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Original poster

Is this fabric offensive?

207 replies

TempName01 · 03/09/2020 11:49

I really like this fabric but I’m unsure whether it could be seen as offensive or at the least raise an eyebrow if you saw it in someone’s house? It’s got a stereotypical Native American character in it.

Is this fabric offensive?
Is this fabric offensive?
OP posts:
justleaving · 03/09/2020 12:47

It's fine if you like it. Not my cup of tea but doesn't have to be.

So many people saying they find it offensive?! Really? Think they need to get over themselves - people find offence in bloody everything these days... Hmm

theconstantinoplegardener · 03/09/2020 12:48

I like it. I like the fabric (though perhaps not for a sofa, but for curtains and cushions) and I wouldn't have noticed the little people or thought anything about them, unless they were pointed out to me.

greengreengrass14 · 03/09/2020 12:52

I really really like the colours, and don't think it too busy but agree with others on the stereotype in the pattern. That's offensive.

If you like those colour tones and/or a kind of tropical forest vibe I think that's great, those kinds of prints can be very uplifting. I personally like the bright blue and bright orange which can perhaps be seen in older style Mexican or even Italian designs.

But I'm rubbish at interior design I'm afraid so can't help you more than that. Brave for posting this and asking opinions.

RedRiverShore · 03/09/2020 12:52

It’s so busy I struggled to see what was wrong with it as I could only see a load of flowery stuff at first

CarolVordermansArse · 03/09/2020 12:55

I wouldn't find it offensive, it is just a little character, similar to toys and cartoon films, nothing to get upset about.

If you like it and want to live with it, your home, your choice, and people may not even notice.

On here you will be torn apart for much less. If it makes you happy, use it and smile.

SmileyClare · 03/09/2020 12:57

It must be easy to find similar garish Wink patterned fabric without the cartoon people on it?

Is it for a lounge/front room sofa? Unusual choice and sorry but I can't help thinking you posted on here for a reaction Hmm

WeAllHaveWings · 03/09/2020 12:57

Love the vibrancy of the pattern, but without the wee guy in it, just because it looks cartoonish and think it ruins the pattern.

I wouldn't think it particularly offensive, I would think it was Hawaiian traditional dress (probably isn't Hawaiian as I don't think they have flamingoes!)

Time40 · 03/09/2020 12:58

I love the colours and the general style, but the animals and figures are cartoonish and childish. Perhaps they're so small that they're not very obvious?

Daisy2220 · 03/09/2020 13:00

Not sure why people feel the need to suggest how ugly the print is-that's a little unnecessary after op already said that she liked it. Also wasn't what she asked.

I also don't think it's offensive at all. It's just a harmless, cute cartoon. If you like it then go for itSmile

EleanorOalike · 03/09/2020 13:01

If it was a golliwog print would you buy it? Because I feel it’s in that territory. Wouldn’t be for me at all!

lynsey91 · 03/09/2020 13:02

I don't find it offensive in the slightest and if you like it then go ahead and use it. Who cares what others think?

Just about everything is thought to be offensive by someone today so just ignore them

BoingBoingyBoing · 03/09/2020 13:04

It's not great, tbh.

1WildTeaParty · 03/09/2020 13:10

You are right, the cartoon character might well offend people.

For better or worse, this sort of portrayal isn't acceptable in these 'woke' times. It isn't just a design. Use it and your sofa might end up being thrown into a dock somewhere :)

Probably best avoided as it would be sending out all kinds of messages that you wouldn't mean.

saveforthat · 03/09/2020 13:12

I doubt if that fabric would offend anybody in real life. If you like it go for it.

formerbabe · 03/09/2020 13:14

What's the stereotype?

Thisismytimetoshine · 03/09/2020 13:17

This thread is 😂😂😂
Offensive? Seriously??

reader12 · 03/09/2020 13:18

I think it’s creepy - it’s putting a cutesy “native” In the same category as cutesy jungle animals. I’m sure you can find something similar without the creepy element.

feistyoneyouare · 03/09/2020 13:19

I'm in the minority here, I like the fabric and wouldn't be offended by the motif. Good opportunity for people to demonstrate how woke they are, though.

reader12 · 03/09/2020 13:20

It reminds me of this story I saw the other day www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53917733

WaxOnFeckOff · 03/09/2020 13:21

how is this negatively stereotyping native americans?

formerbabe · 03/09/2020 13:22

It’s putting a cutesy “native” In the same category as cutesy jungle animals

Do you think drawing a cutesy, cartoon drawing of any person at all is offensive?

ParisOnWheels · 03/09/2020 13:22

In the first picture the character wasn’t what caught my eye so it didn’t bother me. The close up made me think it best avoided.

DifficultPifcultLemonDifficult · 03/09/2020 13:23

Just because something doesn't personally offend you, it doesn't mean it isn't offensive.

Stereotypes are harmful to everyone.

That's a fact, nothing 'woke' about it.

Confrontayshunme · 03/09/2020 13:23

It possibly looks like vaguely Mayan or Amazonian. I think they look like an angry savages trope so really wouldn't.

SoupDragon · 03/09/2020 13:24

It's a bit Betty Boop-like with a feather headdress like a burlesque dancer.

Did you look at the second picture with the close up of one of the characters?