Why Ignorance is the reason we can’t achieve equality

———

The only separation between the human race and equality is the ignorance that consumes us. We as people claim that we are aware, we are equal and we treat everyone with respect. However, I’d like someone to explain to me how wearing First Nations cultural outfits as costumes, the misconception of their looks and the forgotten history, is not ignorant.

———

Halloween is a time to dress up and portray yourself as someone you are not. It is fun. It is creative. However, sadly, it can get stereotypical, and yes, ignorant. Imagine wearing clothes that are apart of your cultural background and then have them all of a sudden stripped of their significance and meaning. Well, I’m sorry to tell you but that is what First Nations have to go through, not just at Halloween but throughout the whole year. We see their cultural clothing in magazines, run ways and musical festivals. People wear them without even the slightest thought of; “Ohh hey, you know what, maybe, the feathers in my hair actually have a significance and by me wearing them I am belittling what they signify”. Well, unfortunately that does not occur. Which means that they never get to learn that eagle feathers symbolize traits such as trust, strength, honour, wisdom, power and freedom. Plus, to receive an eagle feather during a ceremony is a high honour among tribe members. If we knew, appreciated and respected the meaning and significance behind it all, this whole debacle would not be a problem in the first place. We are appropriating someone else’s culture. We wear their clothes, headdresses and feathers without earning them or understanding the importance within them. Do your research. Think of others. And appreciate not appropriate.

 

Stereotypes. We see them every where we go and they shape our understanding of everyday images and appearances. In the minds of society, if you don’t have long black braided hair, some animals skin on your clothes and brown toned skin, then are you really a First Nations? Well there you have it folks, an example of a disgustingly alive stereotype. It’s rather silly to think that someone of a complete different culture has the right to depict wether you are who are or not. One of the main problems of a First Nations identity is that they are not accepted, by people who are non First Nation, as a First Nation, if they don’t look like the stereotypes we see in pictures and films. They are people. Some live on a reserve, some don’t. Some wear their traditional clothing, some wear clothes you can find in the mall. They are who they are through their culture within them not through your inaccurate vision of who you think they are. They breath, talk and in fact, poop just like everyone else.

 

Way, way, way before we were born, “white men” came to Canada and selfishly and ignorantly took the First Nations land from them. They forced them to live on horribly conditioned lands and began to treat them in the most horrific way. WE (white people) took THEIR land. THEY were here before US. So why must we treat them as if they are bombarding into our territory? Because last time I checked we were the ones who did that. As history has shown we mistreated the First Nations to an extent that should not have been reached. It is in the history and no one can ignore the fact that we invaded and were completely ignorant to their culture, beliefs and overall feelings.

————

In the end, not being educated upon the First Nations and their clothes, various appearances and history has lead us to be ignorant to them throughout all these years. We may say we want the world to be equal but how is that the case, when we do not educate ourselves upon others race, culture or beliefs. We must appreciate and not appropriate. With knowledge and acceptance the world can be a much safer and loving place for not only First Nations but everyone!

—————–

 

 

 

 

 

Citations:

Anouk, Safíra. We Cant Trust White People: On Blood Quantum and Identity Appropriation. Digital image. Unsettling America. Safari Anouk, 2 Mar. 2016. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

KRASOWSKI, SANDI. The Persistence of Racial Inequality in Canada. Digital image. The Star.com. THE CANADIAN PRESS, 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

Instead of Playing “Indian,” Why Not Shop from Actual Native American Designers? Digital image. Mic Network Inc. Theresa Avila, 10 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

Exploring First Nations in the Media. Digital image. Exploring First Nations in the Media. Amanda, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

Pinterest. Digital image. Pinterest. NativeSkins.Tumblr.com, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.