Cultural attire is beautiful, unique, and breathtaking, with each regional clothing having a deeper meaning, identity, and value that preserves their cultural heritage. The color, patterns, and style can tell stories and connect the individual to their ancestral background. Nonetheless, members of dominant cultures may borrow and oppress the clothing by wearing it out of context and not understanding its significance. This is often shown when individuals of a majority group take a cultural element out of a minority group in a manipulative, disrespectful, and stereotypical way. This act is called cultural appropriation, and over time, these actions have led to racial incidents, from normalizing them in sports teams to wearing cultural attire for costume parties.
Offense in Sports
Sports fans may recognize the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians as popular sports teams, both designated to their respective sports, the NFL and MLB. Even so, sports fans may be unaware that these names have not always been this. The Washington Commanders used to be known as the “Washington Red Skins,” and the Cleveland Guardians were known as the “Cleveland Indians.” Although these teams have changed their names due to racial controversy, I still believe it’s important to talk about the massive acts of cultural appropriation that came into effect. The term “Red Skins” was used as an insensitive slur toward Native Americans. The act of doing Red Skin was when non-Native people colored their faces red to mimic the skin tone of Native Americans, which was used in stereotypical and caricatured portrayals. Non-Native fans would color their face red in support of the former “Washington Red Skins” without knowing the impact and racial stereotype it has on Native Americans. The “Cleveland Indians” also faced similar issues, with fans coming to watch the game wearing Native American war bonnets. A war bonnet is a headdress worn by Native Americans, specifically respected leaders and chiefs, which represents achievement, power, and spiritual status.
Themes and Dress Up
From coconut bikini tops to fake mustaches and sanberos, party themes often stray away from cultural appreciation to cultural appropriation. A known theme is “Hawaiian Luau.” At first, these Luau-themed parties were a way of proudly representing Hawaiian culture at any event, but over time, they have seemed to reduce the culture to stereotypical images. Things like coconut bras, grass skirts, and the serving of kalua pig as the main course. When these elements are taken out of their real context, it takes away the deep cultural meaning and degrades them to just aspects of a party. A prime example of this is Hawaiian Hulas, often seen as just mere entertainment. When, really, these sacred dances have deep spiritual roots. These incidents are also the case with “Fiesta”-based parties. Things like wearing fake mustaches and sombreros, to serving oversimplified tacos, have led to these actions being normalized. With “Hawaiian Girl with grass skirt and plastic flowers lei” and “Fiesta Man wearing colorful sombrero and fake mustache” making their way inside costume stores, like Spirit Halloween, shows how far people can’t distinguish the differences between costumes and cultural attire.
Sacred Markings/Tattoos
The majority of Polynesian tattoos have stories behind them and signify their ties to their culture. Over time, non-Pacific islanders have seen these designs and symbols and gotten them tattooed. As a Samoan Polynesian, I’ve seen my fair share of misrepresentation of these tattoos. These tattoos and markings carry tribal meanings, with some telling stories through intricate patterns and symbols that can indicate a person’s family background, social status, and personal achievements. Tattoos like the Malu and Pe’a are most significant in our culture. These represent deep cultural identity, courage, and heritage. Earning either tattoo is a major milestone, bringing respect from both family and community.
