A play on our documentary’s name – “Escaping Winnetou” – the new Campaign at Survival International

Red Haircrow

Escaping Winnetou campaign at Survival International, the broschure is downloadable at the link.
Text German version below. Video at Vimeo.

We were contacted to give some commentary on the topic, which has returned to the stage as a new film of racist troupes and stereotypes was recently released. The willful insistence of Germans of this type to not only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but to introduce and reinforce their use in a new generation is on full display, even as normalized racism and white supremacist ideology is on the rise.

The simple fact of the matter is: You cannot make “better” racist films by “updating” material and still using the same troupes, characters, names and Eurocentric, whitecentric structures and producers. This is impossible. Racism is racism. Organizations, museums or anything else that have used Natives for profit, interest and personal gain aren’t suddenly better because they share some stats or information about Natives today. That absolves you of Nothing and is purely self-delusion.

As in the previous post, about our 14 August interview at Deutschlandradio Kultur, we shared there continues to be individuals and groups working positively with Natives. In healthy, non-racist, non-Eurocentric collaborations and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. They Never make the spotlight because that would show it is possible Not to be racist and still enjoy Native peoples and cultures. That shows how wrong the way such filmmakers and producers, hobbyists, and “Indian” shows actually are, that it is self-gratifying even arrogant behaviors, and facets of rape culture: “We will use you for our pleasure whether you like it or not, and even if you say ‘please don’t do this’, we will do it anyway!” A terrible mindset.

Survival International has created a brochure gathering information and data on persistent cultural appropriation and racist practices in Germany, particularly with Native and Indigenous peoples. It is the explanation and introduction for their current campaign, Escaping Winnetou, which will presumably last the next months.

We were asked if we might like to be part of it, but we’ll see in the future what that looks like, as they had not offered or defined a specific way for us to do so. That’s always a frustrating aspect, because effectively, it’s a structural way non-Natives are still narrating and presenting Indigenous peoples.

Visit the site, watch the video, but more importantly, think about how you can help change our societies for the better each day. Sometimes that’s not easy, even in small ways, but it’s possible and necessary that every single one of us try to do so.

The “Cycle of Genocide” image was created by Ižaŋžaŋwiŋ.

Wir wurden um einen Kommentar zu diesem Thema gebeten, das durch die Veröffentlichung eines neuen Films mit rassistischen Klischees und Stereotypen wieder in den Fokus gerückt ist. Das beharrliche Festhalten dieser Art von Deutschen daran, schädliche Stereotypen nicht nur aufrechtzuerhalten, sondern sie auch einer neuen Generation zu vermitteln und zu verfestigen, ist offensichtlich, auch wenn normalisierter Rassismus und die Ideologie der weißen Vorherrschaft auf dem Vormarsch sind.

Die einfache Tatsache ist: Man kann keine „besseren” rassistischen Filme machen, indem man das Material „aktualisiert” und dabei weiterhin dieselben Klischees, Charaktere, Namen und eurozentrischen, weißzentrierten Strukturen und Produzenten verwendet. Das ist unmöglich. Rassismus ist Rassismus. Organisationen, Museen oder andere Einrichtungen, die Native für Profit, Interessen und persönlichen Gewinn ausgenutzt haben, werden nicht plötzlich besser, nur weil sie heute einige Statistiken oder Informationen über Native veröffentlichen. Das entlastet Sie in keiner Weise und ist reine Selbsttäuschung.

Wie im vorherigen Beitrag über unser Interview vom 14. August bei Deutschlandradio Kultur haben wir berichtet, dass es weiterhin Einzelpersonen und Gruppen gibt, die positiv mit den Natives zusammenarbeiten. In einer gesunden, nicht rassistischen, nicht eurozentrischen Zusammenarbeit und Kooperation mit indigenen Völkern. Sie stehen nie im Rampenlicht, weil das zeigen würde, dass es möglich ist, nicht rassistisch zu sein und dennoch die Natives und ihre Kulturen zu genießen. Das zeigt, wie falsch die Vorgehensweise solcher Filmemacher und Produzenten, Hobbyisten und „Indianer”-Shows tatsächlich ist, dass es sich um selbstgefälliges, sogar arrogantes Verhalten und Facetten einer Vergewaltigungskultur handelt: „Wir werden euch zu unserem Vergnügen benutzen, ob ihr es wollt oder nicht, und selbst wenn ihr sagt ‚Bitte tut das nicht’, werden wir es trotzdem tun!” Eine schreckliche Denkweise.

Survival International hat eine Broschüre mit Informationen und Daten über anhaltende kulturelle Aneignung und rassistische Praktiken in Deutschland, insbesondere gegenüber Native und indigenen Völkern, erstellt. Sie dient als Erklärung und Einführung für ihre aktuelle Kampagne „Escaping Winnetou”, die voraussichtlich die nächsten Monate dauern wird.

