: because they perpetuate the previous 500 years of harm.

In conclusion, this woman seemed to be agreeing and disagreeing with me simultaneously. Where we agreed, she was right. Where we disagreed, not so much. <g>

For more on the subject, see Callaloo Stereotypes "Native Americas" and Wild Indians in Guilt Free Zone.

Below:  Callaloo's "Amazon Warriors" (formerly known as "Asakiwaki Hunters"). I don't think going from a particular tribe to a general tribal term makes a difference, Callaloo. The problem is that no Indian looks like this.

Callaloo stereotypes "Native Americas"

Apparently Callaloo is some sort of Brazilian-style carnival, parade, or event held in Toronto every year.

CallalooMarlon & Jason Singh’s Callaloo presents “Caribbean Natives”

Join Callaloo for their 2011 Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto presentation of “Caribbean Natives.”

One slight problem: This year's theme was originally "Native Americas," not "Caribbean Natives." But we'll get to that.

The page header shows an Amazon Indian in mask-like paint, a hut, palm trees, and a tomahawk and arrow. I think you can see where this is going.

How does Callaloo "honor" Native people? With scantily-clad women pretending to be Indians, of course:

2011 Costumes

For example:



Brazilian Amerindians



Tribal Princesses



Lost City of the Aztecs

This image's former title was "Sacrificial Mayan Virgins," as you can tell from the image's URL. That tells you all you need to know about Callaloo's exploitation of Native women. They might as well name it "Sex/Rape Fantasy Objects to Boost Callaloo's Bank Account."

What's wrong with Callaloo

In Callaloo Parade and the Sexualization of Native American Women, the Beyond Buckskin blog presents another image from this year's Callaloo:



And explains why this is wrong. It quotes Adrienne Keene from her Native Appropriations blog:

Nudie Neon Indians and the Sexualization of Native WomenNative women have been highly sexualized throughout history and in pop culture. There are any number of examples I can pull from, the "Indian Princess" stereotype is everwhere--think the story of Pocahontas, or Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, or Cher in her "half breed" video, or the land 'o' lakes girl, seriously almost any image of a Native woman that you've seen in popular culture. We're either sexy squaws (the most offensive term out there), wise grandmas, or overweight ogres. But the pervasive "sexy squaw" is the most dangerous, especially when you know the basic facts about sexual violence against Native women:

1 in 3 Native women will be raped in their lifetime

70% of sexual violence against Native women is committed by non-Natives

Now can you see why my heart breaks and I feel sick every time I see an image of a naked or scantily clad woman in a headdress? This is not just about cultural appropriation. This is about a serious, scary, and continuing legacy of violence against women in Indian Country. These girls probably thought they were just being "counter-culture" or "edgy," but by perpetuating the stereotypes of Native women as sexual objects, they are aiding and continuing the cycle of violence.Journalist Valerie Taliman adds:The fact that Native American and Alaska Native women have been dehumanized throughout US and Canadian history informs present-day attitudes. It helps fuel the high rates of sexual violence perpetrated against them and the high levels of impunity enjoyed by their attackers. One in three Native women will be raped in their lifetimes.Comment:  This year's Callaloo is basically a female version of the Irish "Indians" showband. It's wrong for the same reasons.

Originally Callaloo meant to stereotype Natives throughout the Americas as belonging to one primitive culture of scantily-clad savages. Limiting it to "Caribbean Natives"--which stupidly includes Central and South America--isn't much of an improvement.

For more on the Indian princess stereotype, see "Racism, Stereotypes, and the Digitized Indian" and Redbone Told to Wear Buckskin.

Below:  Wrong then, wrong now.

"Indian princess" in Doo Dah Parade

“Red Rosie” Named 2011 Doo Dah Queen

17-year-old Alverno High School student Rosalind Schoen wowed the judgesIn second place was Diane Patrizzi, otherwise known as “Princess Ha-Ha-Mongna Cowabunga Intergalactica” who channeled the native mating call of an early Indian tribe and told judges “we are all on…on one soccer field.”Comment:  The princess title, the funny Indian name, and the mating call are stereotypical.

Once again, comparing this to the racism against blacks is instructive. Would the parade accept a candidate named Ooga Booga from Chattanooga who performed an African mating ritual? I doubt it. Then why did they accept this mockery of Indians?

For more on the subject of faux Indians in parades, see Half-Naked "Chief" in Mass. Parade.

Navajo baby remembered on float

Navajo infant donor memorialized in Rose Parade

By Alysa LandryJoseph Quiambao was only 4 months old when he died in March 1998.

His mother, Bernadette Tohtsoni, plans to memorialize him Saturday during the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Tohtsoni is a member of the Navajo tribe.

A flower portrait of Joseph, who was an organ donor, will be one of 60 memorials decorating the Donate Life float in the 2011 Rose Parade. Donate Life recognizes people who donated organs or tissues to those desperately in need of transplants.

"I prayed for a miracle to save my son's life," Tohtsoni said in a prepared statement. "Instead the miracle was that Joseph was able to save the lives of two baby girls. I didn't want another mother to suffer the loss of their precious child."Comment:  For more on Natives in the Rose Parade, see Brulé in Rose Parade and Brings Plenty in Rose Parade.

"Stands with Song" in Thanksgiving parade

Philadelphia held a Thanksgiving parade today. Someone reported hearing ABC announce the presence of Chief David "Stands with Song" Hughes in the parade. Here's the story on him:

Chief David Stands with SongDavid Hughes is Principal Chief of the Eagle Medicine Band of Cherokees (former Chief of The Cherokee Nation of New Jersey). He’s also performed with and traveled throughout the country with Native Nations Dance Theater. David Hughes is a first place champion Men’s Grass dancer. He’s also President and CEO of his own production company, Power Records Production Company, and founder of a non-profit organization Joshua Generation Free Inc. (a community based out-reach program promoting and distributing inspiring original works in the performing and fine arts throughout the Delaware Valley and surrounding areas). David has completed two CD's: "Creator" and "Urban Indian."Comment:  The Cherokee Nation of New Jersey? Are they vying with the Sopranos for control of Atlantic City's casinos?

Needless to say, there aren't any Cherokee tribes in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. These must be two of the hundreds of "Cherokee" groups who claim to be Indians.

Hughes may be a legitimate Indian, but as chief of a wannabe tribe, he's suspect at best. Most likely he's a wannabe too.

And please spare us the phony "Stands with Song" name. That sounds exactly like what an Indian wannabe musician would call himself after watching Dances with Wolves.

As someone noted, Hughes's presence counteracts the good done by the Oneida float in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. One audience got an accurate idea of who Indians are and another audience got an inaccurate idea.

For more on the subject, see Fraudulent "Cherokee" Organizations and A Lenape-Cherokee Jew.

Oneida float in Macy's parade 2010

Oneida Indian Nation float in Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeThe 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and will again feature The Oneida Indian Nation’s float, "The True Spirit of Thanksgiving." The float includes a 30-foot-tall White Pine “Tree of Peace” growing from the back of Turtle Island. Featured will be Iroquois dancers and Oneida members dressed in traditional regalia, as well as Native American singer Crystal Shawanda (Ojibwa). The 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will aired live to nationally on NBC from 9 a.m. to noon. The tribe’s float is expected to appear on TV at about 10:40 a.m.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Oneidas Don't Care About Peace?! and Oneida Float in Macy's Parade.