Style over substance

ihavechortles:

williwhite:

As a Native American, I constantly come across pictures of non-natives dressed in “indian” face. Feathers or headdresses adorn their heads, “war” paint splattered across their cheeks, and looks of stoic impersionations. These non-natives romanticize a perceived understanding of Native Americans from Hollywood films that neglect to showcase the modern Native. The present-day Native American does not go to the mall wearing buck-skin, a headdress and paint on their face.

Take a step back, do your homework. Enlighten yourself about cultures and the significance of a headdress, the sacredness of eagle feathers. Beat the stereotypes. Respect cultures. 


Special thanks to Kathleen Franco for allowing me to make her a stereotype. She’s a wonderful human being and a great actress. And to Khloe Keeler for being my authenticly modern Native. You ladies rock! 

© 2011 William White II
Willi White Photography

Projects like this that are actually done by Native people make me really fucking happy. Especially since my school is all about Well Meaning White People Teaching Us About Our Problems and I, well, I get really tired of that

[image: A White woman in stereotypical “Indian” feathers, paint, and braids, next to a Native woman who is looking at her skeptically. The caption is “beat the stereotypes. respect cultures.”]

Seriously, if next summer the festivals are full of people in feathered headresses etc I will scream. COME ON GUYS.