Cultures Are Not Costumes

Part of Mosaic Lifespan Curriculum

Open

Chalice Lighting

Loving hearts,

Wondering minds,

Flickering flame,

Now’s the time.

Seek together

Truth and meaning

Join faithful friends

For lifelong learning.

-RE Chalice Lighting by HP Rivers

Check-in question: If you could dress up as anyone or anything, what would you choose and why?

Read

“Pow Wow Day” by Traci Sorell (YouTube 4:03)

Article, "Molly of Denali's Culture is not a Halloween Costume,", kuac news

Pic of Molly in regalia (jpg)

Read the story and discuss: What did you notice about the story? What did you notice about what people were wearing?

Read the article (or just go over the graphic) and discuss: Compare the images of Molly in her regalia and in her everyday clothes. Discuss the similarities and differences. What does her regalia represent?

Watch

“Traditional Clothes From Around the World” (YouTube) (1:41) by JunyTony

“What did you wear for Eid?” from the Islamic society of Baltimore - (Instagram) (1:30)

Discuss:

  • Every culture has traditional special clothes - can you think of any examples from your own culture?

  • Have you ever seen traditional special clothes used as a costume? What do you think of that?

  • Did you notice how in the second video, all the people were Muslim but had very different styles of clothes for Eid based on their country of origin.

  • Optional - Use a map to identify all the countries mentioned in the videos.

Do

Brainstorm together: If we made a costume representing you, what would be included in it? (Ex. their pet, their favorite t-shirt, a special piece of jewelry, favorite toy, etc.)

Allow 10-15 minutes for students to design their costumes on paper using drawing and craft supplies.

Allow time for sharing, asking students if they would be comfortable with someone else wearing the costume, and why or why not.

Provide students with drawing supplies and miscellaneous feathers, sequins, buttons, glue, etc. to design their costumes (this can be a great way to use up miscellaneous craft supplies.)

There should be paper and/or coloring instruments that represent all skin colors represented in the group.

Discuss: How does it feel to think about someone putting on a costume of you?

Close

Check-out questions: What is one thing you learned that surprised or excited you today? What is one thing you’re still wondering about?

Extinguish chalice

Take Home

Watch Together: My Culture Is NOT A Costume | Teen Vogue (YouTube, 4:46)

For Grownups: Explaining culturally appropriative Halloween costumes to kids from ParentsTogether Part 1 (YouTube, 1:00); Part 2 (YouTube, 0:36)

Discuss: Have you ever worn a costume that you might not choose to wear again? What can we do when we learn something is harmful after the fact? Consider this quote by Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”