Native American Research- Fashion Controversy

     I did my research on Native American fashion controversy and to my surprise, there was much controversy on the topic. One of the most well known controversies happen to be from one of the most popular stores for young adults all around: Urban outfitters. On a recent article from the Daily Dot, the author of the post describes to us Urban outfitters new slogan: "We are all natives". This slogan is used as a marketing tactic for the store's now line featuring navajo themed clothing. The article states that the people of the Navajo Nation are suing the line because of their trademark violations due to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act which makes it illegal to sell items that make the buyers believed that it was made or produced by an actual member of the Navajo Nation. The article also suggests that if people want to buy authentic Navajo items do not buy it from Urban Outfitters buy it from authentic places because the goal is for them to be able to sell authentic pieces that promote their own culture and to stop letting retailers steal their culture by falsely making it their own. On another article on The Guardian, they explain the lawsuit against Urban Outfitters which states: " The fame or reputation of the Navajo name and marks is such that, when the defendant uses the 'Navajo' and 'Navaho' marks with its goods and services, a connection with the Navajo nation is falsely presumed." The article states that this is because Urban outfitters is producing things such as tribal flasks and underwear that the tribe considers to be "derogatory and scandalous". Also, Urban Outfitters spokesman says that the company has no plans to alter the line. " Like many other fashion trends and will continue to do so for many years to come." This however is true but if it is offensive to the actual tribe, then they should discontinue the line.
     Another Native American Fashion controversy comes from Victoria's Secret. At their famous fashion show held every year one of their models was featured wearing animal print underwear with a traditional headdress. In native american culture headdresses are worn by chiefs or used to celebrate. On an article on National Turk, the headless was said to be " heavily criticized as a display of ignorance toward tribal culture an history. It was an abuse of Indian culture, from a nation that lacks history, culture, and values." The company did however apologize later, as did the model, and removed the outfit from the broadcast of the fashion show. Unlike Urban Outfitters, Victoria's Secret was very cooperative and understanding towards the issue.
     I picked this topic because nowadays, most young people in America do not understand the things that we wear and do not question whether or not they could be offensive towards people. As someone whose wardrobe is half Urban Outfitters I now will pay more attention to the things I buy and how it may affect people's ideals and culture. We are so oblivious to the things that we say and do that sometimes we do mot realize how it may offend or disrespect the beliefs of those around us. I agree with most of these articles because the clothing brands are not paying attention to what the meaning of the things that they are selling actually are, they just care about the fashion aspect of it. This is not good because it causes issues in a community where we are supposed to respect those around us and not criticize.

                                       
                                                    Urban outfitters Navajo themed Line
                                                 

Victoria's Secret's Fashion show controversy