Sexy Little Geisha and Sexy Pocahontas

Victoria’s Secret is well known for its flamboyant fashion shows: gorgeous (and half naked) models, sexy lingerie, famous artists… Unfortunately, VS is also known for its stereotyping and even fetishing of race, and this is what not only one, but two blog entries on Racialicious are about: Sexy little Geisha and Sexy Pocahontas.

Karlie Kloss for Victoria's Secret

The latest post denounces the ridiculousness and racist imagery of the Victoria’s Secret Native American lingerie outfit, consisting of leopard bra and panties, headdress and feathers: 

“The result of what Kloss is wearing is some weird amalgam of a cavewoman and ‘Sexy Pocahontas’.”

There has been a similar issue lately with popular group No Doubt, who had to pull down their latest video after an intense negative reaction from the Native American community. Gwen Stefani was dressed as a Native and handcuffed by two coyboys in this ‘Cowboys and Indians’ themed video.

I am a fan of No Doubt and was pleased to hear that they immediately pulled down the video and made a public apology to the Native American community, because the whole thing was in fact giving a stereotyped representation of this culture. I too would have been offended if I was part of that community. What I’m worried about is Victoria’s Secret, who faces media criticism for the second (or even thrid) time and had never made a public apology or reaction about it. This company is well known and respected among girls and young women, but it sends a racist, discriminating message without even an ounce of remorse.