Hello, friends!
I’ve decided to rename the Washi pattern, which we recently re-released in a new size range. The fact that the pattern has recently undergone a big transition and the fact that we are working on printing it soon makes this change seem timely. Renaming the Washi pattern is something I realize could potentially cause some confusion, so I want to communicate about this process clearly and with openness.
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Like many of you, I’ve felt challenged in recent years and months to do more listening and learning surrounding anti-racism, and part of this has been examining my own role in perpetuating white supremacy. Cultural appropriation is one aspect of white supremacy and in learning more about it, I felt compelled to examine why I was using a Japanese word (“washi” - which means “Japanese paper”) to name a pattern. I am not Japanese, nor do I have a meaningful connection to Japanese culture.
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Using a Japanese word to name a pattern which I sell and profit from perpetuates cultural appropriation and I do not want to be a part of causing that kind of harm. I am sorry for using this word and to those it may have offended, for not initially considering the impact its use might have on those of Japanese heritage when I chose it, and for not correcting this sooner. I care deeply about righting this wrong.
