If your initial reaction to this title was to roll your eyes so hard you could see your brain, then congratulations, you’re in the right place! You’re likely one of the many who think it’s perfectly fine to let your child borrow another culture for Halloween, all in the name of fun. You might even say, “It’s just a holiday!” or “Let kids be kids!” But hold on—this isn’t about ruining anyone’s festivities. It applies to all occasions where people decide to throw on feathers and moccasins like they’re the latest fashion trend.
Let’s face it: if you don’t care about cultural appropriation, you probably don’t quite understand its impact on marginalized communities. It’s quite the privilege, isn’t it? You can dress your child as a Native American and then kick back, knowing you don’t have to face the historical injustices they endured. I’m sure I’ll also hear the classic “My great-great-grandma was a Cherokee princess” excuse—because there’s always a princess in the family tree, right?
Or maybe you think it’s fine to throw a blackface party and then wash it off, feeling good about your “diverse” friend circle. But let’s clarify what cultural appropriation is not: A black child dressing as Cinderella? Not appropriation. A Latino child as Elsa? Nope. A white kid as Tiana? Still not appropriation. An Asian kid as an English police officer? You guessed it—definitely not appropriation.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
According to the Lakota Children’s Enrichment, it’s the adoption of elements from one culture by another, often without understanding their significance. Just because you claim your child admires a culture doesn’t mean they should mimic it. Most people don’t stop to think about how these costumes might make others feel.
Now, if you wouldn’t let your child go full blackface in a Tiana costume, why is it acceptable for them to dress as a geisha or a Native American? And let’s not forget that Pocahontas was a 14-year-old who suffered horrific trauma. Why would you want your child to embody her story on Halloween?
Reflecting on Cultural Sensitivity
This isn’t about policing parenting. It’s a nudge to reflect on what we teach our kids and society when we let them don a “cute” costume without considering the cultural implications. If you genuinely want to introduce your children to different cultures, educate them. Learn the true history behind these cultures. If they admire a culture, consider purchasing authentic items from those who belong to that culture to show real respect.
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Conclusion
In summary, dressing your kid as Pocahontas for Halloween isn’t just a cute costume; it’s a reflection of cultural insensitivity that deserves examination. We can celebrate and appreciate cultures in ways that honor their histories instead of trivializing them.