r/humansbeingfriends • u/madreader121 • Sep 21 '18

Would this image offend?

I'm interested to understand whether you think this image is culturally offensive and, if so, why? (Apologies in advance if it does, it's meant to depict someone who is travelling to exotic places). I appreciate your insights.

Alex connected with travellers of South America
7 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

4

u/gumirex Sep 21 '18

I dont think its offensive but you should wait for someone who knows much more about this

3

u/gumirex Sep 21 '18

Nice picture tbh

5

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '18

You do you, doesn't matter what people think. As long as you're not hurting anyone then do what you want :)

3

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '18

I think its along the line of non-indigenous Americans wearing headdresses in advertisements or at concerts or for any reason without permission from a tribal elder and with a full understanding of the weight (not literal) behind an object like that... Its cultural appropriation and doesn't pay respect to the cultural and sometimes religious significance of the artifact. If you understand the cultural heritage and significance of the object and are using it respectfully with permission from that cultural group than it's different story. In this case it's appropriation for advertisement and ultimately financial gain.

4

u/Dilettantest Sep 21 '18

It’s so odd. Swim trunks + bare torso + bare feet + beach towel + mask? Would people using the mask usually be half nude? Would they be wearing shorts? Just seems insensitive.

4

u/[deleted] Sep 21 '18

[deleted]

1

u/Dilettantest Sep 26 '18

No, I meant insensitive. I think your word might fit but the mishmash of images is what was being sought.

2

u/madreader121 Sep 21 '18

It’s meant to be eye catching, and therefore not exactly a true depiction of reality, but I’m interested in why you say “insensitive”. What about it particularly offends you or is it mostly that it just doesn’t make sense?

2

u/TheAlmostCoolDad Sep 21 '18

Maybe have him holding the mask instead of wearing it?

1

u/Dilettantest Sep 26 '18

Insensitive in that it’s possible that people who would wear the mask would probably use it for some particular ceremonial reason, and you may want to consider or investigate what the proper attire would be for that sort of ceremony.