detribalizedaztec:

Native Inapropro. 2012. Ceramic mask sculpture, dollar store feathers and dream catchers. Animated projection.

Documentation of a collaborative animated-installation for my sculpture class.

Native appropriation is a yet another very real problem that which the Indigenous peoples of the Americas are facing today. From film to fashion, thriving off of exoticization and the idea of the mythical west, Native appropriation flattens diverse peoples and cultures while perpetuating the stereotype of the savage Indian-­ noble or otherwise. In the guise of cultural appreciation and/or history, this act of playing Indian not only disregards historical fact but also threatens the visibility of contemporary Native peoples and the hardships they face; which range from economic marginalization to racism and beyond. Native Appropriation is a facet of colonialism in its contemporary form: with the perpetuation of stereotypes, Native appropriation threatens the very self-determination of Indigenous peoples by promoting self hate through the act of buying into the fantasy that which the media sells. I personally have been affected by this bombardment of xenophobic images. I learned to be guilty and I learned to hate myself. But not anymore!

As a person with Indigenous Nahua roots, I feel the issue of Native appropriation directly implicates me. As a person with Indigenous roots I feel that it is my duty to combat racist ideas and to also educate people (Natives and non-Natives alike) about our continuing histories, struggles, and achievements. We are not some extinct people, and to this I feel it is important to raise awareness. To quote a personal hero of mine: the Quiché-Maya activist and writer, Rigoberta Menchú Tum “We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle, or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism.”

reblogging because Michael is an amazing artist and collaborating with him was fun.

(Source: vimeo.com)