Question

Chelsea Vowel explores the notion of Indigenous behaviours being considered transgressive when moved into a non-Indigenous (settler-defined) space. In Canada, she writes, Indigenous (or non-settler) “cultural expressions that can be purchased in the form of goods and services, or entertainment, are acceptable. Cultural expressions that cannot be so easily commodified can be seen as threatening, transgressive, or simply not Canadian” (68). Write an essay that explores this idea. What does she mean by “commodified” and by the term “allowably Indigenous” (72)?

Answer 1

Answer :

Indigenous cultural commodification refers to places in the life of a society not subject to market exchange requirements until its penetration by tourists. Cultural objects are things of artistic, historical, or creative value that countries find to be part of the cultural heritage of the country. It is of great importance because of their significance that cultural items should be preserved from diminishing. For indigenous people who have left their non-urban society for an urban center, there is almost always an aspect of cultural shock. It has become apparent to me how Indians are made hypervisible by law, public policy, and cultural ownership, while at the same time facing systemic erasures. She wrote that culturally appropriate forms of indigenous people are those which easily become commodifiable: food, Music, clothing/costume.

Vowel distinguishes appropriation from ways that indigenous cultural traditions or the use of artifacts relevant to indigenous cultures can be valued in the residents. Indigenous cultures are transformed into a tourist attraction (and into an attraction for settlement), and their long and sordid history continues unabated in Canada. Vowel deals with many widespread but totally inaccurate views on indigenous peoples in Canada. She talks about stereotypes that were never known to exist, like the idea of indigenous people being given free housing or education. In the ongoing discussion of colonialism and racism as concerns today, the indigenous peoples are engaged in so-called "reversal racists" and oppressing irresponsible settlers. Cultures can only be accepted if they enrich the Canadian experience; that is, as long as they are conveyed by clothing, food, and music. Indigenous stories indicate you are accessing different cultures. It is really Threatening, transgressive, or simply not Canadian and not acceptable. You have a situation in which Canadians become accustomed to seeing indigenous peoples only under very narrow circumstances: urban homelessness, addictions / mental illnesses, or culture (costumes, food, or music). Any other show or embodiment of culture is not socially acceptable, as there is no way for Canadians to classify it according to colonial standards. It means that when you go beyond an indigenous culture, you are acceptably indigenous.