Our dear friend Khloe Kardashian is back at her dress up antics. Remember back in October when she tweeted a picture of her wearing a headdress? Well this week she stepped it up a bit and posted a picture from a professional photo shoot with a huge war bonnet. See above.
The accompanying tweet read: "What do you guys think of my tribal look?"
Well Khloe, I think it contributes to the continued stereotyping of Native peoples, relegates us to a "fantasy" or "dress up" character like a wizard or a clown, contributes to the sexualization of Native women, takes something sacred and meaningful and makes it a cheap commodity, and just overall gives me the sads.
If you want the full lowdown: But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?
Funny I should be writing about the Kardashians today, since I just got back from my cousin's big wedding at the Armenian apostolic church in Pasadena (that's why the blog went quiet for so long). Yes friends, I'm also Armenian. Apparently there's a thing with Armenians appropriating Native cultures...remember Cher?
Yeah, she had this song called "Half Breed" back in '73, and wore a lot of "Indian" style stuff, like huge headdresses, during that time period. I already hear you, commenters, "But she's Indian! She says she's Cherokee!" Yes, Cher's ancestry includes Cherokee. Remember who else is Cherokee? Me. and as a Cherokee-Armenian, I can tell you that Cherokees don't wear headdresses, breastplates, feathers, and southwest style beading. We wear this:
That's a tear dress. Not quite as sexy is it?
Anyway, since you asked, Khloe, I'm not a fan of your "tribal look". At all.
Khloe's photoshoot pics
Khloe's tweet
Interesting discussion in the comments over at Jezebel over the tweet and pic:
http://jezebel.com/5828895/miley-cyrus-doesnt-want-anymore-attention/gallery/19
Earlier:
Oh no, Khloe Kardashian
Nudie Neon Indians and the Sexualization of Native Women
But Why Can't I Wear a Hipster Headdress?