Wir wurden gefragt, ob wir daran teilnehmen möchten, aber wir werden in Zukunft sehen, wie das aussehen wird, da sie uns keine konkrete Möglichkeit dafür angeboten oder definiert haben. Das ist immer ein frustrierender Aspekt, denn effektiv ist es eine strukturelle Art und Weise, wie Nicht-Native immer noch über indigene Völker berichten und sie darstellen.

Besuchen Sie die Website, schauen Sie sich das Video an, aber denken Sie vor allem darüber nach, wie Sie dazu beitragen können, unsere Gesellschaften jeden Tag ein bisschen besser zu machen. Das ist manchmal nicht einfach, selbst in kleinen Schritten, aber es ist möglich und notwendig, dass jeder einzelne von uns sich darum bemüht.

„Das Kanu des Manitu“ und die deutsche „Indi*ner“ Begeisterung – Deutschlandfunk Kultur

Red Haircrow 2 Comments

An interview by Matthias Dell, who I first met in 2017 when he contacted me for an article in der Freitag on our documentary and related topics. He’s one of the few journalists and writers I would consider to give commentary to anymore. Follow the link to listen to the interview at Deutschlandfunk Kultur. Sound clips of the documentary are included, such as of Dr. Hartmut Lutz and Gerald Dittmer (Ho-chunk). German version is below. Interested in a screening for your organization, university or group? Here.

Germans are still asking the same questions, and generally ignoring the answers. 

“Indianthusiasm” still continues despite the possibility of having positive, reciprocal and healthy collaboration and cooperation with Native and Indigenous peoples than ever before. Not the “white” decided and written narratives, the fake Indians in red-face at big parks and shows, the scholars who make “Indians” their career yet are employed by and supported organizations, groups and other entities that have actively harmed and continue to harm Native peoples and cultures, and more! That’s all loving in the wrong way, just like our documentary and multiple other resources have showed. 

The same issues are present despite educating on Native stereotypes and the effects, origins and interconnections of stereotyping. Why? Because of willful insistence on violating the rights of other peoples and groups. Because of Eurocentric and self-important prioritization of “white” desires, gratification and “fun” over over the health and safety of another person or peoples, which is Rape Culture. Ignoring when someone says, “No, stop, you’re hurting me,” but you not only rationalize or defend your activities, and you teach your own children such inherently violent acts. That’s one of the most horrible and life-affective idealogies to teach.

This in turn teaches lack of empathy, selfishness and cruelty, usually with a smile and a dose of gaslighting the victim, “See? That’s not so bad. You’re just too sensitive.” That mentality also contributes to be epidemic of pedophilia and pedo-fetishization, the apathy people display when children as harmed, especially if it’s certain ethnicities. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, “That’s just how those people are!” Always pointing fingers but, as the saying goes, three fingers are pointing back at you!

Germany today is the reflection of Germany of it’s worst past. Using the excuse of defending it’s (non) culture, it’s racist culture, to passively and aggressively violate others. It’s no surprise that it also continues to rationalize and ignore the violations, genocides and ethnic cleansings happening around the world, and in fact, is actively supporting and defending. It’s sad and maddeningly to see a country and society that prides itself on being an open-minded, democratic space yet are horribly outdated, inflexible, and not incapable but unwilling to accept its dupliciality in those acts. Homegrown self-delusions about racist, stereotyping behaviors helps keep this critical flaw alive and well. 

Germany as a whole continues to ignore and dismiss the reality of how stereotyping, whether one believes specific ones are positive, are connected to all other negative behaviors and situation in society. Stereotypes oversimplify and reduce highly complex knowledge, peoples, groups, etc. to snipets of usually false and harmful gossip. Even stereotypes like “Natives are so peaceful, spiritual and good” is negative because we’re people just like any others, with good and bad, bigots, shysters, whatever, so we are then not allowed to be ourselves but are expected to meet the fantasies of those who have gained power and dominance through horrific violence, and control virtually everything. A job as anything else but a dancer or using your “nativeness”? No way, your university degrees mean nothing! A date who doesn’t want to play, “Cowboys & Indians”? Not a chance!

“Most people don’t realize or care, I’m a psychologist who specialties are intergenerational trauma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and LGBTIQ2S support. Do I ever get asked about that? The 1st one, rarely. The others? Never. I’m a writer of modern gothic and romance novels, award-winning and positively reviewed, and often set in Germany. 26+ works. Never had my books accepted by Dussman or anyone else in Germany.

I am only a Native and therefore relevant ONLY when they want to discuss Natives. I am not a real person, academic, professional or fellow expert on my topics etc. I am a compartmentalized object, a boxed ornament to be displayed only at a certain time of year. That’s how we are treated, and somehow expected to be thankful for that.”

Natives are only allowed to be one way to meet “their” wants and needs. Otherwise, they have zero use or place for us. We are not us. We are a tool, a toy, a marketing strategy, an object lesson, that is destructive to minds, to cultures, to communities. It’s a large part of the suicide epidemic to Native communites, for your information. 

