The Same Story, the Same People: Cultural Misappropriation

To try to help some natives place this in perspective, and the vehement hobbyist deniers or passive dismissive others: Replace the references, and the message is the same and its the same people doing the indigenous or cultural misappropriation. From the article, “Why I Can’t Stand White Belly Dancers” by Randa Jarrar. “(European Indian hobbyists) […]

“A Star Trek Convention For Native Enthusiasts…” My Article at Indian Country Today

Published on 24 February at Indian Country Today Media Network, it’s based on observations from myself and my son when visiting the “native inspired” event called the “Winter Pow-wow 2014” that took place in Berlin, Germany just over a week earlier. As usual, there are hobbyists who take offense to any critique of their activities, […]

Native Misrepresentation in Film

Natives may always find debatable whether non-native actors should be cast for roles depicting natives, particularly when experienced Native American actors are available. It doesn’t matter if it’s in an action comedy with Johnny Depp as Tonto, or a drama such as “Jimmy P.” where Puerto Rican American Benecio Del Toro starred as a Blackfoot […]

2013 in One Word? Unbelievable!

Not unbelievable in the sense of the word many people might quickly assume, “incredible” in a positive way or simply “surprising”, but one of the literal meanings: ” so great or extreme as to be difficult to believe; extraordinary.” My 2013 was extraordinary in the extremes of life and living that occurred, but perhaps not […]