Another Stereotype of the Month entry:
Another Stereotype of the Month entry:
I recently bought a belt at J.C. Penney (I wish I knew the manufacturer) that has its materials listed on the back as follows:
"Synthetic Crazy Horse Finish"
"Genuine Leather Lining"
Naming your *synthetic* finish on a belt after a Native American historical figure is incredibly insensitive. I can't imagine a company naming a synthetic belt finish after Thomas Jefferson or Lewis and Clark. Yeah, that's a good one, "Synthetic Lewis and Clark Finish".
Rob's comment
I asked people, "Any thoughts about this note from a correspondent?" Their responses:
I am just sitting here with my mouth wide open. Just wrote you something about this being the "year of hate."
Has J.C. Penney lost their minds? Well I think we should all get together at Native News and start a boycott of J.C. Penney and send them a letter letting them know that we as readers are boycotting this shameful disgraceful insulting message. And also making fun at a name that is Sacred and Spiritual. Would they like any of us to say, "made from synthetic wood from the cross of Christ." Just printing that gives me the most creepiest feeling.
But it had to be sad. So Creator forgive me.
But boycotting J.C. Penney with a letter signed from all readers would be good.
NDN/A/A
Chi'
Holy cowhide, Batman
I would bring this to the attention of the Crazy Horse Family, who own the copyright/patent on anything using the name of Crazy Horse. They might make some headway—or might not—we all know how that one goes.
Firehair
How bizarre.
Christine
Shocking! Wish they had sent a xerox.
Susan
Dear Rob,
OMG! That belt really said that??
It was probably made overseas by people who have no idea what it says.
Sandy
Uh, one question...what the hell is a "Synthetic Crazy Horse Finish"?
Ishgooda
It feels like the tanned hide of a horse? Or the tanned hide of an Indian? I don't know.
Here's roughly how it works: Crazy Horse => Indians => buckskins => animal hides => hunting => blood 'n' guts => savagery => vitality => sexual appeal to women. Get it? Then buy it!
This product has the same problem as every other product named after Crazy Horse. Namely, that the purveyor is using Crazy Horse to suggest wild, animal-like qualities such as strength and passion.
While many Indians have these qualities, they also have the opposite qualities and every quality in-between. Focusing on one set of qualities to the exclusion of others is stereotypical.
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