Let's Chat: Cultural Appropriation and Insensitive Comments





Cultural Appropriate has been a large topic within the beauty community and I really felt the need to voice my opinion. We've seen many brands called out for cultural appropriation or insensitive meme's posted on their social media. Many people have voiced their disappointment while others have said "you can't say anything these days because someone is always offended." First, if you see something that is hurtful to you voice your opinion. Cultural appropriation happens and education is needed. As a Native American, I will be the first to tell you that it hurts. I normally chalk it up to education, and think we should respectfully educate others. I really do feel that alot of times, people really don't know the difference. I'm normally not outright offended by the cultural appropriation but I am when a brand laughs it off. Suva Beauty recently was called out, and they clapped back with smartass comments to those calling them out. To me, that's what offended me most and why I cannot support that brand.

To those saying "you can't say anything these days" those comments hurt. People have the right to speak up. It's only recently that these things are actually starting to be taken seriously, and you brushing it off doesn't help these issues. Every single person has a right to their feelings. If it didn't bother you...great but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt someone else. In Canada, our history is dark against Native Americans and I'm proud of my people for having the strength to speak out because the backlash is real. Each and every individual has to make the decision to forgive or not. As a consumer, I have the right not to support a brand and I will not support brands that I don't feel align with my views. If I choose to forgive them and give them another chance, that's my decision. Social media is a great tool to get the word out, and it works. I still think education is key, but if people are so closed off and don't want to learn you can't force them.

If you've witnessed this or been hurt by comments on social media. I want to tell you that I understand and I've been there. Don't be afraid to speak up, while the negative comments are hard to ignore you may have educated a few more people in the process. I'll be honest, I'm nervous to post this but I think it's important. Can we please stop with the "you can't say anything" comments? They hurt.

The below video is Candy Palmater and she's amazing.

     

8 comments

  1. Great post, I definitely agree education is key x
    A Blushing Beauty Blog

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  2. Completely agree! If a brand or a person apologizes and seems to learn from their mistake, I can usually get past it but if they ignore it or try to make excuses it's a definite red flag. Culture is not a costume.

    www.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com

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  3. I don't know who Suva Beauty is so I googled about what happened and wtf?! Not only they were rude, they actually mocked others when they were called out?! Shame on them, seriously huge shame!

    Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

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  4. I'm glad you did post it. I think it's important to get the word out there. I'm part Native American too and admit that it stings to hear the things people say sometimes. I've gotten good at brushing it off, but to hear people say things like 'Oh get over it.' is pretty hurtful. I have a right to feel the way that I feel.

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  5. What a great topic and post, I didn't know the brand Suva Beauty until I had to do a search on them from your post. When it comes to cultural appropriation, I think it's one thing coming from an individual, which I usually can shrug off, and another from a brand itself, where I take it much more serious. It's like you said, all coming down to education and brands should especially know better. Nevertheless, it's indeed important to speak up

    Sam Hodgett || Beauty, Food & Lifestyle

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  6. wow this is crazy, such a great post
    isabelle
    www.isabelleelli.blogspot.com

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  7. I had to google the Suva Beauty incident you mentioned and omg, who are these brands hiring these days to run their social media?? I get that sometimes cultural appropriations happen, and maybe they really didn't know and it was unintentional, but what really turns me off is when brands respond negatively when people call them out. At that point it's just not ok anymore, and I'm glad people are speaking up when this happens.

    Jenny | Geeky Posh

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  8. Social Media is definitely holding people accountable (which they should). I know a lot of my beauty buddies have told me of brands that have said hurtful and distasteful things. It's made me rethink purchasing things from them.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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