I don't think it is a good idea to get a bunch of people to portray a drum circle ceremony from another culture as part of a work place competition. Starting with practically nothing, the Koshara club has built up its stock of costumes until today they are worth about $5,000 according to Burshears. RHYTHM, DRUMMING, AND SHAMANISM - Society for Shamanic Practice Much of this critique focuses on her lack of recognition and respect for Mexican culture, the workers who actually produce the tequila but dont see much of the profit, and agave shortages in Mexico. Ogichidaag (Warriors) participated in certain dances that were a part of the complex. Those steps became the steps used in dance. If others happened to witness the appropriation maybe they saw your outfit or read your social media post consider touching base with them on what youve learned. In January, Uzoruo emailed Black to voice her concerns about using Indigenous teachings and drum circle and potentially making a profit from it. If you laugh at yourself you'll never run out of things to laugh about.. by Judy Helfand At the day-long singing and drumming retreat on Saturday, I failed to fully step up and confront cultural appropriation and lack of respect for the people whose drums were en, so are we just openly talking politics on the forum now. Also problematic was Chet Hanks response. This might feel uncomfortable, but its worth it, since it could help them avoid appropriation, too. All cultures have complexities and nuances that contribute to, but go far beyond, their art, clothing, and jewelry. For me, it was the high point of my life as a dancer. Under a dark sky with a temperature of 25 degrees, twenty-one dancers danced to the songs of the RedBone Singers, a Twin Cities based drum group. Cultural appropriation is an idea that comes from sociology and is when a dominant culture takes items from a minority culture and incorporates them. In fact I would argue that 99% of argued "cultural appropriation" is harmless, or sometimes even is a good thing - because it can help to spread the culture and enrich our society through having new things to do and experience. Adding to the burden by leaving it to members of that culture to call out the appropriation and explain why its wrong only makes matters worse. To the rhythm of a grand entry song, the dancers formed a circle at the center of the field around the Vikings logo, and performed break dances with songs appropriate for each category. Are people from all races and backgrounds welcome in the group? Your email address will not be published. Definitely a ship that will burn and sink. Multicultural food and art? Among the Anishinaabeg, certain dances engaged the entire community. Do those count as appropriation? Her portrayal clumps together Native American beliefs and traditions from several different Indigenous groups, reducing these cultural traditions to stereotypes and fantasy instead of acknowledging them as actual cultural practices that are still part of Native American culture today. There is no such thing as cultural appropriation. Appropriation generally exploits other cultures and reinforces stereotypes. To form a group consciousness. Sounds like an excuse. Demonstrate quality in at least five of our major dances. You are. Taking time to learn more about specific cultures and keeping the questions above in mind can help you work toward anti-racism and greater sensitivity across the board. Cultural appropriation is heavily over and misused but it has valid origins and can be therefore used in a valid way. The Koshare program developed during the time of the Vanishing Indian. Through treaties and allotment, tribal lands diminished to mere parcels of checker-boarded land. Also, she recognized her responsibility to remind drummers to be respectful of the drum. (2017). He complimented the photo and asked Adele to call him while speaking in Jamaican Patois. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. On November 22, I was part of a halftime dance performance at the TCF Bank Stadium where the Minnesota Vikings celebrated Native American Heritage Month. Learn how it works, what to consider, and whether its. Being corrected in public being shamed and embarrassed in front of others is tricky territory most of us dont handle well. Thank you for sharing this, Judy. Six dance categories were represented mens traditional, womens traditional, grass dance, jingle dress, fancy shawl, and fancy feather. It represents the dark side of colonialism that, by its nature, subjugates the things that culturally diverse people value, and turns them into a commodity that they can profit from. Black said in an email that sheaccepts payment only for weddings. by Judy Helfand Djembe At the day-long singing and drumming retreat on Saturday, I failed to fully step up and confront cultural appropriation and lack of respect for the people whose drums were enriching our lives. When it became clear that she wasnt going to, once again I did not speak out, not wanting to interrupt the flow of the group settling into the ritual planned for the afternoon. Their performances include Japan and England, and large sports venues including the halftime show between the Denver Broncos and New York Jets in 1962. Yet many Black women continue to face stigma and discrimination when they style their hair naturally instead of using painful chemical straightening treatments to look more professional (in other words, white). The money from grants and donations commodifies the Koshare program and institutionalizes it as a stereotypical tribal reality. It was a small Native American drum, the type that is suspended from a stand and played by several drummers at once with large padded drum sticks. The Koshares and the Appropriation of Native American Dance Looking for guidance on recognizing when appreciation of another culture crosses the line? So I happen to live in a very liberal community. In fact, there is no evidence Sheila Black was paid for ceremonies. I just wanted to let you know people from that culture might find it