Chris Hemsworth Apologizes for “Native” Costume in Instagram With Taika Waititi

Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water. #nodapl #waterislife #mniwiconi @taikawaititi I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for sometime. Last New Year’s Eve I was at a “Lone Ranger” themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of First Nations people. I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action. I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way.

A photo posted by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Oct 27, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

Last Friday, the Chris Hemsworth shared an image with New Zealand director Taika Waititi from the set of Thor: Ragnarok with the two holding a sign that says “We stand with Standing Rock #WaterisLife #NoDAPL #MniWiconi” in reference to the protests currently going on in North Dakota. In addition to drawing attention to the criticism of the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Australian actor also takes the opportunity to address another timely issue.

We recently rated Hemsworth a “Cady” on a Mean Girls scale of problematic Chrises and made note of the culturally appropriative Halloween costume he wore to a Lone Ranger-themed party last year (it must be ESPN or something). Hemsworth, in his caption, apologizes for the costume, which he says “has been bothering me for sometime.” He calls himself “stupidly unaware” and expresses his desire to “sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action.” The actor adds that he now appreciates “a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities” and hopes that “in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way.”

As Halloween weekend approaches, Hemsworth’s post reminds us how harmful culturally appropriative outfits are and that it’s not too late to acknowledge past mistakes.

(via Buzzfeed)
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