How to support (not appropriate) Native Americans part 3


[part 3; again, credit to Simon Moya-Smith, Vice magazine]

 21. Stop supporting brands like Urban Outfitters. They profit off of our culture and traditions. Instead, support Native-owned businesses. You can purchase better quality Native clothing, jewelry, etc., while at the same time support actual creative Natives.
22. If you invite Native elders into your spaces, treat them with the respect that we do. Let them eat first, let them have your seat, listen to them. They are not props.
23. Loudly speak out against Indian mascots. They are the commodification and dehumanization of Natives and have been empirically proven to harm the mental health and stability of kids.
24. Even if you have a friend who says he or she doesn’t have a problem with a racist slur, it doesn’t make the racist slur any less of a racist slur. Remind your friend that their sentiments toward a slur does not change its definition.
25. Recognize that DNA does not equate to culture. Ancestry.com and 23andMe, for example, are in the business of biotechnology, not culture. Culture is the community, not your spit.
26. You can't look at someone and “see” if they are Native or not. [Remember my early post: Aren’t I too White?]
27. Don't vote for politicians who support oppressive policies and agendas.
28. Help elect and vote for Native candidates on the ballot. We need more representation at all levels of government—from local to state to national.
29. Stand up to your racist uncle/aunt/parents/grandparents when they use anti-Native slurs.
30. Read up on how the Thanksgiving narrative as you know it is largely bullshit.

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