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First off, please let me explain why I want to do this incognito. I know several of you that post on these boards, both well and just by seeing you around. I don't want who I am to reflect anyway on your opinions, good or bad. Plus, I'm just chicken :D. So stop trying to guess!!!!
Second, I'm not gonna ask you not to bash...bash away, it's your right! :D I would like people's opinion though. This applies to a lot of posters here I imagine, so it is a good general topic, but lets try to stick to the subject line. I’m not trying to get permission to dance, that is another thread.
Third, my story. I am white. Not gonna disguise it. I was raised white. Not ashamed of it. I got "brought into" the powwow world when I was in college, by whites. Over the years, I have made many friends, both white and Indian. I believe I have been respectful. Listening when needed, stepping out when needed and stepping up when needed. I have danced for years in contemporary pow wow outfits that my friends and I have made. For various reason, I stopped getting dressed up but kept going to dances. Now, I am being called to put back on my outfits when I dance, by all of my friends.
Fourth, my conundrum. When I was brought into this, it was by whites. I began dressing without ever being "given" the right to dress. (For the story line, by contemporary, I have followed a certain tribal style, just with contemporary materials and fashion styles) I did do certain things to thank the community for allowing me the privilege. I went on like this for years, and to my face at least, no one ever told me I was doing wrong. In fact, I had a few Indians tell me I was doing right. However, I still was never formally "given" this privilege by people who had the "right" to give it. Now, as I grow older, I'm wondering about this and if what I am doing/have done/will do is respectful. I have lots of people I call my friends in the powwow world. I would never dream of changing our friendships. I am not looking to be adopted or learn secrets. Part of me wonders where that line is. If close friends of mine have never felt the need to give me these things, not because I am bad or disrespectful, but for whatever reasons, or maybe not thinking of it, should I be enjoying the rights? Keep in mind, I began this and made my friendships while dressing out at each dance I went to. They all still accepted me and became my friends. So, now with people calling on me to dress again, or just wearing everyday clothes, which direction do I take.
I am just curious of opinions and thought it would be an interesting topic. Don't be scared, I'm not gonna say "so and so said I could" and I'm not gonna say "so and so said I couldn't". Ultimatley I will make up my mind with the counsel of my friends.
Second, I'm not gonna ask you not to bash...bash away, it's your right! :D I would like people's opinion though. This applies to a lot of posters here I imagine, so it is a good general topic, but lets try to stick to the subject line. I’m not trying to get permission to dance, that is another thread.
Third, my story. I am white. Not gonna disguise it. I was raised white. Not ashamed of it. I got "brought into" the powwow world when I was in college, by whites. Over the years, I have made many friends, both white and Indian. I believe I have been respectful. Listening when needed, stepping out when needed and stepping up when needed. I have danced for years in contemporary pow wow outfits that my friends and I have made. For various reason, I stopped getting dressed up but kept going to dances. Now, I am being called to put back on my outfits when I dance, by all of my friends.
Fourth, my conundrum. When I was brought into this, it was by whites. I began dressing without ever being "given" the right to dress. (For the story line, by contemporary, I have followed a certain tribal style, just with contemporary materials and fashion styles) I did do certain things to thank the community for allowing me the privilege. I went on like this for years, and to my face at least, no one ever told me I was doing wrong. In fact, I had a few Indians tell me I was doing right. However, I still was never formally "given" this privilege by people who had the "right" to give it. Now, as I grow older, I'm wondering about this and if what I am doing/have done/will do is respectful. I have lots of people I call my friends in the powwow world. I would never dream of changing our friendships. I am not looking to be adopted or learn secrets. Part of me wonders where that line is. If close friends of mine have never felt the need to give me these things, not because I am bad or disrespectful, but for whatever reasons, or maybe not thinking of it, should I be enjoying the rights? Keep in mind, I began this and made my friendships while dressing out at each dance I went to. They all still accepted me and became my friends. So, now with people calling on me to dress again, or just wearing everyday clothes, which direction do I take.
I am just curious of opinions and thought it would be an interesting topic. Don't be scared, I'm not gonna say "so and so said I could" and I'm not gonna say "so and so said I couldn't". Ultimatley I will make up my mind with the counsel of my friends.
OK I'm gonna put my open and honest opinion out there and if I offend anyone, native or not...well hmmm...I dont think that you should be dancing. I gotta admit it drives me nuts when I'm at a powwow and theres a bunch of non-natives out there just killin' the whole thing. This is our culture that was at one time outlawed and looked down upon by white people now they want to make it thier own! Its all good that it interests you and you want to learn but thats where I think it should end. I'm not bashing you...just putting in my two cents.
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