Orientalism's Sibling: Cultural Appropriation

I looked on Urban Outfitters' site after reading a lot about how popular and trendy cultural appropriation is this season. To get a glimpse of how real this trend is, just type in "navajo" in the search bar and you get this.

Orientalism is the simplification and glamorization of elements of a culture to the point of misrepresentation. The trend of simplifying all Native American cultures into a few iconic patterns (as well as dream catchers and headdresses) is another example of what Said talks about, looking at other cultures through a self-serving and egocentric lens. It is a way of looking at a culture and trying to take what is useful to you (or in this case Urban Outfitters) and disposing of the context as well as the real people they are (mis)representing. Cultural appropriation happens when Orientalism meets capitalism. Anything that can be sold will be sold, regardless of context and erasure.

Many defend the freedom to make and sell and buy whatever they like, however, they should also be made aware of the implications and context of their actions. The people appropriating symbols from Native American culture (fabricated symbols as well as real), in this case must be able to afford a 169 dollar purse, an 80 dollar jacket, a 50 dollar shirt, or 30 dollar shoes. Juxtapose that with the fact that "American Indians and Native Alaskans number 4.5 million. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these Americans earn a median annual income of $33,627. One in every four (25.3 percent) lives in poverty and nearly a third (29.9 percent) are without health insurance coverage." (spotlightonpoverty.org ) The proceeds from Urban Outfitters' products do not go to Native Americans, they go to owner Richard Hayne. Basically, these articles of clothing represent in every way, stealing a culture for the gain of someone who historically and socially has immense privilege over the people being stolen from. 

Even before considering the cultural insensitivity to items that are sacred to many Native American nations, cultural appropriations represent intellectual property theft.