Module 4, Post 5

Thankfully people recognize appropriation and objectification for what it is. This came up in my paper, and I was really surprised that even today this goes on in photography:

http://jezebel.com/5989947/why-is-michelle-williams-in-redface

http://jezebel.com/5959312/victorias-secrets-racist-bullshit-is-just-asking-for-a-boycott

Back in 1998 an entire Aboriginal nation was villified and demonized by an ingnorant editor who used a historical photograph and painted it red:

http://www.secrets-and-lies.co.uk/2012/the-sunday-times-magazine-devils-island/

That red “demon” is actually an aboriginal who was forced from his land and then forced to perform in travelling shows. After his death he eventually ended up in the basement of a funeral home in Cleveland, OH. His name was Tambo, and he was eventually returned home to Australia. But even so his photograph was used to demonize some islanders.

Another interesting thing I came across was this:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/fetishizing-native-americans-in-germany-wild-for-winnetou-a-505494.html

I honestly at this point in time don’t know what to think of 40,000 Germans dressing up and playing Native Americans. I would love to know what Native Americans think of this.

Self-representation is not an easy thing.