If your first reaction to this headline was to roll your eyes, then you are not alone. Many people dismiss the idea of cultural appropriation during holidays like Halloween, thinking, “It’s just a holiday” or “Let kids be kids.” However, this article isn’t an attack on your beloved Halloween traditions; it extends to any event where individuals decide to don feathers and faux native attire as if it’s merely a fashion statement.
The truth is, many people do not understand what cultural appropriation entails or the harm it inflicts on marginalized communities. It might be fun to wear a costume representing another culture and then take it off without any consequences, but this trivializes the struggles faced by those whose heritage is being misrepresented. Dressing up as a Native American allows you to ignore the historical realities and injustices they have endured. We often hear the tired excuse of “My great-great-grandmother was an Indigenous princess,” but that doesn’t justify the appropriation of someone else’s culture.
To clarify, cultural appropriation is not the same as a black child dressing up as Cinderella or a Latino child as Elsa. For further details, you can refer to an excellent resource on this topic at Modern Family Blog.
Cultural appropriation, according to Lakota Children’s Enrichment, refers to “the use of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, regalia, or behavior from one culture by another.” Often, those who appropriate do so without understanding the significance behind the customs or symbols they are mimicking. You can teach your children to appreciate a culture without resorting to imitation. Unfortunately, many parents buy cheap costumes without considering the feelings of those from the cultures being appropriated.
If you wouldn’t allow your child to wear blackface while dressed as Tiana, why is it acceptable for them to dress as a geisha or Native American? Pocahontas, for instance, was only 14 when she was a victim of kidnapping and exploitation. It raises the question—why would you want your child to represent her in a costume?
This isn’t about policing your choices as a parent; rather, it’s a call to reflect on the messages we send to our children when we allow them to wear “cute” costumes that overlook the painful history of oppression faced by these cultures. If you truly wish to honor these traditions, consider teaching your kids about them in a meaningful way. Learn about their history and, if you want to buy something for your child that represents their admiration for that culture, choose an authentic item from a member of that community.
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In summary, it’s important to be mindful of how we approach cultural representation, especially during festive occasions. By choosing to educate ourselves and our children, we can foster a genuine appreciation for diverse cultures, free from appropriation.