Viceland
Screen shot of Viceland's Native American website February 2006
Viceland describes its beginnings
What started out as a few Montreal drug addicts scamming welfare make-work programs back in 1994 has become a global empire of hedonism known simply as VICE. From a 16 page newspaper about punk bands and violence to: stores, a clothing line, VICE Films, VICE TV, VICE Records, viceland.com, etc., VICE has become much more than a way for three guys to get laid. It’s become a lifestyle; a degrading and disgusting lifestyle of sex and drugs and rock and roll and death. This site is a collection of the irreverent, hilarious and downright scary gonzo journalism that brought three losers from the crack houses of Le Plateau to the deluxe apartments of Manhattan.
I wrote a letter to Viceland to tell them how I feel about their appalling portrayal of American Indians. All they have succeeded in doing, is to perpetuate stereotypes. It has no value at all, except perhaps for white supremists.
Someone will say, they have the right to do it, under free speech. Granted, that may be true, but what about some integrity and common sense in publishing? Is it all but gone today?
Cindy Sheehan was arrested for wearing a t-shirt that is not pro-Bush. She was arrested. Others have been arrested for the same thing, yet here we have a website like this - and they are entitled to the free expression of racism and hatred.
Every where we turn, it seems we face mascots and satire that degrades. The following link is to their cartoon, Chief Sitting Bullshit. It is not recommended that children view this cartoon, or for that matter, anyone under 18.
Cartoon
This cartoon is degrading and disgusting. How anyone could find any humor in this at all, is something I don’t understand. It’s obvious who they are mocking in this trash they call a cartoon. I hope that advocates that work against racist cartoons such as this one, let Viceland know where we stand on issues such as this.
Granted, nothing we could write or say to them will make them change their minds. They have latched on to the American dream - making big money off the misery of others. But I think it’s important to shine a very bright light on publications like this - let the light shine and perhaps it will shine bright enough to make them remove this racist section.
It’s important that we stand up to these things, if only to voice or write our opinion - if we don’t, I believe that gives some people the mistaken belief that it doesn’t matter to us.
This next section was entitled “Sweating to the Oldies” and the point was, they were planning an Inipi. I hope that this page was eventually removed based upon the complaints they received. Viceland took the page down, claiming it was being revised and to check back later. Here is a screen shot of Sweating to the Oldies:
Screen Shot - Sweating to the Oldies
What value anyone can give to Viceland is beyond me. I don’t understand why any American Indian would willingly participate in this section, providing their photographs for publication and laughing it up with the publishers of this piece of trash.
The Blackfeet are a well-known and respected tribal nation. I can’t help but wonder if Viceland didn’t use the weaknesses of some of the people depicted and how did they ever get them to agree to participating in this section? Maybe someone will have the answer to questions many of us have asked.
If you participated in this edition of Viceland, let the people know why in Feedback. There are many people who want to understand why any Blackfoot would participate in such degrading trash.
I hope by providing this information, that it will alert non-natives to the type of abusive stereotyping and racism that is part of the daily life of most American Indians and First Nations people.
Until we stop racism and hatred we will never find true peace. All of us must work toward that goal. Confront it where you find it and shine a bright light to expose it to the world.
Viceland's Website - Native American Indians - the Blackfeet
All Web site inquiries should be directed to Email or
Email
Please note: All graphics/screenshots are provided here for educational and for informational reasons.
Special thanks to Glenda for bringing this into the light.
Contents
February 2006 Reports
Last updated on February 19, 2006