The practice and following of stereotyping is a reductive, inherently violent belief system which Natives continue to be subjected to. And we share this deplorable situation with other marginalized and minoritized groups. There is power to do good, to be fair, to apologize, to change, to be better, but there’s a collective decision not to do so. To waste time with whataboutisms, “gatchas” and “But….!!!” The collective decision to be racism, to be warmongers, to be apathetic, to reject responsibility for the harm, violence and death means no justice. Not for us, not for Gaza, not for the Sudan, Namibia, and I can go on and on and on. Interconnectedness. All of these things are connected. 

We have a common enemy of life, it might be said, so we must work together with others who do want a better world for all children, a better future and treatment of differences as strengths, not something to be villified or exploited. All of us who are used, misused, ignored, and our lives, cultures, and bodies politicized, appropriated and defiled, it’s more of us than “them”, and we are commited to happiness, not suppression, labeling and control of harming others to keep “status quo”. Those are fear-based, ethically weak, bully tactics.

The “Cycle of Genocide” image was created by Ižaŋžaŋwiŋ.


Die Deutschen stellen immer noch dieselben Fragen und ignorieren dabei in der Regel die Antworten.

Der „Indianenthusiasm” hält trotz der Möglichkeit einer positiven, wechselseitigen und gesunden Zusammenarbeit und Kooperation mit den Ureinwohnern und indigenen Völkern mehr denn je an. Die von „Weißen“ festgelegten und geschriebenen Erzählungen, die falschen Indianer mit rot bemalten Gesichtern in großen Parks und Shows, die Wissenschaftler, die „Indianer“ zu ihrem Beruf gemacht haben, aber von Organisationen, Gruppen und anderen Einrichtungen beschäftigt und unterstützt werden, die den Ureinwohnern und ihren Kulturen aktiv geschadet haben und weiterhin schaden, und vieles mehr! Das ist alles Liebe auf die falsche Art und Weise, wie unser Dokumentarfilm und zahlreiche andere Quellen gezeigt haben.

Die gleichen Probleme bestehen trotz Aufklärung über Stereotypen gegenüber Natives und die Auswirkungen, Ursprünge und Zusammenhänge von Stereotypisierung. Warum? Weil man bewusst darauf besteht, die Rechte anderer Völker und Gruppen zu verletzen. Wegen Eurozentrismus und der selbstherrlichen Priorisierung „weißer“ Wünsche, Befriedigung und „Spaß“ gegenüber der Gesundheit und Sicherheit anderer Menschen oder Völker, was Vergewaltigungskultur ist. Wenn man ignoriert, wenn jemand sagt: „Nein, hör auf, du tust mir weh”, sondern seine Handlungen nicht nur rationalisiert oder verteidigt, sondern auch noch den eigenen Kindern solche von Natur aus gewalttätigen Handlungen beibringt, ist das eine der schrecklichsten und lebensbeeinträchtigendsten Ideologien, die man vermitteln kann.

Dies wiederum lehrt mangelnde Empathie, Selbstsucht und Grausamkeit, meist mit einem Lächeln und einer Portion Gaslighting gegenüber dem Opfer: „Siehst du? Das ist doch gar nicht so schlimm. Du bist einfach zu empfindlich.“ Diese Mentalität trägt auch zur Epidemie von Pädophilie und Pädophilie-Fetischisierung bei, zur Apathie, die Menschen an den Tag legen, wenn Kinder zu Schaden kommen, insbesondere wenn es sich um bestimmte ethnische Gruppen handelt. Ich kann Ihnen gar nicht sagen, wie oft ich schon gehört habe: „So sind diese Leute eben!“ Immer mit dem Finger auf andere zeigen, aber wie das Sprichwort sagt: Drei Finger zeigen zurück auf dich selbst!

Das heutige Deutschland spiegelt das Deutschland seiner schlimmsten Vergangenheit wider. Unter dem Vorwand, seine (Nicht-)Kultur, seine rassistische Kultur zu verteidigen, verletzt es passiv und aggressiv andere. Es überrascht nicht, dass es auch weiterhin die Verstöße, Völkermorde und ethnischen Säuberungen, die weltweit stattfinden, rationalisiert und ignoriert und diese sogar aktiv unterstützt und verteidigt. Es ist traurig und ärgerlich, ein Land und eine Gesellschaft zu sehen, die sich rühmen, ein aufgeschlossener, demokratischer Raum zu sein, aber dennoch schrecklich veraltet und unflexibel sind und nicht unfähig, sondern unwillig, ihre Doppelzüngigkeit in diesen Handlungen zu akzeptieren. Selbstgemachte Selbsttäuschungen über rassistische, stereotype Verhaltensweisen tragen dazu bei, diesen kritischen Fehler am Leben zu erhalten.

Deutschland als Ganzes ignoriert und leugnet weiterhin die Realität, dass Stereotypisierung, unabhängig davon, ob man bestimmte Stereotypen für positiv hält, mit allen anderen negativen Verhaltensweisen und Situationen in der Gesellschaft zusammenhängt. Stereotypen vereinfachen und reduzieren hochkomplexes Wissen, Menschen, Gruppen usw. auf Bruchstücke von meist falschen und schädlichen Gerüchten. Selbst Stereotypen wie „“Eingeborene sind so friedlich, spirituell und gut“ sind negativ, weil wir Menschen wie alle anderen sind, mit guten und schlechten Seiten, Fanatikern, Betrügern, was auch immer, sodass wir dann nicht wir selbst sein dürfen, sondern erwartet wird, dass wir die Fantasien derer erfüllen, die durch schreckliche Gewalt Macht und Dominanz erlangt haben und praktisch alles kontrollieren.

