Cultural appropriation. Let's look at it. Maybe it's time to face the fact that throughout the history of this country at one time or another we have all made this mistake. I myself have bought and worn an American Indian Headdress thinking I looked fantastic. Maybe I should say
"unthinking".
I am a non- native.
Years ago I was invited to pray in a way that has opened my heart and eyes to the astonishing plight of the Numerous Nations of American Indian people. These ways helped me find a way into my own heart which I had thought was a hopeless and lost cause. I feel very connected and grateful to have been so lucky. I am not ashamed of my station in this life. I am proud to show my daughters what I have learned and how to respect the earth and the elements in the ways I have been taught.
This knowledge has made me much more aware of how I behave around the subject of culture. Now that I am so protective of one that has given me so much, one that isn't of my birth,
I am sensitive to the fact that there is a big difference between myself and a person of American Indian heritage and I respect that gap with the utmost sincerity.
Throughout history this gap has been seen from many different perspectives and most of them have been disrespectful and cruel.
If I have learned anything from my experiences with this spiritual path it is that above all we must try to treat one another with compassion and kindness.
I think sometimes people don't take the time to look into history and understand the true nature of this issue. We watch celebrities and other social figures and take our cues where they come at the easiest and most accessible crossroads. We laugh as late night hosts make fun of the news on current events thinking that making light of a heavy subject decreases its severity or changes it somehow. Sometimes people are so much in denial of cultural appropriation that it becomes a distant after thought. That when they buy these costumes and outfits, it almost feels like they themselves are keeping alive the memory of something that passed away long ago which is a non truth.
This kind of denial or apathy separates us further from what is alive and kicking which is the fact that
People, whatever their culture may be, want to be seen and heard and even loved for who they are.
Acknowledgment, respect and dignity are birthrights to each and every one of us. Also, maybe a little ownership of the fact that as a society we have allowed ourselves to become apathetic to the needs of our fellows and that maybe we need to change a few things. Maybe we can do this without shame? We are all imperfect humans and there is nothing wrong with admitting you were wrong if you are willing to grow
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