It seems like no matter how much we shout at the top of our lungs about cultural appropriation, there’s going to be something or someone that just doesn’t get the message, doesn’t it?
We know it’s wrong; cultural appropriation is insulting and inappropriate and often reeks of more than just a tinge of racism. Taking important parts of our heritage — spiritual and cultural aspects — and turning them into fashion items isn’t okay.
But when something like ‘White Girls Rock Headdresses’ appears on Instagram, there really are no words.
The account surfaced not too long ago, featuring photos of white women donning garments modeled after sacred warbonnets. There were questions of whether or not it was a parody, and meant to make fun of hipsters, but WGRH turned into more of a head scratcher than anything else, just insensitive and insulting.
The account photo was a pic of Gwen Stefani from No Doubt’s controversial ‘Looking Hot’ music video that was pulled after earning criticism for its “inaccurate and insensitive appropriation of Native American culture.”
"White Girls Do It Best,” read the account bio. “This page is dedicated for the white women who aren't afraid of repping their native pride! Follow for your daily dose of true beauty. Reclaim.The.HeadDress.”
According to Indian Country Today, the admin of the account commented on one of the account’s pictures by claiming that "these girls I post are members of the white girl tribe from the Coachella Reservation."
Indian Country Today noted that the arguments from the account admin and its critics took a spiral, and the likeliness of it being a parody account are questionable. Plenty of Instagrammers asked for the WGRH to be suspended and the account disappeared last Saturday.
“But almost immediately, the person behind White Girls Rock Headdresses came back, pushing the same shtick with a different username,” wrote Indian Country Today staff.
“We're not going to share it. Whatever his or her intentions — make fun of hipsters, piss off Natives, or both — we're thinking that this time around the best reaction is none at all.”
Did you seee the Instagram account when it was active? How did it make you feel?
