The Dallas Cowboys: Appropriation or Appreciation?
The Dallas Cowboys Draw "Inspiration" from Sikh History
Appropriation can feel complicated (...sometimes). When it is so blatantly obvious, there is little hesitation in calling it what it is. And then there are the other times – you know, those moments where you catch yourself smiling, indulging in the initial overwhelming joy of seeing an aspect of yourself in an unexpected place (often a space that has felt unattainable), and then the complexity of discomfort sets in like a pit in your stomach and you aren’t exactly sure what to make of it.
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys released their theme for this season: “Carpe Omani” (‘seize everything’) accompanied by a collage of inspirational images. Among those images, in the top right corner, sits an image of a Sikh warrior. The inspiration from Sikh warriors carried onto team sweatshirts, which feature an illustrated image of the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Empire’s Khalsa Fauj (military), Hari Singh Nalwa. Nalwa was a decisive figure in Sikh history who expanded the Empire in the early 1800s under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
When a friend of mine sent a screenshot of the unveiling to me last Wednesday evening, my husband’s knee-jerk reaction gave words to the initial feelings I am sure so many of us felt: “well, we made it, y’all.” The Dallas Cowboys, America’s Team, were drawing inspiration from our community and our history, a community that has been the target of hate in America since well before 9/11.
A feeling of pride filled my soul – Sikh resilience was inspiring an NFL team! And honestly, this is a perfect example of when ignorance to the facts can be bliss. Because as I began digging, my feelings got…complicated.
So what is it: Appropriation or Appreciation?
To begin unpacking this question, we need to first understand what cultural appropriation encompasses. Cultural appropriation is the adoption and misuse or co-opting of cultural symbols, rituals, aesthetics, textiles, language, food, traditions, etc. by individuals from another, often more dominant, culture or society. Cultural appropriation is most problematic when individuals from a dominant culture are profiting off the symbols and traditions of a marginalized culture. Appropriation often occurs without any understanding of the cultural practices being appropriated, resulting in the co-opting of culturally significant concepts by turning them into trends or symbols that ignore cultural nuance and history.
"Until we live in a society that equally respects all cultures, any attempts of the dominant culture to ‘borrow’ from marginalized cultures will run the risk of being exploitative and insulting.”
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, So You Want to Talk about Race.Appropriation thrives on cherry picking aspects of a culture and using those aspects when it is most convenient and serves the wants and wishes of a dominant culture. For many of us living in the diaspora, we have navigated the politics of being Sikh in a country that fears the “other.” Assimilating, trying to humanize ourselves, and watering down our history in order to appeal to whiteness and to those who hold power in the United States.
In the wake of September 11th, Sikhs across America used the same talking point to dispel fear of people who look like my husband: Sikhs are peaceful people. Sure, I see it: seva (selfless service) is a core principle of Sikhi. However, so is maintaining a warrior spirit, fighting against hate and for justice (however, that notion of the “warrior spirit” remained out of the community accepted talking points for obvious, justifiable reasons…we don’t want you to fear us!).
Sikhs adorned with a dastaar (turban) and beard have been targeted and ostracized for precisely the physical appearance that is now being used to inspire an American football team (that too a team with one of the most politically conservative fan bases). That same look, an “exotified” version of it, is being used to instill inspiration…or perhaps even (in an uncomfortable way) profit off of the fear of the other?
Now, I am not saying that the Dallas Cowboys had any ill intention. Let’s face it, that’s usually what is said whenever it comes to appropriation – it is usually repackaged as appreciation (sometimes even celebration). I also do not claim to be speaking for the ENTIRE Sikh community, there are a lot of us and we aren’t a monolith! But seeing so many members of my community fall back into the now ingrained habit of educating others about who we are in moments like this, I am going to take this as a moment to offer a different take.
