Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

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Shayai Lucero, Laguna, N.M.
Miss Indian World 1997 ~ 1998

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Dear Editor,

I have formally issued a complaint to CBS television about how appalled I am that they allowed OutKast to perform in a derogatory manner towards American Indians during the GRAMMY show.

I am a member of the Pueblo of Acoma (1/2) and Pueblo of Laguna tribes (1/2) and a student of Biology/Pre-Med at New Mexico Tech. I am also a former Miss Indian World. One of the main purposes of the Miss Indian World title is to promote the issues of American Indians and dispel stereotypes.

I find it quite appalling that in the year 2004 that CBS would allow blatant disregard and disrespect to the American Indian people. There are many people (American Indian and non-American Indian) who have worked towards breaking the stereotypes and by CBS allowing this performance, CBS has pushed back the work from these people about 20 years.

CBS knew about the performance because OutKast was allowed to perform it during rehearsal. The 5-minute tape delayed broadcast was supposed to be used to cut out anything offensive, but apparently that was only if someone bared their breasts. It didn't include mocking an entire race!

So what did I find wrong with the "performance?" There are a number of other things I found wrong, but I am going to list three:

1) The tipi with "blowing smoke" is a stereotypical "device" used to mock our race. The tipi was colored in black and had various symbols that were not related to those that are typically painted on a tipi. Some of the symbols were Plains Indian beadwork designs, Hopi Pueblo designs - all which were probably taken from clip art someone found on their computer. These symbols have expressed and distinct meaning to each tribe that uses them.

2) The drummer was wearing a war bonnet. The war bonnet is another derogatory "device" used to mock American Indians. The war bonnet is only reserved for those who are warriors, chiefs, or have been given the right to wear it. To have someone just put it on and parade around in it has mocked and disrespected ALL veterans and those killed in action. When I was Miss Indian World, my platform was to voice the issues of veterans. I spoke at veterans conventions, in front of veterans groups, students, etc. in an effort to promote respect to the men and women who have fought for our country. The disrespectful use of the war bonnet on the drummer was very hurtful to me especially when I have tried to promote respect for the vets.

3) The green leather clothing with fringes and feathers worn by the background dancers and Andre 3000. I was so hurt and appalled to see my race once again being mocked by having them wear these outfits. It is comparable to a white person performing in "blackface" or having someone dance in Catholic vestments.

If OutKast's wardrobe person knew anything about American Indian regalia, they would know that WE DO NOT WEAR THAT STUFF! I was brought up in a very traditional Pueblo home and not once have I seen any fellow Pueblo men or women wear such clothing. I have also not seen a traditionally-raised person dressed in that manner at any pow-wow I have attended.

When I first heard the music in the beginning, I thought that the GRAMMY people had allowed a Native American group to perform on stage. But when I saw the tipi and Jack Black on the television screen, I felt so uncomfortable that I didn't know how to handle my emotions. My sister singer/songwriter Star Nayea and her friend Elaine Bomberry were sitting in the audience and saw the whole thing live! I was uncomfortable watching the whole fiasco on television ... I can't imagine what these two American Indian women were feeling watching it live.

When the cameras rolled over the audience after the performance, I was upset to see people cheering on the performance! Doesn't CBS and the audience members know that an ENTIRE RACE of humans was mocked in such a ridiculous and disrespectful manner? I have read CBS' apology and do not believe they were sincere. Indian Country needs to get together on this issue - and make it a big one! We can't just sit back and say "it was for entertainment" because that only means that we are "accepting" it.

Sincerely,

Shayai Lucero, Laguna, N.M.