Silver Moonlight Path

In the photo, a skinny, barefoot Bengali woman carries a British man sitting comfortably in a woven basket on her back. The image clearly reveals the injustice and cruelty of the colonial system: where the natives were turned into laborers, the burden of survival for the empire, while the invaders enjoyed their sweat and effort.

This is not only an ordinary moment, but also a symbol of the distorted power relationship: the small female body had to bear the shadow of colonialism. It reflects the exploitation not only of economics, but also of human dignity, when people were seen as tools to serve the foreign ruling class.

The photo became a historical testimony: the colonialists not only occupied land, but also weighed down on the backs of people. But at the same time, it also reminded of the extraordinary endurance of the Indian people - who later stood up to fight and regain freedom for their nation.

Symbols, discrimination, and change

For decades, sports teams in the US have used images of indigenous people as mascots or symbols: for example, the Washington Redskins (NFL), the Cleveland Indians (MLB), or schools and universities across the US. However, for indigenous communities, these images are not “honor”, ​​but rather cultural appropriation and a form of reducing identity to entertainment symbols.

Native Americans have been fighting for years to call for change:

In 1968, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) began a campaign against these offensive symbols.

In 2014, the Washington Redskins team came under great pressure because the name “Redskins” was considered racist and discriminatory.

In 2020, following a wave of anti-racism movements (Black Lives Matter), the Washington Redskins officially changed their name to the Washington Commanders. The Cleveland Indians also changed to the Cleveland Guardians in 2021.

The Kneeling Symbol: From Colin Kaepernick to Indigenous People

The image in the painting also recalls Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who knelt during the US national anthem to protest police violence against people of color (2016). That action became a symbol for the fight for social justice.

By combining this image with Native Americans, the painting sends a powerful message:

It is time for American society to respect and change the way it views Native people.

It is not just about removing discriminatory names and mascots, but also about recognizing their erased history and deprived rights.

Native people, like people of color, are part of a broader movement demanding equality, justice, and dignity.

Conclusion

“Time for Change” is not just a call to change team names or sports mascots, but also a deeper message: it is time for America to look squarely in the face of history, acknowledge centuries of injustice, and work together to build a more just future.

For the indigenous people, hair is the soul of memory and strength. Individual strands are weak, but when braided together they become strong – as are families and communities. Cutting hair often signifies the end of a stage in life, the beginning of a new beginning. Long hair is not only a beauty, but also a place to preserve memories and a sacred connection to the earth.