offensive and hurtful.. "I never received a penny or any type of remuneration for these drum circles. "I fear that this may become a trend amongst non-Indigenous spiritual healers, which will enablethem to continue profiting from Indigenous ceremonies/teachings without having to address or be held accountable by the community.". cultural appropriation, adoption of certain language, behaviour, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical. What is cultural appropriation, and how does it differ from cultural Many successful food bloggers are white. Henna: Its history and cultural significance. The Beat of My Drum: An Autobiography, by Babatunde Olatunji. One has me think, its a little inappropriate. At the day-long singing and drumming retreat on Saturday, I failed to fully step up and confront cultural appropriation and lack of respect for the people whose drums were enriching our lives. A drum circle though is harmless. She's Caribbean, Anishinaabe, Cree and Mtis, and originally from southeastern Manitoba. The end result? Maintain at least a C grade average in school. By the mid-1990s, it had gained a solid place in academic discourse, particularly in the field of sociology. 2023 Racial Justice Allies racialjusticeallies (at) gmail (dot) com. The beginning of the contemporary powwow can be traced back to the Hethushka that developed among Omaha and Ponca warrior societies in the early 1820s. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They then earn credit, praise, and income for those recipes, while people of color continue to struggle for the same recognition and success. Having children learn about elements of Indigenous culture and participate in . The problem lies in the fact that white food bloggers continue to rebrand and fuse dishes from other cultures. In a way, the whole cultural appropriation debate is also "a symptom of a very visible, assertive, middle and professional class" of people from ethnic minorities in the US, says Prof Ray. Exhibitions and lectures have played an important role in that they have allowed me to educate about dance and its meaning to Native people. Part of me wanted to address the women individually but it seemed presumptuous as I was not the drum teacher. Koshare Indian Dancers, Halftime Show, 1962. Is anyone or any culture being exploited? The Koshare program relies on corporate funding and grants, and individual membership donations for their activities and for their museum. Plenty of people have been guilty of cultural appropriation without realizing it. By not everyone, we mean white people.. These groups include the Kwahadi Dancers Venture Crew 9, Aabikta Indian Dancers, Coyote Night Dancers, Kaniengehaga Dance Team, Kootaga Indian Dancers, Inc., Kossa Indian Dancers, Crew 476 Lakota Dancers, Paumanauke Dance Team, Sahawe Indian Dancers, The Mic-O-Say Dancers, Tsoyaha Indian Dancers / Mossy Creek. I have studied music and traditions with many teachers, many of them African, and have been encouraged to teach and pass on cultural gifts by them, in the hope that unity and healing can occur,which it certainly does. What Does It Mean to Be Gender Nonconforming? Instead, I went and spoke with the drum teacher. While the title of the recipe has since been changed, many blog commenters feel retitling the dish falls short of an adequate response. Beginning with the Sioux peace-pipe ceremony, the boys ranged themselves in a circle about the skull of a buffalo. Each team will form a drum circle and perform their collective voice, no more than 1-2 minutes. Background: Wellbeing plays an essential role in a complete and health community. To entrain and resonate. White women who choose to wear Black hairstyles as a fashion statement contribute to cultural exploitation by failing to acknowledge this prejudice. Helsinki-Uusimaa Region - Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council That might involve finding a cookbook or recipe from a member of that culture, or at the very least, a recipe from someone who learned to prepare it authentically. (n.d.). As we settled into the circle I noticed a couple women resting their feet on the head of their djembes. Are Drum Circles Cultural Appropriation? - Page 3 | BabyCenter By the 1960s, the transitional periods of dance emerged into the contemporary powwow of today with its various dance categories and attendant regalia. Helsinki, Uusimaa travel guide - Culture Trip Black said she is not appropriating Indigenous culture but would not facilitate further ceremonies publicly in Canada. Still, shaming someone or criticizing them publicly usually doesnt have the best impact, so try calling them in instead of calling them out. 'Cultural appropriation:' Inuit react to Calgary man's drum dance 2023 Healthline Media LLC. One has me think, its a little inappropriate A drum circle is a celebration of life and community with the goal to share rhythm and form group consensus. She had not thought about any of it but immediately supported me in my concerns, suggesting I email the leaders. Whoever said it was 'cultural appropriation' is an asshat. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Barr said that Paquette told himin 2009 thathe had learned everything he needed to know to perform ceremonies himself. Black hairstyles arent costumes or fancy looks, though. All the same, taking a little extra time to research and better understand a culture and its language, and communicate with people from that culture, could easily help prevent such mistakes. Failing to assimilate can carry heavy consequences, including fewer opportunities for work or career advancement and racist violence or threats. Case in point: Many fans came to her defense, calling her hairstyle a sign of cultural appreciation. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It was only a six and half minute performance, but it left an indelible impression on the dancers, singers, and crowd of 52,000 fans. While some people feel that gender nonconformity is a part of their identity, for others, its more of a decision and an action than an identity. Although there are many great resources, many lack the specific tools to facilitate a drum circles as it pertains to specific technique and styles often utilized in percussion in the field of arts in health. Though on the surface Finns may appear to be a relatively restrained bunch, our museums, galleries, bustling boulevards and animated markets are a great way to tap into the true heart of . I mentioned my discomfort with the disrespect for the drum I had witnessed and how I wished the leaders had acknowledged the rich cultures the drums came from. In the early 1900s, the powwow began to take shape and form. Is shamanism cultural appropriation? Maine Shaman In my culture, there are traditional stories regarding the origins of dance. Theres a lot of heated debate about cultural appropriation and what actions belong in this category. But they should also take time to acknowledge its cultural roots. Get tired of playing on birthboards you do not belong to? Indigenous Peoples are putting their bodies on the line and it's our responsibility to make sure you know why. ~ Basil Johnson. Traditional councils were overshadowed by progressive tribal entities that would become formalized under the Indian Reorganization Act in 1936. Appropriation is already a microaggression against people of color. The schools houses also feature Rowlings reimagined versions of important beings in Native American mythology as creature mascots. I AM the #$%@&^# click!" When it comes to giving compliments, try this, Language and labels are important parts of understanding your gender as well as knowing how to affirm and support that of other folks! The recipe, originally named Weeknight Ginger Chicken Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Soup), presented a fusion version of pho that failed to acknowledge actual elements of pho, including key ingredients, the effort and time required to make it, or even the traditional presentation of the dish. You even stated "I wasn't sure if I was being overly sensitive". The issue of cultural appropriation in the classroom is definitely one which educators should reflect on. The result is the continued influence of the djembe and dunun drums and West African dance among African Americans. Vol. According to their literature, new members are called Papooses, and begin their Koshare career by working on their Scout activities. Although its appropriation has, by no means, replaced Native American dance itself, it has provided a representative of dance that distorts and misinforms a tribal reality. Non-Indigenous healers asked to stop appropriating Indigenous ceremony | CBC News Loaded. She also uses the problematic white savior trope. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For non-Natives, powwows were a vestige of a tribal past. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. A previous headline on this story read 'Non-Indigenous healers asked to stop appropriating and selling Indigenous ceremony.' Group drumming is employed to bring people together, as a form of occupational therapy, and as a vehicle for confronting personal and large scale trauma, as well as natural disasters. Yoga and the roots of cultural appropriation. That takes time, expertise and resources - and we're up against a constant tide of misinformation and distorted coverage. So, when someone called out for appropriation counters by saying that people of color who wear Western clothing and hairstyles, speak English, or eat fast food are also appropriating, know that these statements are both grossly insensitive and completely inaccurate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This article is a social and historical survey of the interrelationships between African American cultural traditions with the music of West Africa, from colonial times until present--focusing upon the influence of West African Mandingue culture developed during the Mali empire of the 12th century. Probably the most authentic Finnish thing you can do is rent a lakeside cabin for a few days, though your choice will be limited at short notice. Hethushka dancers wore their warrior regalia, including roaches, scalps of opponents represented by braids of sweet grass, eagle bone whistles, and feather belts or bustles. Their program has taken a culturally significant aesthetic and turned it into a pantomime that lacks the meaning and connections that are deeply rooted in the collective psyche of Native Americans. We can only expose it for what it is. Continued exploitation of people from other cultures. Membership is limited to first-class scouts. An exploratory study of African Drumming as an intervention in Diversity Training, Culturally Diverse Music Education in North American K-12 Classrooms: The Role of Teacher Attitudes and Attributes in Facilitating Engaged Practices, Pamyua's Akutaq: Traditions of Modern Inuit Modalities in Alaska, Intercultural Music Transmission at the Dagara Music Center and Development of Musical Interspace, 'I drum, therefore I am?' all the best of luck to all of you working together to create healing and community. Take henna art, or Mehndi, for example. This is such an important step that hopefully will lead to more people thinking about what they can further do to work with those communities. Discussion of Cultural Appropriation - Sociological Images As the Mandingue traditions have become increasingly popular word wide, traditional West African drum and dance have remained a vital component of the African American connection with Africa. Several articles have been written regarding the Koshare dancers and their violation of cultural property that is central to the tribal ceremonial practices of the Tewa. Notes on Jazz in Senegal, in Uptown Conversations: The New Jazz Studies, Robert G. O'Meally, Brent Edwards, and Farah Griffin eds., Columbia University Press. Cultural appropriation: Why is food such a sensitive subject? And I had not asked for this acknowledgement as we began. Its also worth considering why a movie about a key aspect of Black culture needed a white main