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scattered thoughts

OK, more crazy ultra-PC stuff. I just saw on CNN that CBS is being asked to apologize for another performance, in addition to Janet’s nipple-popping extravaganza.

Apparently, a Native American group is suing, demanding an apology and calling for a boycott of Outkast, CBS, and Arista Records, because Outkast’s performance on the Grammys had some costumes that they felt were perpetuating racist stereotypes of Native Americans.

I saw the clip on CNN, and the problem is the backup singers, who were wearing a sloppy, midriff-baring BRIGHT GREEN costume with stuff hanging off it, as well as matching bright green headbands with a single bright green feather on one side.

OK, where to start. I’m not sure of the context - perhaps the song made it clear that it was about native americans, but if you took the feather off the costume, it didn’t look to me like they’d seem like “indians” anymore. So, I guess that means if you wear a feather sticking up from your hair, you’re offending native americans. So, I guess that means they OWN the concept of putting a feather in your hair. My ass.

Continuing, what the hell happened to Indians? As opposed to Native Americans. I mean, it was a mistake calling them that in the first place, but they worked their way into popular culture. So, maybe we could just all decide that “Indians” are fictional historical characters that never really existed, but they show up in Peter Pan, old cowboy movies, Outkast performances and stuff like that. Like hobbits, or Santa. And Native Americans are something different.

I’m tempted to say something like “Indians are fictitious characters, and Native Americans are bitter drunks” but that would be libelous.

Dude, I’m way sorry about the land and killing your ancestors and shit, but I mean, we did cure polio and land on the moon and stuff, and the bad guys are dead now anyway, can you please freaking get over it?

Can’t find it on CNN, but articles are here:

Brother Elk cited the use of feathers, sacred symbols of Native Americans, as a particular abuse. He said he understood if a majority of Grammy viewers missed the distinction.

and here:

He equated it to the African-American group performing “with a grass skirt, a bone through their nose, a war lance in hand and balancing a watermelon and pork chop in the other. African-Americans would be outraged. Why do they think that’s a positive portrayal of our people?”