How offensive does something have to be for you to stop doing it? Do you have a scale? Do you measure the number of people who rate it at different points on the scale? By what measure are people required to demonstrate to you that a practice is offensive before you will discontinue it?

Don't use it to scoop pet feces

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are not wearing the dreamcatcher. You are not using it as a potholder. You are using it as a dreamcatcher, and it has been shared by Native American culture as such, and you have not taken it away and made it into something else for merchandising purposes. I don't see how this is cultural appropriation.

Please don't use the phrase "Native American" to describe the Indian people. That's definitely a microaggression. The preferred term is "Indian" or, better, to refer to someone by their actual tribal affiliation.

-- Signed, part Algonquin.

Okay.

They are blatant micro aggressions. The most demeaning ones are those hanging from rear view windows in people's cars.

And this isn't about politics; it's about not being a jerk and being sensitive to others.

dude, stop with the moronic microaggression posts. we get what you're trying to do. your over the top examples do not mean brown people in this country don't have valid complaints.

Anonymous wrote:Oh FOR FUCK'S SAKE!!!

I give up.

Were you ever actually trying? Or do you just grouse about muttering about political correctness?

Anonymous wrote:You are not wearing the dreamcatcher. You are not using it as a potholder. You are using it as a dreamcatcher, and it has been shared by Native American culture as such, and you have not taken it away and made it into something else for merchandising purposes. I don't see how this is cultural appropriation.

Please don't use the phrase "Native American" to describe the Indian people. That's definitely a microaggression. The preferred term is "Indian" or, better, to refer to someone by their actual tribal affiliation.

-- Signed, part Algonquin.

Oh FOR FUCK'S SAKE!!!

I give up.

Anonymous wrote:I have a few around the house. One friend in particular is always talking about microagressions and dream catchers. I get why wearing a bindi as a fashion piece is offensive, but I don't quite understand why I shouldn't have a dream catcher.

If the Indians didn't want you to have dream catchers they wouldn't sell them.

Anonymous wrote:This might help: http://www.autostraddle.com/a-much-needed-primer-on-cultural-appropriation-149738/

I don't necessarily agree with all of it but if you are sincere in your wish to be culturally sensitive, it's a helpful discussion for how to think about these things.

Hey, good article. Thanks. -not OP

You are not wearing the dreamcatcher. You are not using it as a potholder. You are using it as a dreamcatcher, and it has been shared by Native American culture as such, and you have not taken it away and made it into something else for merchandising purposes. I don't see how this is cultural appropriation.

This might help: http://www.autostraddle.com/a-much-needed-primer-on-cultural-appropriation-149738/

I don't necessarily agree with all of it but if you are sincere in your wish to be culturally sensitive, it's a helpful discussion for how to think about these things.

Oh, for god's sake.

I have a few around the house. One friend in particular is always talking about microagressions and dream catchers. I get why wearing a bindi as a fashion piece is offensive, but I don't quite understand why I shouldn't have a dream catcher.