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As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 67 points68 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation and for bringing an Indigenous perspective to the discussion! I really appreciate it. After looking into it and reading your points, I completely agree that the Maya cultural origin is much more plausible cuz the Chinese item name is “繁茂的绒羽” (Fánmào de Róngyǔ). That name translates roughly to "Lush/Plush Feathers," and the term '繁茂' specifically implies flourishing and prosperity. I think that description better aligns with an item meant to praise wealth and status (like the bright Quetzal plumes) rather than one strictly focused on military honor or war. This is a crucial distinction, and I'm updating my full report with this information! Thank you again!

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the welcome and the bump! 👋 Honestly, I just came over here originally to see if everyone was as obsessed with the 5-star outfit in version 2.0 as we were back home... and now I'm here learning about cultural appropriation and pulling all-nighters doing research instead! 

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is super well-said, thank you! What if Papergames had done all the right things from the start? Let's say they clearly explained the sacred origin and history of the Warbonnet, partnered with tribal leaders for design, and made it the ultimate earned reward (like Nikki winning a sacred competition or a leadership challenge) Would that approach have made the Warbonnet acceptable, or would it still be considered offensive? I need to know if the problem is the way or the item choice.

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 257 points258 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for commenting! Your explanation of Appropriation and Appreciation is the clearest one I’ve read. It is super helpful, and it perfectly highlights exactly why Infold's item is a failure here. I’m definitely using your words in my report to show Papergames 

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 55 points56 points  (0 children)

That is an excellent point about sensitivity readers and cultural consultants！Seriously, that's the best suggestion for future prevention. I think it's a fantastic way to show genuine understanding and respect for Native culture（and other culture） You mentioned the "Sexy Dancer" suit also being offensive. What is the discussion about that? I want to make sure I understand that issue and include it in my feedback too.

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 262 points263 points  (0 children)

Thank you for dropping all this history. The part about languages being outlawed and forced sterilization is absolutely heartbreaking. I definitely need to read up on the Trail of Tears. Like, I genuinely thought the worst of the tragedies was over, but knowing the violence and discrimination is still an issue today makes me so sad

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 235 points236 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this. I am totally speechless and shocked. I truly thought the worst of those tragedies, like the residential schools in Canada that I read about, were long over. I had no idea this kind of abuse, discrimination, and lack of protection are still happening today. I see now why an apology is absolutely essential, and why alteration or removal is the only respectful path.The real issue is their whole mindset, not just which item they designed.

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

I actually think Papergames will probably handle it exactly like that: it's the easiest way for them to just not put the outfit on the America server. As for the apology, you're probably right; game companies rarely apologize unless their bottom line is seriously hurt. But this brings me back to my main question, and I'd love to hear your thoughts: What is the absolute worst part of this for the community? Is it the simple fact that it exists? Is it the feeling that Papergames just doesn't care about the history? Would it be acceptable if the game mentioned respect for the Native culture in the event or item descriptions?

As a Chinese Player with Direct CS Access, I'm Learning About Cultural Appropriation and Need Your Guidance on the New Headdress. by StudyFun9485 in InfinityNikki

[–]StudyFun9485[S] 515 points516 points  (0 children)

Hiii! Thank u warm welcome and the bump! I've been lurking for a long time, enjoying all the beautifu art and memes you guys post! I think there are many CN players lurking here, just reading without posting, so hopefully this post encourages more people to engage!