Recently there was an article published on Delish with the title: Why You Shouldn’t Dress Your Kid Up As Moana This Halloween. Click HERE to read it, as a reference. I’d like to put my two cents in on the subject.
I’m all for diversity. Every single one of us comes from different backgrounds, races, religions, and families. We all have strong moral beliefs that are hard to sway. I, however, am making the argument that we should keep our children out of politics altogether. Simply, LET KIDS BE KIDS.
“To pretend to be a racial, ethnic or religious minority when you’re not makes light of their history… “
Woah Momma, Chill out. It’s a Halloween costume. So, I can also make the argument that dressing Johnny in a Michael Myers costume influences him into thinking it’s cool to be a serial killer. See how utterly ridiculous that sounds? It’s make believe, yes, but there are real serial killers out there-correct?
Moana is an amazing, quirky girl who has qualities I would love my daughter to emulate! She’s fiercely devoted to her family, her island and her people. She crosses an ocean to save them! She also has some pretty cute sidekicks.
Letting my daughter be Moana would be a perfect opportunity to open the lines of communication to learn about the culture (Google, Mommas). It would be like walking in that person’s shoes for the evening. No, it’s not like being that person, but it can help you appreciate the culture.
“It’s important to align with, and stand up for, people of color and minorities, and a key part of that is showing respect for their cultures.”
I agree! It’s in no way okay to mock, make fun of or belittle a person because of any culture, religion or minority. Click HERE to read a Buzzfeed article about the Kardashians dressing inappropriately. They obviously do not understand cultural appropriation. The Kardashians totally deserve an eye-roll.
It’s important to keep the conversation going. Feel free to comment below with your take of this discussion. What is your child dressing as this Halloween, and why? Do you feel it’s okay to dress a child in a different culture, religion or minority?
Of course, ladies, lets keep the conversation civil and respect one another and our differences!
Below, is my daughter, Ellie. She wanted to be Woody from Toy Story last year! This year, she is choosing Batgirl. Isn’t she adorable?!
Let kids, BE KIDS. Adults should be having this conversation.
Featured Image from Pixabay
I think it’s important to differentiate between dressing as a person of character and dressing as a stereotype. Allowing our children to be Moana (or Maui or Tiana, etc) is an opportunity for them to celebrate an individual that he/she respects and admires.
Me too, Emily! Plus, when children are engaged and interested they want to learn about it MORE! <3
Great job, Melissa!!
I have a family of color, and we see no issue with little ones dressing up in costumes of the characters they love. Our little brown baby has been Ariel, Rey, Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, Batgirl, you name it. I wouldn’t stop her from dressing up as “white” characters, and no one of Middle Eastern descent got upset with her in a Jasmine costume. Keep the kids true to their own cultural identity but let them celebrate any fun fictional character they choose. Let them keep their innocence and desire to love all things regardless of culture and race for as long as they can!!! 🙂
I think when it involves sacred wear, the situation becomes a little more sensitive. Princesses like Tiana wear dresses. Nothing offensive about this. But would you let your child dress up in hijab? or a sari? or a kimono? Probably not. I personally don’t believe that native Polynesian wear is any different.