Die meisten Menschen wissen es nicht oder interessiert es nicht, aber ich bin Psychologe mit den Spezialgebieten generationenübergreifende Traumata, Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen und LGBTIQ2S-Unterstützung. Werde ich jemals danach gefragt? Das erste Thema selten. Die anderen? Niemals. Ich bin Schriftsteller moderner Gothic- und Liebesromane, preisgekrönt und positiv rezensiert. Über 26 Werke. Meine Bücher wurden nie von Dussmann oder anderen Verlagen in Deutschland angenommen.

Ich bin nur eine Native und daher NUR relevant, wenn sie über Native sprechen wollen. Ich bin keine echte Person, keine Akademiker, keine Fachmann oder Expert für mein Themen usw. Ich bin ein abgegrenztes Objekt, ein verpacktes Schmuckstück, das nur zu einer bestimmten Zeit im Jahr ausgestellt wird. So werden wir behandelt, und irgendwie wird von uns erwartet, dass wir dafür dankbar sind.

Natives dürfen nur auf eine bestimmte Art und Weise existieren, um „ihre“ Wünsche und Bedürfnisse zu erfüllen. Ansonsten haben sie keinerlei Nutzen oder Platz für uns. Wir sind nicht wir selbst. Wir sind ein Werkzeug, ein Spielzeug, eine Marketingstrategie, ein Lehrbeispiel, das für den Geist, für Kulturen und für Gemeinschaften zerstörerisch ist. Das ist ein großer Teil der Selbstmordepidemie in Native-Gemeinschaften, zu Ihrer Information.

Die Praxis und das Befolgen von Stereotypen ist ein reduktives, von Natur aus gewalttätiges Glaubenssystem, dem Native weiterhin ausgesetzt sind. Und wir teilen diese bedauerliche Situation mit anderen marginalisierten und minorisierten Gruppen. Es gibt die Kraft, Gutes zu tun, fair zu sein, sich zu entschuldigen, sich zu ändern, besser zu werden, aber es gibt eine kollektive Entscheidung, dies nicht zu tun. Zeit zu verschwenden mit „Was-wäre-wenn“-Fragen, „Gatchas“ und „Aber…!!!“. Die kollektive Entscheidung, rassistisch zu sein, Kriegstreiber zu sein, apathisch zu sein, die Verantwortung für das Leid, die Gewalt und den Tod abzulehnen, bedeutet, dass es keine Gerechtigkeit gibt. Nicht für uns, nicht für Gaza, nicht für den Sudan, Namibia, und ich könnte noch endlos weitermachen. Vernetzung. All diese Dinge hängen miteinander zusammen.

Man könnte sagen, wir haben einen gemeinsamen Feind, das Leben, also müssen wir mit anderen zusammenarbeiten, die eine bessere Welt für alle Kinder wollen, eine bessere Zukunft und die Behandlung von Unterschieden als Stärken, nicht als etwas, das verteufelt oder ausgenutzt wird. Wir alle, die wir benutzt, missbraucht, ignoriert und deren Leben, Kulturen und Körper politisiert, angeeignet und beschmutzt werden, sind mehr als „sie“, und wir setzen uns für Glück ein, nicht für Unterdrückung, Etikettierung und Kontrolle, um anderen zu schaden und den „Status quo“ aufrechtzuerhalten. Das sind angstbasierte, ethisch schwache, tyrannische Taktiken.

June 2024 to 2025- Still Relevant! – “Rate Woher Ich Komme” on Datteltäter

Red Haircrow

Against the backdrop of current events as Germany as a government and country continues to be on the wrong side of history, backing ethnic cleansing, electing agressively racist, zenophobic and intolerant leaders who wish to fully bring back some of the methods, behaviors and practices of Nazism under the guise of “protection” of its interests and “certain” peoples. Like in the past, Germany mirrors the USA, and walk hand in hand using playbooks of fearful, insecure, yet arrogant men. Fortunately, there are many who stand against hate and fear-mongering.

June 2024: “I was contacted through NAAoG to be part of this episode in the series by Datteltäter on the cultural appropriation, racism, cultural ignorance and arrogance that still persists in Germany despite it being a long time multicultural country. Well, it’s no surprise really but it is somewhat different from other western European countries because many are uncomfortable with exploring or celebrating their our cultures and traditions, which are actually quite rich and varied but had been exploited pre-WWII. Instead some heavily beg, steal and borrow from other cultures, often using their privilege and wealth to further profit from the usage of other peoples.

