Noel Altaha I am NOT a costume

I am NOT a costume! was a homework assignment in a social psychology course. Using creative tools to persuade others to agree with your stand. My classmates presented great examples, (not texting and driving for example) and I wanted to have others see my view on this holiday. Theories may include self-affirmation theory, central route persuasion, emotional approach.
Myers, D. G. (2010). Social psychology. (10 ed.). New York, NY: McGrawHill.
***For more background context check out this link to a brief interview on why I did this video and why you should care: lastrealindians...
"I am Not a Costume!" by Noel Altaha
There is always a dance between the oppressed and their oppressors, in this case there is a dance between Native Americans and Americans of this country. Natives who exist in both worlds have the honor and responsibility to continue educating Native and non-Natives on the historical trauma and unresolved grief from our painful past.
The painful relationship we (Native and non-Native) are engaged in can only heal when Respect enters the scene. I am challenging everyone to ponder on this concept and even commit to the idea of respecting another's culture.
In this case, dressing in a costume that mocks the culture your ancestors oppressed is plain disrespectful. I understand you may admire Natives and children may see Natives as magical beings, it still puts Natives in a position to not own who we are, it is dis-empowering us when you label them. It is dis-empowering Native women when you create nostaglia or eroticize us.
It hurts when you sexualize us and make it okay to dress as an "Indian Princess". Let us define who we are in our own way. There are 500+ Indigenous tribes in the US and we deserve the right to be left alone on this national holiday. If you are non-Native American and want to support the cause then as a consumer you have the power in your pocket.
Don't buy the costumes. Don't make it about race, make it about respect. There is also research to suggest micro-aggressions have a lot of negative impacts. Micro-aggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership (Wing, 2013).
According to Wing, in many cases, these hidden messages may invalidate the group identity, demean them on a personal or group level, communicate they are lesser human beings, suggest they do not belong with the majority group, threaten and intimidate, or relegate them to inferior status and treatment. (If you get a chance, the research is fascinating.)
Anyway, remember that progress is key. When we give into the idea of making it okay to dress as another's culture for one night, We are disrespecting ourselves and the advances we have made since the initial colonial contact, let's not make one step forward, three steps backward. When we dress in a costume mocking another's regalia we are also disrespecting Native American ancestors and those who had unending patience, wisdom, and compassion towards the ignorant.
Lastly, I do not speak nor do I ever intend to speak on behalf of all Native Americans. I do, however, speak for myself as a Native American and proud Apache woman when I say it is my honor and responsibility to stand up and educate others when I see disrespect occuring to a healing people. I am one person demanding my generation to be more engaged, enlightened, and more compassionate and respectful towards the planet, to each other and to ourselves. We are all in this together after all. Trick-or-Treat and I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. This message is for my generation and for the next three generations to come.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Noel Altaha White Mountain Apache Tribe