Please pardon this uncharacteristic foray into personal opinion/politics. I try to keep such things off the blog, but every now and then something comes along that really strikes me.

Apparently, Native American themes have been commandeered by fashion designers, hipsters and pop stars as they crudely sing about partying and picking people up at a bar.

I saw this image in a great Sociological Images post and loved it.

I can’t help but take issue with certain ways Native American “fashion” is used these days; reduced to a matter of style, kitsch or other representations entirely devoid of reverence for a culture we could stand to learn a few things from.

That being said, I have no trouble with someone wearing these items if he/she has a basic understanding and respect the origin. I find certain Native American symbols incredibly meaningful, and often reflect on the Native connection with the earth, all forms of life and the general gratitude with which they lived.

We are so disconnected in American culture sometimes, so skewed in our priorities, so flippant and automatic.

Please visit this post for videos and pictures. I’m aware that fashion has ALWAYS recontextualized aspects of culture, and I do welcome any diverging opinions on this particular matter.