It was filmed on 2 June in their studio on Gneisenauerstr. View the video here, my part starts at 10:40.
https://youtu.be/Y1vv7Eus_fI?feature=shared&t=640

Description: “Can you tell at first glance which country people come from? In this episode, the teams take on the challenge of matching people to their countries. From the American continents to the Far East, the teams compete for points and gain a fascinating insight into the countries of the world.”

“Erkennst du auf den ersten Blick, aus welchem Land Menschen kommen? In dieser Folge stellen sich die Teams der Herausforderung, Menschen zu ihren Ländern zuzuordnen. Von den amerikanischen Kontinenten bis in den fernen Osten kämpfen die Teams um die Punkte und bekommen einen faszinierenden Einblick in die Länder dieser Welt.”

Update & Announcement for #Documentary Film Project, “ALMOST”

Red Haircrow

ANNOUNCEMENT 4 March 2025:

With the reign of terror, violence and extreme violations of human rights being waged against transgender people in the USA, particularly BIPOC. The rising, normalized hate, ignorance and apathy towards the reality of transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid and Two Spirit people in western society, we have decided our documentary production will focus solely on such persons and ally perspectives. Education, empathy and common decency is lacking, lagging, and in some cases non-existent, even with those who considered themselves open-minded, progressive and non-discriminatory.

  • Some previous footage from other submitted and recorded interviews may be included in our web series. But those were recorded 2023 and previous, and we wish to ensure no participants are those who support the dictatorship and violence occurring in the USA, its illegal government, nor any of its inhumane policies in-land or around the world.
  • Consider purchasing or sharing information about our anthology dedicated to transgender, etc. voices “Varied Spirits, vol. 1″ edited by Red Haircrow and Manuel Ricardo Garcia, published 31 March 2023 on the International Transgender Visibility Day.
  • If you are a transgender, genderfluid, genderqueer, nonbinary, Two Spirit person or ally, of whatever background or heritage, and may wish to be part of the project?
    Please use the contact form!
  • What are your stories? Histories? Struggles and triumphs? What do you believe the world needs to know? It doesn’t have to be momentous, newsworthy or special according to “society’s standards”. We know that sometimes the most simple things, memories, thoughts can be the most profound and moving!

AL string

Description: A new short documentary and web-series on the intersection of realities, identities and Indigeneity, and the concept of being enough, no matter what or who you are. Following the lives of individuals on sexuality, gender, and culture plus the effects of stigma and prejudice on everyone. Production has begun again, and the innovative film will combine unique animated storytelling and live scenes to inspire hope and courage in these challenging times. 2nd Teaser.

Almost normal.
Almost acceptable.
Almost Indigenous.

Half, a quarter, a fraction, a piece.
Gender, sexuality, ethnicity, cognitive or physical dis-/abilities.
Toxic beliefs, ableist and racist structures in society continue to harm.

Some are embracing their differences in order to heal…and they’re connecting.

Directed by Red Haircrow
Animations by Neda Ahmadi
Music by Johnny Clyde

Would you like to help support the project? Please contact us!

I’ve a chapter in the Forthcoming collection: “IndigePop: A Companion” Edited by Seibel & Dlaske

Red Haircrow

large

IndigePop: A Companion

by Svetlana Seibel (Volume editor)Kati Dlaske (Volume editor)
©2024Edited CollectionVIII, 304 Pages
The Arts

Series: Genre Fiction and Film Companions, Volume 16
Forthcoming!


Summary:

“Contemporary Indigenous popular culture is a dynamic and expansive cultural field that has been gaining momentum since the turn of the twenty-first century. This edited collection brings together contributions by scholars, artists and practitioners who work with and in the field of Indigenous popular culture in various capacities, from different standpoints and in a range of geopolitical contexts. This approach aims at promoting a dialogue between diverse sites of knowledge production of and on the Indigenous popular at the same time as it reflects the multivocal, multimedial and multisited landscape of contemporary Indigenous popular culture. The contributions in the volume engage both the poetics and the politics of IndigePop, showcasing the creative and celebratory energies of Indigenous popular culture and Indigenerdity as well as their societal significance vis-à-vis Indigenous resistance, resurgence and political struggles.”

Details
Pages, 304
Publication Year 2024
ISBN (PDF): 9781803743097
ISBN (ePUB): 9781803743103
ISBN (Softcover): 9781803743080
DOI: 10.3726/b21220
Language: English

Keywords:
IndigePop, Indigenerdity, Indigenous popular culture, contemporary popular culture, Indigenous popular art, Indigenous literature and media, Indigenous Comic Con, IndigiPopX

Published: Oxford, Berlin, Bruxelles, Chennai, Lausanne, New York, 2024.

 

SAG MIR, aus welchem LAND ich komme!? – Participant in Datteltäter project (June 2024)

Red Haircrow
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y1vv7Eus_fI%3Fsi%3Dscy6PMzB0qO5FnwG%26start%3D640

“I was contacted through NAAoG to be part of this episode in the series by Datteltäter on the cultural appropriation, racism, cultural ignorance and arrogance that still persists in Germany despite it being a long time multicultural country. Well, it’s no surprise really but it is somewhat different from other western European countries because many are uncomfortable with exploring or celebrating their our cultures and traditions, which are actually quite rich and varied but had been exploited pre-WWII. Instead some heavily beg, steal and borrow from other cultures, often using their privilege and wealth to further profit from the usage of other peoples.

