Wow it took Barb 2 words to use the word "I" in her column! Shocking.

You could go by Post-Pubescent Barbara, but the initials PPB aren't all that popular with some Merc blog readers.

As someone who is Native (1/16th so that makes me pretty much an expert right?) I think there is a difference between wearing cute accessories that you bought from an actual Native American who was trying to make a living and basically gave you a blessing to wear it by selling it to you, and you, in turn wear it as an homage to their culture (not appropriation) - and a corporation who mass produces Native American inspired garments in an effort to turn a profit on other cultures (appropriation).

I feel like you put both into the same bubble.
Celebrating another culture is great. Inspiring love, acceptance, and education by experiencing another culture's fashion is great too.

It's a shame that companies like Urban Outfitters and Glispa are wrecking it for everyone.

gettin the feeling that BH doesn't like dicks, which is weird cuz dicks be pretty swick. i got one and i use it e'eryday.

I like the cupboard joke. Slightly funny.

Cupboards! Omri and Little Bear approve this message.

If one looks at clothing or fasion as an artistic extension of how they want to interact with society, then how would a clothing line borrowing some ideas be any different than any other artist borrowing ideas of others to bring to their own work?

Or is it "I did it first, so you can't copy me?".

Does anyone else find it ironic to see 'Chief Cottonmouth' logos next to this blog?

Using cultural iconography that is not of one's own ethnicity to sell other things, images, services, or entertainment has always been an ethically and morally ambiguous endeavor. The marketplace tends to commodify all things eventually and some, like women's bodies, more often. If done well, no one shouts "appropriation," if done in poor taste, people often do. So, this is a pretty subjective topic. And the school's Cowboys and Native Americans theme party was so inappropriate and offensive, yes! But, we can use or appreciate or not use or appreciate other cultures' icons and beliefs. We are all Humyns and sharing is natural.

Why does this read like a sophomore college paper for a cultural studies class? Also ... it would get a B ... for 'boring.'

Even the phoning in of this column was lazy. Gets a D- for lack of effort.

"Dick Appropriators" would make a decent band name.

Todo mundo es el critico. Great article.

How does one subjugate a cupboard?

Stop slut shaming!