SAILOR  JERRY  FESTIVAL

Culturally Insensitive?

Regarding Year One Fashion Show content:
In an effort to reiterate and consolidate... on behalf of myself, as the founder, and by extension the Sailor Jerry Festival itself... I apologize for the use of an image taken at the first event six years ago.
For those that don't know, a diverse group of local women physically wore outfits (created by a female POC with a vision to bring art from the page to the stage) that did in fact bring images created by Sailor Jerry from paper to a fashion show. It was a re-creation of some of the famous ‘Sailor Jerry girls’ and on our website we acknowledge that the history and that some of the art of Sailor Jerry is a bit racist, but the event is not based on old school beliefs. The event celebrates art, history, and local ties to that art and history. Still, while it took a bit of time and learning to really hear and grasp, I’m seeing that it shouldn’t have happened and the photo is a reminder of that. The photo keeps popping up due to poor diligence in effectively removing it, but it is/was a first year thing. The event has evolved since then, as have I, and now I understand it’s cultural appropriation. Moving forward I will focus on better choices. It was never meant to be offensive to anyone and the fashion show has not even continued to be held. The intention was simply to bring art to life, if you will... specifically art inspired by the old school tattoos of our local history, but I dropped the ball. I was unaware at the time that it was cultural appropriation relived. I’m here to admit that it was however culturally insensitive, and I do not deny that. In hindsight I see that. Through being questioned I see that. I do see that. Not to make excuses because concern has been brought to our attention before. That is where I have the most regret. I have listened but didn’t actually hear. At the same time, nobody took it lightly. It was discussed in private but I was advised that it didn’t rise to the same level based on the context, intent, frequency, etc. That made some sense then but it kept me up last night, and after reflecting further I agree now that it was a mistake. I am sorry. Truly. I hope for forgiveness and whatever level of future support others feel comfortable with. It wasn’t my first mistake in life and likely won’t be my last, but I do try not to waste a single learning opportunity. Recent failed attempts to calmly and politely explain the other point of view helped lead to this discovery so I thank those that spoke up. More than once on occasion. I encourage everyone to always speak up. Especially to me. I am an open book and I will be respectful. At least I feel that I always am. It is still something I take full responsibility for, and apologize for. I also offer a pledge that it is not going to be used again by me or us, so if this topic is brought up again just know that a lesson has been learned and corrective actions have been taken. You have my word. Alright, thanks for reading this. I hope you can look past the mistakes and that you will offer to hold me accountable going forward... on this or any other topic. I’m sure it’s not easy work to work towards educating, perhaps exhausting even, but I will listen and I’ll hear better as well. Lastly, this should in no way reflect poorly on anyone else associated with the event.

I own this. It’s my fault and I have learned something.   -- Aloha, jason miller / founder & co-host

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By request of someone that brought this to our attention, here are images of the various women, and the outfits that were prepared for them for a fashion show in 2015, by a female person of color. It will not be included in any marketing efforts and should no longer be showing on any of our social media accounts.

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                                                                                         [ Again, added only by request, as context to criticism]

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These statements were added in an effort to make clear where we stand, acknowledge that mistakes have been made, and demonstrate that the event intends to never repeat them... to do better moving forward... and to ask that each of you think about it as well. Growth is a long-term effort. This festival thinks of itself as a family from top to bottom, and wishes to be part of the solution when it comes to these topics and 'we' don't hide from our own imperfections. We won't get everything right 100% of the time and we won't be able to please everyone in every situation but we do at least aim to do so! You are welcome to reach out for any reason but especially if you were ever hurt or let down by a post or a comment or an image etc. Let's talk about it. We welcome you. Thank you.  There's a contact link below.  

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Exposure?  Paid Performers?  Diverse and Inclusive?
In order to speak to truth verses rumor... We work to ensure that every performer is compensated for their time. We do not ask anyone to work for free. We set a budget and make an offer... and if accepted, we book the talent. It's that simple. We pay every musician/band, comic, festival staff member, and burlesque dancer for their time. The rates are agreed upon in advance every single time, and we have people in charge of recruitment for some aspects like the comedy, fashion show, pinup contest, art show, and burlesque performances.
This is payment in the form of cash money and guest list spots for each member as well as a guest such as boyfriend, wife, parent, etc.
That's up to a $40 value minimum for the guest list spots alone, and then the agreed upon amount of cash is additional. In some cases such as the pinup contest, art show, and fashion show segments... the budget is fairly small so we cannot offer guaranteed cash, but we have team leaders that organize participants who are interested in receiving free admission in trade for a bit of their time. This is voluntary and optional. For the art show; however, any artists willing to sell their piece at the rate they choose, has the potential (and many do) earn money from the sale of their art (when applicable) and the funds are split between the curator, venue, and artist... not the festival. The festival itself receives $zero, and every artist is added to the guest list under their name +1 friend. That's up to a $40 value minimum. These things are transparent. If anyone ever feels differently, then we encourage them to please reach out to us so we can clear that up.

 

 

Budgets:

In every facet of the event we have allocated a certain level of funds that we can afford. Our team leaders are given budgets to work with and they essentially have free reign over how to spend the funds, and whom to invite to participate. If the total budget is Z...   then naturally 10 times X can = Z, or 5 times Y can = Z or 1 times Z would = Z. As long as it equals Z, all is well, because the budget still adds up to Z and we let each of our coordinator specialists sort it out. We then also add all of the performer names to the guest list +1 friend as well.

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Merchandise Artwork:

All artwork used for merchandise has been and always will be purchased for use by artists such as Unomas, Tokyo Hiro, Jared Gaines, and others...  with more to come. Proof is available as needed.

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Should anyone ever have any questions at any time, let us know. We will get back to you as quickly as we can. The contact link is below. 

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