It was filmed on 2 June in their studio on Gneisenauerstr. View the video here, my part starts at 10:40.
https://youtu.be/Y1vv7Eus_fI?feature=shared&t=640

Description: “Can you tell at first glance which country people come from? In this episode, the teams take on the challenge of matching people to their countries. From the American continents to the Far East, the teams compete for points and gain a fascinating insight into the countries of the world.”

“Erkennst du auf den ersten Blick, aus welchem Land Menschen kommen? In dieser Folge stellen sich die Teams der Herausforderung, Menschen zu ihren Ländern zuzuordnen. Von den amerikanischen Kontinenten bis in den fernen Osten kämpfen die Teams um die Punkte und bekommen einen faszinierenden Einblick in die Länder dieser Welt.”

“Indianer” ist kein Kostüm” & “Twice Colonized” Screening – Salzburg, 7 February 2024

Red Haircrow

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Mittwoch, 07.02.2024, 18.00 Uhr bis 19:30 Uhr
Veranstalter: Afro-Asiatisches Institut Salzburg
Zu viele Indigene Gemeinschaften und Menschen weltweit haben noch nicht die angemessenen Entschuldigungen, Wiedergutmachungen, Restitutionen oder Landrückgaben erhalten, die ihnen zustehen.

Vielerorts werden sie gesellschaftlich und strukturell noch immer diskriminiert. Nicht nur ihres Landes, ihrer Umwelt sondern viel zu oft auch ihrer Sprache und Kultur beraubt, kämpfen viele von ihnen um ihre Rechte. In main stream Gesellschaften ist bei Karnevalen, Festen und Partys die Verkleidung als Native American noch immer gang und gebe. Diese Praxis reproduziert zumeist unreflektiert Stereotype und ist eine Form der kulturellen Aneignung. Selten haben sich die Träger*innen dieser Kostüme ernsthaft mit den Anliegen und Werte Indigener Menschen auseinandergesetzt. Daher steht die Nutzung von Kleidern indigener Menschen als Kostüme unter großer Kritik. Mit Hilfe von Darstellungen realer leidvoller Ereignisse in der Geschichte von Indigener Gesellschaften, und dem Unterstreichen diskriminierender Kontinuitäten möchten wir uns im Rahmen dieses Themenabends aus erster Hand mit den Rechten indigener Menschen auseinandersetzen. Ziel ist es einen sensibilisierten Umgang ihnen gegenüber und die Solidarität mit ihnen zu fördern.

Im ersten Teil des Themenabends wird Red Haircrow, afro- und native-amerikanischer Schriftsteller, Psychologe, Erzieher und Filmemacher, einen Global Space Talk zum Thema: “Indianer” ist kein Kostüm gestalten. Wir laden nach Red Haircrow’s Talk zur Diskussion mit ihm ein.

Wer sich schon vor diesem Abend über Red Haircrows Schaffen schlau machen möchte kann auf seiner Seite stöbern: https://redhaircrow.com/about/

Nach dem Talk wird der Film Twice Colonized um 20 Uhr gezeigt.
Der Dokumentarfilm begleitet die angesehene grönländische Inuit Juristin und Aktivistin Aaju Peter bei ihrem Engagement für die Rechte und die Bewahrung der Heimat der Indigenen Gesellschaften der Arktis.

Hier gehts zum Trailer.

Filminfo: Lin Alluna (Regie), Grönland / Dänemark / Kanada 2023, OmeU: Englisch / Dänisch / Kalaallisut / Inuktitut

Referierende: Red Haircrow (afro-amerikanischer Chiricahua Apache/Cherokee; Berlin/USA), Schriftsteller, Psychologe, Erzieher und Filmemacher

Termin: Mittwoch, 07. Februar 2024, 18 Uhr

Ort: Kapitelsaal, Kapitelplatz 6 (1. Stock), 5020 Salzburg

Filmdauer: 92 Minuten

Sprache: Englisch

In Kooperation mit: AntiRa Salzburg, BIPOC Circle, Talk Together, Sei so frei, Friedensbüro Salzburg

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The Spectacular & Surreal – “Spiel mit der Zeit” Premiere 2023

Red Haircrow

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I’ll keep this short and sweet, as I already shared information about my participation in the updated show in anticipation of, Premiere of “Spiel mit der Zeit” at Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin on 25 November – Intercultural Cooperation & Positive Change. 

View their website and all information about the show, which is open through January 2024, and how to get your tickets. (LINK)

I was cultural consultant on North American Native American material, and helped write the new dialogue for the main 1800s Old American West characters, and the solo song by “White Dove”. Striking the completely false but widely still believed/taught lie that C*lumbus discovered America was critical. Showing how easy and simple it is to explain why Ind*ander is inappropriate, and never was appropriate, (this isn’t new information or a new complaint), is especially important for young audiences and people, to BREAK the cycle of Eurocentricism and European interpretation of “Others” and actually learn intercultural respect and humility.

