零 (ling)/30s (THEY/THEM/佢)
art tag: #a pile of bread
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Anonymous sent
So, I thought you would be a good person to ask this question. I really think moccasins are beautiful and I'd like to have a pair, but as a non-native would that be disrespectful of me? Anyway, I've been following your blog for a while now and I think it's great! Thanks for being rad, man!

Moccasins, at least for most tribes, are not considered sacred, so there is no real problem with you wearing them. I love moccasins too, but I hardly can ever find a pair in my size. #bigfeetproblems.

On the other hand, there are a few problematic things you should avoid when buying moccasins.

  1. Do not buy your moccasins from  douche bag hipster-vomit-tron companies like Urban Outfitter. Instead, buy from a Native American artist who has put time and effort into making the moccasins. I promise you’ll love them far more than any factory rendition and it puts money into real Native Americans pockets and Lord knows, they need it. You can find Native American artists at local powwows or even on Etsy. It’s just very important that you are putting your money back into the cultures that gives the world these great foot coverings!
  2. Do not call them “Native American moccasins.” There are actually many different styles of moccasins and tribes differ on their moccasins in what they look like .Instead, learn about your moccasins. What tribe do they come from?  What specifically makes them different from other tribes? There’s a lot to learn out there, but if you want to wear our clothing, then you should probably learn why and who created it…just like any fashion designer.
  3. Do not associate moccasins with stereotypes. I once went to a party and this white girl was wearing moccasins. Through a large portion of the party, she would run around in circles and woop and yeeyee like the Indians in old westerns. Early college, I was not socially aware or brave enough to say anything to her (And I think I was rushing a fraternity, so I was worried about looking cool) but don’t be that person. Instead, if you are going to be intimate with Native American arts, stand with Native Americans against their oppressors and educate people. Because it will happen. People will see your mocs and begin to spout racist comments just because of their presence and Native Americans aren’t always there to stand up for themselves.

Besides these three helpful hints, I have nothing else to add. Other people may feel differently, so if anyone has anything to add, then message me. Besides that…Rock out with your mocs out!

nativepeopleproblems

Awesome response! Just adding that native-languages.org has some good artists promoted as well.

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