Examples of Commodification in Popular Culture
A feather headband sold by H&M. Who should be allowed to use Aboriginal and Native American imagery, especially for commercial goods?
Aboriginal and Native American characters and depictions in fictional popular culture often rely on stereotypical tropes, including the 'savage and noble warrior', an ancient connection with nature, and styles of dress from the 1800's.
A group of white people discuss Gwen Stefani's music video, which relies heavily on Native American imagery. Their comments are interesting, and seem more like a joke to laugh off and trivialize Native issues.
In the Twilight movies, Native American characters are allergic to shirts and change into wolves at will. Aboriginal imagery is also used to sexualize females and are seen as 'exotic' in comparison to the White female.
Native American imagery used to market childrens' toys.
While some sports teams use animals as mascots, others use people...
Pocahontas and John Smith above and the 'sexualized Indian maiden' to the left.
This picture is of an electric smoker that is for sale at the popular outdoor store, Le Baron (www.lebaron.ca). The company, Luhr-Jensen, is commodifying the stereotypical image of an Aboriginal chief in order to increase the appeal of the product.
Peter Pan (1953) perpetuates racial stereotypes of the Indian Squaw and Princess.
Native imagery in pastoral settings is used to sell the abstract fantasy of an idealized, 'natural' past to consumers.
Native American imagery and traditions being reduced to self-indulgent fashion launch parties.