Cultural appropriation.

Wasn't too sure whether to put this in the politics thread so I decided its more suitable here. I'm hoping that this doesn't cause a ruckus but would appreciate honest opinions.
So I made a tune recently and edited a video to it and everything on youtube. When I woke up this morning the tune had like 600 views but here's the thing, it was filled with hate comments..well actually there was 6 comments saying my song is trash and that I probably paid $20 for my whack beat.
I know my beat is not whack, so I have come to the conclusion that its the video that caused offence.
See I asked my dad (who loves the western ) about what's a good scene with Indians on horses and stuff?
He told me, ''try liitle bighorn'' so i started the frustrating task of editing clips over the tune I made.

End result turned out unfortunately a bit racist, that is I can only assume. There's not many clips out there of 'traditional tribal dance' and you need alot to fill it out. So the cowboys look like they are winning by the end, at custars last stand. I truly believe that If I had portrayed the Indians winning i'd have saved alot of bother.

Anyhow, what do you think of my dillema? Should I be prohibited from expression based on my race or must I be more careful? I personally don't see it as a respect issue at all. I believe culture is to be shared and enjoyed, anything else is a form of control in my view, a social power move.

I will probably delete the video and stick to banging out tunes.

Enjoy your day

 

The whole notion of 'cultural appropriation' is a nonsense in my opinion but that isnt what you are describing. Taking a native american song and releasing it as a pasty white guy from Scotland may lead to accusations of 'cultural appropriation' .

This sounds more like an accidental case of editing history to make it look like the US forces won rather than lost at Little Big Horn. Which isnt really a cultural appropriation thing, just an accidental outcome of cutting and pasting video but objectively incorrect and not really anything to do with your race.

Post the video so we can have a look!

 

Exploitation isn't a nonsense.

 

I want to hear this whack beat.

 

Somehow I think that might be the end game

 

He’s got me by the balls

 

Same haha.

 

I'm in the song is trash camp brother, unless proven otherwise.

 

I like the atmosphere of no bagpies being heard in Glasgow.
Used to be really annoying back in the living in Edinburgh days.

 

Alright i'll post it up for you guys. See what you think and whether its racist.



I just think different cultures should be celebrated, that was kind of my vision based on what i was feeling. But its a sloppy editing job, I stand by this though, the actual tune is not whack.

Though its your right to say its complete and utter *, i respect your opinion.

 

Alot of horses were hurt during the making of that I bet

 

I've considered this, but in that case, aren't my intentions key here?
And how would that person feel exploited?
There are basic principles here that I believe in though, that set me apart from them. I don't see colour to begin with, race is a social construct. Thats what I feel like I know deep down and its started to see me clash with reality

 

Its my first time editing videos and the end result kind of backfired. I'm quite happy to learn from this. Theres a whole community of people who do what I did just there. The artist Canibus uploaded 10,000 bars of acapellas. I'm trying to emulate what they do in my own style. I don't wan't to clash with some who take things seriously though or offend people. Can you see after watching it where i * up? Yea its too much definitely

 

Not talking about you, just in general terms. Cultural appropriation is very real.

 

I respect your view. Do you mean by corperations and those with power? Because i understand how much gets invested in what we see and hear through media. I dunno, maybe that goes back to the question of whether I can be considered the exploiter based on my skin colour alone. That's where I disagree with the premise and I think its dangerous for everyone involved. No words or expression means no protest for example.

 

I certainly would not call that racist, but it could easily be misunderstood. If I did that I would use the title 'The 2 Last Stands' meaning Custer's last stand and the much bigger and important last stand of the Plains Indians way of life.

PS I was not expecting to see Errol Flynn on this forum today let alone on your video

PS PS That Custer's last stand clip of course taken from the classic 1941 western They died With Their Boots On. An old favourite of mine, despite like countless westerns, totally inaccurate.

 

Cheers mate, yes you are spot on 'they died with their Boots on' was the movie i edited into the song. Really pleased that you recognised it and are a fan of the western just like my old dad!I just had a chat with him actually, he said Dustin Hoffmans 'little big Man' is also worth a watch.

 

Yes 'Little Big Man' is well worth a watch and totally debunks the Custer Hollywood legend as well as covering many aspects of the wild west and the struggles of the Plains Indians trying to hold on their way of life.. And a brilliant film it is, I would put it above 'They Died with Their Boots On'.

 

I think cultural appropriation can be a problem, but most of the time people complain about it they are just being far too uptight and self-righteous.

I don’t really see any issue with your video. I thought it was funny seeing the dancing next to that type of music because of the absurdity of it.

The Custer bit could maybe a bit more problematic because it has that in-built superiority complex of the time that movie was made - but I think you’re right, intention is important. The overall absurdity of the video clearly means any supremacy isn’t to be taken seriously.

And when I say absurdity I don’t mean it in a negative way. I thought the video was good effort!

 

Thanks mate, that was really thoughtful. I appreciate hearing your opinion and i'm glad you can see the comedy side of it, those are positive elements that I don't mind putting across.