Paul Frank “Dreamcatchin Pow wow” Party Offends “Native American” Culture

Uh-oh I saw this coming, looks like American cartoonist/designer Paul Frank’s made some Indigenous enemies! West Hollywood last Thursday night, designer Paul Frank hosted the “Dreamcatchin” party, part of Fashion’s Night Out. And has managed to offended the “Native American” or the true terminology for the original Indigenous people of this land, now know as the America’s and Canada. Frank dressed his well-known monkey mascot Julius in a feather headdress inspired by now secrete Indigenous regalia only worn in spiritual ceremonies. Along with that guest posed with war painted faces, wearing feathers head-bands and holding tomahawks or bows and arrows. To top off the festivities Vodka-based specialty cocktails such as the “Rain Dance Refresher,” the “Dream Catcher,” and the “Neon Teepee” were served. The original people of this land find it offensive to use such imagery to promote popularize a cartoon Monkey franchise. Particular concern that many of the guests “playing Indian” were very young celebrities from the Disney/Nickelodeon world and quite a few were non-white. All the pictures from the Paul Frank Facebook have been taken down and on Sunday afternoon, the following apology was published to the Paul Frank Facebook page. Read more below.

Paul Frank celebrates diversity and is inspired by many rich cultures from around the world. The theme of our Fashion’s Night Out event was in no way meant to disrespect the Native American culture, however due to some comments we have received we are removing all photos from the event and would like to formally and sincerely apologize. Thank you everyone for your feedback and support.

This remind me of the recent lawsuit between the Navajo Nation and Urban Outfitters over their use of “Navajo” to describe the pattern on a pair of women’s panties.

Le Sigh.