The NativeAmericanTagHallofShame is back up.

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:50:03 -0500

This is a new, fresh start. Though the tumblr was down this morning, the NATHoS is back up and running. There is a new layout, so those of you having issues with the last one will not have that again. The list of resources are back up and a few more have been added to deal specifically with dream catchers.

The Native American Tag Hall of Shame seeks to act as a resource guide and educational tool for the tumblr community and general internet community. If you have found your image reblogged here, please realize that whether you know it or not, it is offensive. We, the tumblr native community, understand that because of the institutionalized racism in America and Canada, you may not be aware of the fact that the images and other material reblogged here is culturally appropriation and perpetuating racist stereotypes. You may not have even come across the terms cultural appropriation and institutionalized racism before. However, this is your time to learn.

Understand that we don’t want to fight with you. We would much rather have you as our friends and allies. However, you need to understand that your idea of who we are is incorrect. Studies have shown that 95% of what students know about American Indians was acquired through the media. This is a disturbing fact when you recognize that 90% of the representations in the media, in books, and online are false, skewed, and often racist stereotypes of us, our cultures, and our spiritualities.

Please understand also, that even if you do hold native american ancestry, this does not mean that you are exempt from being called out. You should now better, if you are connected to your tribal or pan-indian community, that if you are dressing up as a racist-stereotypical-caricature that that isn’t right.

Due to the lack of accurate representations, information, and education the Native American Tag Hall of Shame will be listing resources for you to help self educate yourself and decolonize your mind.

Before I send you to the list, I will satirically tell you in the tradition of the (blasted) “Two Wolves” story:

A wise person sat with an ignorant person and said “You can bring a horse to water, but you can not make it drink.” The ignorant person looked at the wise person perplexed, and the wise person said, “Will you drink the water?”