Michelle Williams In ‘Redface’ For AnOther Magazine Photo Offends Native Americans; Native American Journalists Association Demands Apology

Michelle Williams appeared in 'redface' on the cover of AnOther Magazine, offending Native Americans.

Michelle Williams, who stars in Oz the Great and Powerful, has incited controversy in a number of news sources for a photo in which she posed in 'redface'.

In the offending photograph, Michelle Williams has long braids, hollowed out makeup and feathers in her hair, clearly intending to look like a Native American. 

Jezebel posted an article by Native American writer, scientist, and tribal attorney Ruth Hopkins that refers to the photo as using 'redface' on March 12.

Hopkins also cited the connection between the photo and the fact that Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum wrote an editorial in 1890 that called for the extermination of the American Indian.

In the article, Ruth asks for an apology and for the offending issues to be pulled.

AnOther Magazine responded that they did not intend to "mimic, trivialize, or stereotype any particular ethnic group or culture," explaining that the photo was simply one of "a series of eight different imaginary characters" taken from inside the magazine.

The magazine continued to state, "All the characters in the story were inspired by multiple fashion and cultural references, characters and eras.... We're mortified to think that anyone would interpret it," as having a racist subtext."

The Association of American Indian Affairs doesn't have an official stance on the Michelle Williams photo.

The Native American Journalists Association agree with Ruth Hopkins. They issued a statement saying, "It is the responsibility of journalists and photojournalists when organizing any type of article to think about...if certain cultures are being used in the picture...could this be offensive to anyone?"

With regards to the specific Michelle Williams photo-shoot, the NAJA said having a non-native person dress up as Native American leads to problems like, "That Native people don't care about people playing dress up; It perpetuates the stereotype that all Native people look like this; and That Native people do not exist or even comparisons to mythical creatures perpetuates this myth."

The photograph has created a great deal of controversy and discussion of the role of 'subversiveness in the name of art', and if such subversiveness is appropriate within our culture.

Recently, Karlie Kloss' trip down the catwalk in underwear and a full headdress during the Victoria's Secret fashion show triggered similar backlash, but apologies were issued and the criticism died.

In addition, this summer, Johnny Depp will be wearing face paint and feathers to play Tonto in The Lone Ranger. It will be interesting to see if his portrayal of a Native American in film will elicit similar public backlash to 'redface'.