character and a mostly white cast. When our objective is to raise awareness and change behavior, we need to keep this in mind. Idk which is why I'm asking. The literature in the field of arts in health demonstrate the specific ways a drum circle may affect wellbeing through socialization, rhythmic entrainment, and expression. Appropriation also tends to involve some misuse of cultural elements. Is anyone being disrespectful or unkind? Are we just looking for things to be offended by now. What say you DT? Robert DesJarlait is an environmental activist, writer, artist, and dancer. "If you have the knowledge to help people walk in a better way, a way that is beneficial to everyone and everything why wouldn't you want that shared? Oberlender I. "There's a long history throughout Canada in the U.S. of the cultural genocide against Indigenous people for practising ceremonies that she is selling, that she uses as a sort of personal resum, like the sun dance, attending sweats, being part of an Indigenous network and teachings from elders," said Uzoruo. In the morning as we were settling in, it would have been so easy to go over and say something about feet on a drum and West African reverence for the drum, needing to respect the drum and the culture of its origin. Each clan has a chief. Consequently, white people continue to benefit and hold positions of power. 151-175. It includes people of all ages. TikTok influencers eventually began to share videos of themselves performing the dance, without crediting Harmon. But I do thank this festival for doing away with theirs, whatever the reason. They encourage you to dress in a yukata traditional Japanese summer clothing and help you put it on properly. To sum up: White culture cant be appropriated. I can only write about dance from my own perspective, my own experiences, and my own history as a dancer. Powwows were common events on many reservations and were attractions for tourists. But what is more insidious is the harm and divisive structures to Foundational Blacks to kidnap and our cultural and historical contribution to the world, know better than research is the classic book Stolen Legacy by G.M. Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. The only good option is to listen, learn, and change your behavior. They also fail to give credit where credit is due. The Koshare Indian Dancers are the members of Boy Scout Troop 232 and Venturing Crew 2230 of the Rocky Mountain Council. Montreal's Tam Tams Is Textbook Cultural Appropriation Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Although only covering three percent (9,440 km 2) of our national land area, our Region is home to around 1.7 million inhabitants, which is about a third of the country's total population. I noticed your T-shirt had [X] design on it. If your use of cultural items or practices exploits that culture in any way, you're appropriating whether you realize it or not. If youre considering meeting with a psychiatrist but prefer remote visits, online psychiatry may be right for you. Their repertoire includes dances from the Sioux, Kiowa, Ojibwe, Blackfoot, Navajo, Comanche, and Hopi. Social media users have also pointed out the grammatical error on the bottle, which reads blanco tequila when it should actually read tequila blanco.. How to Handle Cultural Appropriation: 16 Examples, Next Steps - Healthline Beginning in 1993, two girls were added to make the performance more accurate in representing male and female dancers. People try to pretend like one thing is insulting to a culture, without understanding the complexity of a culture and everything else it has. I had stopped drinking and a few months into my sobriety, I had a powerful, lucid dream-vision. I wanted to make sure I wasn't being overly sensitive. Cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation. He told CBCNews he has spent thousands out of his own pocket. This year, they banned having drum circles during this event because they are harmful to people of indigenous and black communities, or so they say. Patrick Victor Naranjo writes: Cultural properties and the traditional knowledge associated with these indigenous identities are not relevant to the dominant perception of American Indians, as represented by the Cleveland Indian mascot and Koshare dance performance. Exactly which culture is being appropriated? Lapland from Helsinki: the scenery's pretty much the same all the way, which gets a bit tedious after a few hours. A previous version of this story included two screenshots suggesting the wording about pricing on Black's website changed after speaking with CBC News. Oh! There were also dumbeks, traditional to North Africa and West Asia (a.k.a. Although the powwow may be labeled as contemporary, it isnt new. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. Why did I not speak up? I just think because its Canada and Canada already has a thing with the Aboriginal people that possibly a drum circle may be appropriating given the context. Typically, people gather to drum in drum "circles" with others from the surrounding community. Be elected by a 2/3 majority vote of the active Koshares. This is another example of cherry. It completed a circle in a city that has protested and marched against the Washington team in 1992, 2013, and 2014. I do not find them to be cultural appropriation. Is anyone being helped? Still, as several Black women have pointed out, the hairstyle goes beyond a celebratory look. It includes people of all ages. Africans worldwide have experienced the most horrific inhumane treatment throughout world history and injustices are still continuing today. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Attempting to conceive of white Europeans as apolitical participants in colonialist practices is impossible. I'm sorry, but I hate drum circles. 'Cultural appropriation:' Inuit react to Calgary man's drum dance "A lot of people that I know don't support non-Natives taking these kinds of ceremonial situations and turning them into.
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