This was done is a very tasteful way that fit well into the overall theme I wanted to convey: there were always ones who wished to have peace with Natives or others, who were against slavery also, for example, but it was their largely European peers who insisted on genocide and dehumanization, and which continues around the world….exactly as we see now. We and they MUST correct these deadly, disempowering and dehumanizing behaviors still being normalized.

One of the suggestions I made that wasn’t accepted was updating the type of “Native inspired” song, rhymes and beats used. I provided wonderful examples of “modern” Native music that still incorporated traditional ideas, themes and beliefs, but they stayed with the melody from before. Their choice, of course. Another was regarding the Native costumes, which were changed from the original, more mascot (and objectionable) appearance, very true, but my suggestion of universally recognized, natural based motifs were not. The colors were nice, but….

It’s a good thing the Old West historic scene was first. It would have been very underwhelming if it followed the complex dances, the lighting, the acrobatics, the costumes and personalities presented in the other “historic” scenes, which DID recognizably combine modern beats and costumes with historic accents. I still don’t get where “Neanderthals” are included with “bones in their hair and noses” when this is a stereotype still far more commonly seen in “comic” depictions of Africans or other non-European peoples considered primitive, but…

It is an unforgettable, enjoyable show I would recommend, especially as someone who does not believe in political correctness (a practice created by yt people, especially men anyway), but instead use events, films, books, shows, for discussion and dialogues on how to improve, change and correct. Exactly as Friedrichstadt-Palast made the momentous decision to do, in a Germany in the middle of making bad decisions, repeating very flawed reasonings of the past. Many of us still have hope…

As my companion for the event remarked, however, looking around at the packed house and an audience full of excited children, that at that and this very moment, Germany and much of the west not only are watching, but supporting the deaths of innocent children. And this reminds me of my original purpose, my main purpose in beginning the series of education on stereotypes, racism, colonialism and Indigenous peoples, which in film version started in “Forget Winnetou! Loving in the Wrong Way”. I want to help change the world, to create a better world for ALL children, not just certain children. I’m open to working with anyone, whatever their heredity, background, nationality or belief system, to achieve such a critically important goal any real human being should respect.

To see the cast taking a bow at the end of the show, please visit the short video on YouTube. (LINK)

25 Nov Premiere at Friedrichstadt-Palast #Berlin – Intercultural Cooperation & Positive Change

Red Haircrow

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Instead of focusing on Thankstaking or that Germany as a whole only mentions Natives during times of controversy or misuse, tomorrow, 25 November at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Germany’s capital city, Berlin, we’ll see what’s up with the revamped scene featuring Native themes! It’ll be my first time seeing and hearing all components together after I served as cultural consultant on the scene set in the 1800s of the USA, for the youth show, “Spiel mit der Zeit”.

Around this time last year, I was contacted by one of the directors to provide feedback and cultural accuracy/representation on a scene, then it also evolved into co-writing song lyrics and feedback on costuming. They had heard about then viewed my documentary “Forget Winnetou! Loving in the Wrong Way”, and taken it into consideration in their internal discussions.

The main director was reviewing the show’s elements, having been a part of its original creation and so forth, but through educational efforts by so many Indigenous peoples and allies through the years, rightly decided it needed an update and overhaul to remove as many stereotypes and misrepresentations as possible. Then adding more culturally appropriate perspectives and insights on both sides of the camera, as it were: in consultation and creative action.

In Germany, if there’s a famous person wearing a “Native costume” to a party and there’s an outcry, if there’s a new film or book with Native slurs, stereotypes, perpetuating “white-washed” Eurocentric narratives of Native caricatures like 2022’s ridiculous but antagonistic debacle, or one of the USA’s holidays based on lies to erase their genocide and theft of Native lands and lives… then you might hear about Natives in the news. Or when Germans are complaining that educational efforts to stop Native stereotyping and misuse is taking away their freedom or German culture. (Which begs the question anyway, so racism is part of your culture?)

Every year there are dozens of articles and other media usually glamorizing “Indian hobbyists and hobbyism”, and the actors, directors, museum curators and so forth, who make their careers on Eurocentric possessiveness and “ownership” of Native cultures, traditions and history. Otherwise, ACTUAL Natives are usually ignored, especially if they are not the stereotype Germany prefers. Rarely IF EVER do you see stories of any kind about the positive collaborations, cooperations and endeavors Natives and non-Natives are accomplishing, which deserves note and celebration.

Friedrichstadt-Palast didn’t have to change anything about Native representation in their youth show, but they chose to do so. It’s 2023, and there’s firsthand information available at any time about other cultures, and actual cultural consultants from any culture where they can speak in person, especially in a huge city like Berlin. They didn’t remove the scene, although they considered it. They didn’t omit Native references, they didn’t rationalize their previous choices, nor get defensive when certain issues were pointed out. They had committed to positive change, and then worked in cooperation with myself and others to make it happen. Sure, more change still needs to be made and it understood that creatives who happen to be Native CAN ALSO be regular members of any production team anyway, this is a good step.

