In our recent topics of class discussions we have talked
about the image of Native Americans in media. Especially discussing Native
American women. Through class and through our readings I have learned that the
“Native American Princess” is in fact a stereotype and that this is not common
for the culture. In recent news Victoria Secret has been at the forefront of
misrepresenting Native American Women. Every year Victoria Secret puts on a
fashion show, introducing their new line for the upcoming year, this year
photos from the extravagant fashion show have already leaked. A very
controversial image is at the forefront of the entire show:
The image shows Karlie Kross, a very famous model wearing
close to no clothes, beads, and a Native American headdress. Native American
women were furious over this photo because women in the Native American culture
do not wear headdresses; it is the men who wear these headdresses to ceremonial
events in society. Native American across the world found this image offensive
and entirely inaccurate. Victoria Secret is facing a boycott from the Native
American women after this photo leaked. Victoria Secret is not the first
company to face criticism for the misrepresentation of Native Americans. Last
year, Urban Outfitters ran an entire line of Navajo Tribe clothing, which
featured a headdress and a flask with the Navajo print. This affects me because
as a consumer I do not want to participate in the misrepresentation of Native
Americans. Unwillingly consumers are buying these products and they do not
understand how it is affecting other people. As a consumer I want to be
fashionable, but I don’t want to participate in the miss- use of an entire
culture. When this happens Native Americans are being included in the media,
but they do not have control of their image in media. Victoria Secret released
an appropriate apology and they are not running the Native American pictures
and headdress in the upcoming show, which runs in December.
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