So why can’t I dress up like an Indian, Pocahontas, or any other Native person?
The depth and magnitude of the cultural genocide and active persecution of Native people cannot be separated from what may appear to be simply a headband with feathers on it. Life, land, and liberty were sacrificed for these cultural pieces to be passed across generations. Native people have gone to many extremes to secure these markers for another generation, and to witness non-Natives “play,” “perform,” and “pretend” at “parties” with these sacred markers, it should go without saying that it is not only inappropriate, but inexcusable.
October 25, 2020
