I'll be clear; this is going to be a complete rant on the disgrace shown towards Indigenous people when these costumes are seen on store racks and costume websites. If you're not one to confront social issues such as these, I suggest pressing the back button now.
Still reading? Great! Now to the reason why I am pissed at anyone and everyone who wears, sells, and makes these costumes.
Before the colonization of the Native people, women were presented with the same amount of respect as the men in a tribe. They were not just caretakers of the children, but they were craftswomen, healers, and cooks. They were the backbone of the tribe. Native American women were not raised to sit and look pretty. They weren't running with the colors of the wind because they didn't have a care in the world (sorry Disney). Women were, and are, just as strong as men!
When Christopher Columbus came over and 'discovered' the Native tribes, he didn't bring the traits of a woman, a supporter. He brought a boat full of men who could "handle life in the unknown". These men also brought with them egos that had them believing they were the rightful owners of said Native women. Thus, our ancestors were seen as some sort of 'disposable' play item for these men. They were strong and dependent, something the Englishmen had not seen in a woman before. They became desirable to these men.
The men, much like how they took the land for themselves, took women for themselves as well. Native women were taken and raped. Columbus didn't bring a better life for Native people, he brought STDs. And when the men of the tribe tried to fight back, they were given the title of 'savages'. WHAT?!
Another problem with these costumes: women were not allowed to wear headdresses! Albeit they were a symbol of respect, the headdresses were also known as war bonnets and were given to men who had earned them. To the girl in the headdress at a music festival: what war were you in to acquire that highly respected headpiece that you have upon your head? No, the fight you had with the other girl in Urban Outfitters who wanted one doesn't count.
PEOPLE -- Native American women should have never been a sexualized object of the eye. There shouldn't be one in three Native women who have experienced sexual assault or an attempt on it. It's because of costumes such as these that they have, though! There are so many other fun and cute costumes you could be. Be a hot sauce packet, or a loofah. Just please, do not continue to sexualize women and this culture in such a way that these costumes are seen as 'normal' to see of store shelves and out in public.