Appropriation and American Sports
For starters, let’s look at the larger context of American sports. The history of appropriation and racist stereotypes in American sports is deeply rooted in colonialism and racism. Native American mascots, for example, have been a fixture in sports for decades, with teams like the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) using caricatures and symbols that reduce Indigenous cultures into offensive stereotypes. Such portrayals trivialize the struggles, genocide, and attempted systemic erasure of Indigenous communities. The use of appropriation and racist stereotypes in American sports has far-reaching consequences. It perpetuates harmful biases, nurtures a culture of intolerance, and alienates marginalized communities. It reinforces the idea that it is acceptable to dehumanize and other marginalized peoples.
Who is the Sikh Warrior the Dallas Cowboys are “inspired” by this football season?
This is where it gets complicated.
So, let’s break things down. There are two images of Sikh warriors used by the Dallas Cowboys: (1) an unnamed Sikh warrior illustration on the banner and (2) an illustration of Hari Singh Nalwa on the team sweatshirts. Upon the unveiling, the artist behind the first illustration, Sukhman Singh Bumrah, came forward on Instagram and shared that while he is honored to see his work showcased in this way, he was neither paid nor asked for his permission to use his art. Ah, appropriation at its finest. Taking work from an independent artist, using it as you please, and passing it off as your own (...and tacking on your own marketable narrative to it).
Now, this is where it gets EVEN MORE complicated (and quite honestly, frustrating).
On the official Dallas Cowboys website, there is a YouTube video titled “Mystery Solved On The Background Of Carpe Omnia.” . During the episode, one of the correspondents asks the other to shed some light on the “warrior symbol,” alluding to the fact that both the warrior on the banner and warrior on the sweatshirt are the same person (even if they are not).
Here is the response:
If you would like to watch the official video, forward to 5:50 —
For starters, neither of the illustrations is of Guru Hargobind Ji. And while this beautiful “revelation” reads like a wikipedia page (possibly even a ChatGPT output), the simplification of Sikh historical figures and symbols is exactly what made my initial moment of pride shrivel into a complicated bunch of nothingness. Packaging symbols and historical figures into an “inspiring” story to sell to the masses sits at the center of what makes appropriation so problematic. It strips away the history, culture, and nuance that define the reality of what is being commoditized and repackaged.
Miri and Piri - A History Lesson
The double sword that the correspondent was referring to is not just an accessory. Its significance goes far beyond just two aesthetic swords. "Miri" and "Piri" are foundational concepts within Sikhism that carry significant historical, spiritual, and political implications, symbolizing the harmonious blend of temporal and spiritual realms.
Introduced by Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, these twin principles emphasize the Sikh ideal of a "Saint-Soldier." While "Miri" embodies temporal or political authority, underscoring the duty to challenge injustice and uphold righteousness in the world, "Piri" represents spiritual sovereignty, guiding one's internal journey towards enlightenment and divine connection. Together, Miri and Piri advocate for a life where spiritual pursuits are seamlessly integrated with worldly responsibilities, ensuring that power is wielded with moral integrity and spiritual wisdom. This duality, encapsulated in the two swords Guru Hargobind Ji wore, is a guiding beacon for Sikhs, emphasizing holistic living, grounded in both spiritual depth and active societal engagement.
Who is Hari Singh Nalwa?
Now, let’s talk about the sweatshirt.
Born in 1791, Hari Singh Nalwa is recognized as one of the greatest military commanders in South Asian history. Under his leadership, the Sikh Empire expanded its territories, and he played a pivotal role in consolidating the northwestern frontier of the empire. His valiant endeavors not only earned him a legendary status among Sikhs, but they also evoked respect among adversaries. His strength and resilience is a celebrated part of Sikh pride, history, and identity. Beyond his status as a celebrated warrior, he is also regarded highly for his contribution to community - he is credited for abolishing slavery within the Sikh Empire.
When it comes to appropriation, ask: Who is this serving?