I will see the whole production tomorrow and post my review later, whether I had been a part of it or not, I applaud Friedrichstadt-Palast, its directors and others who I feel are a good example of what Natives have been asking all along: intercutural cooperation and changes in alignment with overall Indigenous perspectives regarding self-representation. Nothing was denied German or other European peoples who have relied on stereotypes, misrepresentation and misuse of Native cultures and peoples, and in fact, a better, more well-rounded and enjoyable show may have been attained. And what is even more important to me, a FAR BETTER EXAMPLE was set for the 1000’s of young people and others who will see the show, on how we can work together without Eurocentric narratives, red-facing, stereotypes.

Anyway, check out the trailer and other info about the show at the link.  https://www.palast.berlin/show/spiel-mit-der-zeit/

“The Indigenous have already experienced their Apocalypse” – Interview on “Alles Muss Raus” – 05.10.2023

Red Haircrow

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For those interested, here’s the link to my interview/the discussion on the “Alles Muss Raus” podcast with Thilo Mischke. Released on 5 October 2023, “The Indigenous have already experienced their Apocalypse”. 

Looking back, I had no real issues with any of the questions. However, one of the first questions which I am paraphrasing, “Living in Germany now (or so long?) do these topics or things happening to Native Americans/First Nations affect you anymore?” was really surprising in a way, but in another, not so very because Indigenous peoples are generally perceived as sensitive/traumatized or distanced from. Maybe that is what they have perceived of us. I believe I paused before responding, because literally, just because you move someplace else or live someplace else you don’t stop caring for your family, your relatives, your peoples. We’re not animals adopted or moved away from a pet shelter who eventually have little or no memory of those times.

Another question that soon followed was also general, but not surprising, “Have you personally been affected by MMIW or related violence?” I did respond that I had been subjected to identity related violence and lost two uncles to discriminatory, racist violence at state/governmental hands or negligence.  Women and girls have been targeted since DAY ONE of European invasion then 2S relatives, but men also, especially younger Indigenous men as was mentioned by Johnnie Jae (Otoe Missouri/Choctaw) in my documentary on the effects of stereotypes and racism, “Forget Winnetou! Loving in the Wrong Way” (2018).

Many Germans I’ve encountered through the years, whether referencing German society and family issues or others, often expressed their position that unless certain injurious things happened TO them or someone they personally knew in a close way, they had little or no interest in seeing justice done. ESPECIALLY if it were a topic they considered merely a difference of opinion like racial profiling and racial violence or transgender rights and protection. Considering the previous question and tone, if I had said I had not been personally affected in some way would it not then have been, “So, why should it matter to you? AKA Why are you speaking on these topics?” Actually, the questions should be, especially in a Germany who claims to love Native Americans and their cultures:

WHY SHOULDN’T IT MATTER TO EVERYONE?
WHY DO SO MANY IGNORE OR MINIMIZE THE SERIAL KILLINGS AND DISAPPEARANCES OF MMIW?

Finally, one discussion point I cannot help but mention whether included in the broadcast or not, I was speaking about positive collaborations between Germans/Europeans and the Indigenous that are rarely if ever mentioned in the media, who favor controversial, even adversarial treatment of anything Indigenous related. I mentioned how the alphabetizing of Ndee (Apache) languages was progressing since decades with the help of certain German linguists who’ve lived in proximity to Apache for decades.

As a similar example(?), the host mentioned that after Germans had recorded in print tattoo patterns that were unknown to Samoans today, before conducting massacres on the Samoan people. Thus those tattoos were only known now because Germans had preserved them, which a descendant or relative had wryly remarked upon with a laugh during an interview. To put it mildly, it is highly inappropriate for a German or other European to laugh also at this as if it were a “joke” joke. It was not. It was the still grieving, “wtf else can you do but laugh” so many Indigenous and other minoritized, marginalized peoples and groups know all too well. Granted, their laugh may have been ironical, but to be honest, that kind of gallows humor should only be used with someone you know very well, if then, as it can be seen as minimization of the trauma that still exists these communities due to invasion and genocide.

As the Samoan man and others remarked further in the documentary (and response to), OF COURSE, they would rather have had those relatives not be massacred and lose those tattoo patterns forever. And where is that book now anyway? I might lose, but I’d bet that book is NOT in Samoa, in the hands and/or total control of the Samoan people. Like so many precious cultural items of Indigenous peoples, they were looted, coerced and/or gained through violence, and have never been respectfully apologized for and corrected. Germany, like most European countries of the west, continue to hold hostage or apathetically fail to require their society to return such materials to their original peoples.

Those are my two outstanding observations on the interview, and any other issues if present, you can doubtless ascertain for yourself. 99.9% of the time, podcasts included, they provide you with a list of questions so you can prepare in some way. I was not. So, I feel I could have better answered some questions, though in hindsight one always remembers things they wish had included or said better. But yeah, here ya go.