Hi, I'm a Native American, and I'm fed up with the appropriation of my culture by those desperate to be trendy, hip, ironic etc. lil-ith asked: What can I do when I see someone with an offensive costume? I saw a couple (white) people on the bus yesterday with the stereotypical feather headdress and beads and fringe vests going to a Halloween party. I felt absolutely disgusted, but I was just rendered speechless. Can I do or say anything? How do you handle situations like this?
One way is to let them do most of the talking. Ask questions. Start a conversation. Keep it focused on what they are wearing, and not who they are. Keep it casual, because when people feel cornered, they lash out, and you need to keep your physical & mental self safe.
