White girls with something to prove
Posted by Lauren on June 8, 2003 at 20:27:44:
In reply to: Henna racism - just a rant posted by PPC on June 8, 2003 at 19:51:02:
I did a show back in the end of April and I made sure I was wearingmy finest henna. I had on salwar kameez (mostly because it's
comfy). I had a picture book with my best henna in it. I decorated
my booth nicely. I knew the area where the event was has a huge
Indian and Pakistani population. I had about a hundred business
cards ready to go. I wanted to introduce myself as an artist for
their weddings and holidays. I was all excited.
And they came. In pairs and families they wandered through the
event. They'd see my booth, stop and talk to each other, then send a
scout to look at me working. In EVERY SINGLE CASE, the person I was
working on when the scount arrived wanted some damn tribal thing on
their lower back. And the person would look for a moment, then just
walk away.
From their point of view, I'd taken a part of their culture and sold
it out. If I were looking for someone to do my Hindu daughter's
wedding, I would go with someone who wasn't as good but understood
the traditions instead of someone who did it well, but only as a fad
like any other thing Americans pick up on then drop.
On the other hand, if you're good, you will eventually find that one
person willing, through openmindedness or desperation, to give you a
chance. Maybe you get to do the guests while someone takes care of
the bride and other "important people". Maybe you really luck out
and get the whole thing yourself. It will eventually happen, and
make sure you have enough cards, as people will finally see you for
what you are- dedicated and talented. For me it took three years. I
hope it takes you less.
I agree it's silly to assume that a white girl won't appreciate and
be part of your traditions, but I can also see where such an attitude
may be coming from.
Lauren
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