Online debate over whether teepees are ‘inappropriate’ cubbies for caucasian kids

They’re sold in Australia as cubbies but are teepees now a no-go for caucasian kids amid concerns of cultural appropriation?

Are teepee tents for caucasian kids politically incorrect, or harmless fun?

A debate has broken out on social media as to whether the long-loved form of children’s cubby should be off limits to all but Native Americans, or is an acceptable way for all kids to play.

The subject became a hot topic on Twitter this week when a mum asked if it was “culturally inappropriate” to buy a teepee for her caucasian child’s first birthday party.

“For context, we’re doing a safari-themed first birthday party for her and thought this would be semi on-theme for it, but is it insensitive?” the American mum tweeted.

While some people responded the teepee was fine, others said it would only be so if not adorned with Native American trimmings and decoration, while others said it was strictly a no-go.

This Amazon teepee sparked an internet debate.

An Ikea teepee. Picture: Ikea.com

“When many Indigenous people see a play tent teepee being sold casually as a room decoration, their first reaction is shock - dismay - and then anger,” one woman responded, adding Native Americans had endured genocide which had left deep generational scars.

“The mere image of it of it in a child’s environment brings to mind the racist favourite ‘cowboys and Indians’ game,” the woman tweeted.

Others said there were other tents available for children to play in that didn’t look so look culturally “appropriative”.

And one woman suggested the conversation needed to go beyond that of the cultural appropriation of teepees, to the colonialism inherent in a safari theme.

“As long as you are considering cultural lenses, the colonialism behind safaris might be something to talk about too,” she said.

Teepees are widely available in Australia, with major retailers Kmart, Target, Ikea and more all offering versions for kids.

The retailers did not respond to Herald Sun requests for comment.

Many glamping providers also offer teepee style tents for adults.

In mid-2020 popular Australian fitness influencer Sarah Stevenson - known by her YouTube handle Sarah’s Day — pulled her campaign for a new activewear line after being accused of cultural appropriation when she wore braids.

Australians were offended by Sarah’s long braids in photos for an activewear collection.

The massive backlash against the Aussie fitness queen included death threats.

The influencer said she had often worn two braids before the massive internet blow-up, not realising it could be viewed as cultural appropriation.