Cultural appropriation by non-Natives is not something new. It’s something that Natives have tried educating about for decades. Sometimes some people or businesses ‘get it’. Many times, that’s not the case.
As with Jaxx Layne’s Boutique. Example:
Purse was $48!! Now $25!!!! 😎 pic.twitter.com/stt0fZ5GTo
— Jaxx Layne’s Boutique (@JaxxLayne) March 28, 2018
I support real Native art, and even then, I choose responsibly and don’t wear moccasins, headdresses, or certain patterns. It doesn’t take much to google & find nice things made by Natives. I also support ppl like .@FrankWaln on Patreon
https://t.co/ewLF97XAOC— Nami Thompson (@nami_knows) March 29, 2018
As an independent native artist I ask you to show us respect. Do you really know what our designs mean? The origins of them? Cuz I do. We are not fashion, damn sure not decoration. BL – don’t profit off those you are not willing to die for🤘🏽
— Mike J. Marin (@mikejmarin) March 29, 2018
As a white person, this is embarrassing and gross. Leave Native cultural symbols to the Natives, they’re not ours to create.
Why don’t you practice some actual creativity and design something unique instead of stealing “inspiration” from cultures people like us nearly destroyed?
— Mx. Kat 🐈 ⚧ (@professor_snap) March 29, 2018
$8.00 earrings! 😍 pic.twitter.com/rLf7Mg9IZQ
— Jaxx Layne’s Boutique (@JaxxLayne) March 28, 2018
you should be listening to the native women telling you that your products are offensive to their culture and beliefs. or do you have zero capacity for decency?
— ella (@ellactricitee) March 29, 2018
You realize that motif is related to the Trail of Tears where countless Native Americans were forced from their homes and lands, and on which, thousands upon thousands died?
The cultural appropriations going on throughout this whole store’s concept shows a real lack of decency.
— Terra Lu (@_terralu) March 29, 2018
When called out for cultural appropriation, Jaxx Layne resorted to childish antics instead of respectful discourse.
Our SALE WENT AWESOME YESTERDAY! Everything sold!!!! Continue to watch for new items and sales 😘 thank you for boosting our algorithms!
— Jaxx Layne’s Boutique (@JaxxLayne) March 29, 2018
This is to your @_southern_gypsy friend as well… Natives are capable of representing themselves. https://t.co/CfTLiC1iU0
— Susie (@susiehaidalife) March 29, 2018
Yall can’t even try to hide your blatant racism.
— || Khaleesi || (@La__Brujita__) March 29, 2018
Ok so you’re racist and proud…gotcha
— dylan (@srawaityai) March 29, 2018
Another cultural appropriating company joined the fray with a now deleted tweet. Among their ‘wares’ is this post with some educating replies to it. Though, the company had a tendency to block Native twitters in an effort to silence any educating voices in posts of their ‘goods’.
Lots of new goodies for Rail Three Ranch today, stay tuned for individual pictures😊 pic.twitter.com/QJb7JFU4Yi
— Rail Three Ranch (@RailThreeRanch) September 11, 2017
this is cultural appropriation and a disrespect to Indigneous people & you have the audacity to block people who respectfully try to educate you.
— ITS MY BIRTHDAY HOE (@remzhx) April 3, 2018
Educate yourself, if you feel the need to block me too please do after reading https://t.co/sgtyxl0Ibn
— Lena (@KwatsanMediaInc) April 2, 2018
Conclusion: boycott.