Larry Spotted Crow Mann: Video plays into racist stereotypes

Music is a form of art. For the musician it is a way to express their form of originality, talent and or knowledge on the form of art they are presenting. The Emerson Windy song/video, “Peace Pipe”, demonstrates how you could sing without any of these qualities, while being racially insulting at the same time. The video has the creative depth of a puddle and the song’s lyrics plays into the most banal racist stereotypes of Native Americans.

Hip Hop videos are viewed by millions of youth around the world.

Unfortunately, videos like this ensure that harmful and disrespectful notions of Indian people are passed on to the next generation.

The Native American Pipe, Eagle Feathers and Headdress’ are sacred and held in the highest esteem. To see these holy objects (or imitations of them) depicted as nothing more than a get- high- party accessory is appalling.