When the image of a revered figure (Hari Singh Nalwa) is juxtaposed with an American football team's merchandising and branding, it invites a multitude of reactions. On one hand, it’s seen as a nod of respect, acknowledging the strength and resilience of Sikh warriors and drawing parallels with the tenacity of a football team. However, on the other hand, it is crucial to ask whether the essence and history behind Hari Singh Nalwa’s image is truly comprehended by those using it within the context of something comparatively trivial. Is it merely an exotic symbol, devoid of its historical and cultural significance? Which, given the fact that his image is being repackaged with another Sikh figure’s bio, the answer is obvious.
Consider: What is the historical significance? Who is profiting?
Appropriation becomes even more complicated when marketed as inspiration. The underlying issue arises when there's a shallow understanding, when a sacred or revered symbol is plucked from its roots and plastered onto commercial products. In such cases, what is labeled as "inspiration" risks being just another form of exploitation, especially when the community from which these symbols are borrowed has faced prejudice, hate, and misunderstanding in the very society that now seeks to "celebrate" them. Before adopting or integrating such symbols into broader narratives, it is essential to delve deep and ask: what is the historical significance of this symbol or item? What does it mean to the community from which it originates? Without this deep understanding, there's a risk of perpetuating a shallow form of cultural engagement that can belittle, misrepresent, or even offend the very communities these symbols hail from.
South Asian representation has increased in mainstream media over the past 10 years (yay!). However, that representation still generally covers only South Asian identities that are the majority and even within that, identities that hold more privilege within the South Asian community – may it be caste, religion, language, etc. So, when I (or frankly most Sikh people in the diaspora) see a Sikh character, we jump in excitement. It is the reason why a part of us worries about making too much of a fuss about “appropriation” when our history is being acknowledged in the first place, even if it is not perfectly accurate (...at least they are trying!).
So, where do we go from here?
It is powerful for people from marginalized communities to see themselves and figures from their history looked up to and elevated on an unexpected platform. Imagery and narrative without including community is where it can be problematic. Imagine if the Dallas Cowboys had made the effort to reach out to a Sikh artist (or perhaps Sukhman Singh Bumrah himself), collaborate with them, and commissioned art that embodied the narrative that inspired them to begin with, all in a mutually respectful way. My feelings are complicated because a part of me really does feel seen. Proud, really. My community’s history does feel like a source of inspiration for me and I’m glad it can be for others too. At the same time, I feel disappointed. Disappointed because this whole thing could have been rolled out more thoughtfully. This duality, being both proud and disappointed, is okay to feel and okay to sit with. It is reasonable to be both excited and also wanting a little bit more. Appropriation, appreciation, inspiration…is complicated.
I hope the Dallas Cowboys add color to the caricature. Instead of trivializing the history, values, and characters that inspire them, I hope they use this inspiration and their powerful platform to meaningfully uplift marginalized communities and directly address (with community partnership) the history of hate that many have had to endure. After all, that is the essence of the message that is inspiring them this season.
If you’d like, you can post your response in the comments section, or feel free to email me your thoughts directly. Oh, and if you found this newsletter insightful, please share it forward! Thanks for reading.
Thank you for unpacking this complicated topic. Visibility is so powerful, but so is voice. Consultation is necessary. Taking without asking is not honoring, it’s plundering. But then that is the phrase on the shirt “seize everything”. So maybe someone knew what they were doing. To your point, who is profiting.
Thank you for writing such an informative article on this subject. It has been a hot topic for many years now. I appreciated reading your insight. I have explored the subject of Cultural Appropriation in fashion for many years. There is a recent article published in Vogue which I imagine you would find interesting - https://www.vogue.com/article/cultural-appropriation-appreciation-fashion-september-2023. Your article and the Vogue article both introduce readers to different perspectives and I think we tend to be a society of quick judgements. I believe we need to really consider many aspects involved in Cultural Appropriations because it is very layered with complexity. Thank you again for the article!