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Please note: Because the dialogue surrounding cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation is so vast and complex, we are narrowing the scope of this topic to relate exclusively with Halloween. The following conversation is not meant to serve as an all-encompassing resource. Every October, “Our culture is not your costume” becomes the rallying cry across several ethnic communities due to people dressing up in attire from cultures that are not their own. Native American headdresses, Hawaiian lūʻau skirts, and so-called “Pocahontas” costumes are only a few popular examples. The overwhelming response to this criticism is something along the lines of, “But I’m just showing my appreciation for their culture!” And to this we say: Why now? There are 364 days of the year where you can rock your Native-made clothes and accessories. But to ONLY don cheap, reductive replicas of our culture on the holiday of costumes is very clearly cultural appropriation. If you are non-Native and truly love our many, rich cultures, that’s great! Cultural appreciation is welcome. However, we advise against wearing Native or Native-inspired items on Halloween, as it emboldens those who are NOT “appreciative” and continue to make a mockery of our culture. We emphasize that dialogue surrounding cultural appropriation is ever-evolving. Native people are not a monolith, and may have opinions that differ from ours. We hope that this conversation serves as a starting point in further education and discussion on the topic. #OurCultureIsNotYourCostume #Halloween #CulturalAppreciation #CulturalAppropriation #NativeAmerican #Native #Indigenous #NativeHeritage #IndigenousHeritage

It’s October… which means Halloween time!!! 🎃👻🧡🕸️This beloved holiday is a time to be creative, have fun, and... eat way too many handfuls of candy corn! It’s also a time when cultural appropriation is very present. At Mind, we believe in honoring the backgrounds, cultures, races, religions, and other important factors of children and families. We know that our staff, clients, and community believe in respect and kindness, too. 🎃Cultural appropriation is taking, “borrowing,” and using aspects of a culture that is not your own without showing an understanding of or respect for that culture and/or crediting the source 🕸️A question to ask yourself is - “Do I have permission to respectfully share space with these cultural experiences and/or activities or use certain cultural elements?” If not, there’s a chance you are engaging in cultural appropriation 👻A good rule of thumb is - People are not costumes. Dressing as a person or a character who is of a different race, ethnicity, religion, or ability than yourself or your child is harmful, regardless of intention Taking the time to be mindful of a costume choice can help ensure that Halloween is enjoyable for all! 👻 Find the full article below! #inclusivehalloween #culturalappropriation #fallholiday #mindfulnessofothers #halloween #familyhalloween https://lnkd.in/geeEw_rK

The cultural import of Halloween from the United States can get mixed reactions in Sweden. Some enjoy the fun of dressing up, embracing spookiness, carving jack-o’-lanterns, and so on. Others can be turned off by the intensely commercial holiday or its focus on the macabre…which is fair. However, as experienced Halloween celebrants, the one feature that really defines the American version of Halloween (for us, at least) is how inventive people can get with their costumes. Not everyone needs to go all out, of course. But Halloween costumes are often a means of expressing individual creativity. Sometimes, there’s even a good-natured sense of competition in having the coolest costume idea or breaking new ground. (Halloween 2010, NYC: the world’s first Zombie Lucia?) If you’re out on the town in the US on October 31st, you’ll probably see a lot of old favorites: vampires, witches, zombies. But you’ll also see a parade of pop-culture references. Rather than a standard black cat costume — or its “sexy cat” variant — it’s a homemade version of the woman-yelling-at-cat meme. Or instead of just a ghost, it’s the ghost of some historical figure who’s recently re-entered the zeitgeist, like Robert Oppenheimer. Overall, the focus tends to be more on the clever or cute than the scary. This might involve puns or wordplay, like the time Maja dressed up as a swede — the vegetable, not the nationality. We’re curious which aspects of Halloween will come to define the Swedish version of the holiday, too. How do you see it? #Halloween #HappyHalloween #Sweden

As we prepare for the upcoming Halloween festivities, let’s commit to avoiding costumes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation. Such actions diminish the rich diversity of cultures to mere costumes, reinforcing prejudices and disrespecting traditions. Halloween should be a celebration of creativity and fun without demeaning anyone. Let's foster an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, and cultural sensitivity is upheld. Some common mistakes include: 1. Cultural Appropriation: Avoid using cultural or ethnic attire as a costume, as it can perpetuate stereotypes and be offensive. 2. Offensive Stereotypes: Dressing as a specific race, nationality, or profession can reinforce harmful stereotypes. 3. Insensitivity: Steer clear of costumes that make light of sensitive topics, such as mental health issues, disabilities, or traumatic events. 4. Blackface or Brownface: Never use makeup to change your skin color, as it's deeply offensive and racist. 5. Inappropriate Humor: Offensive or crass humor in costumes can hurt others and should be avoided. 6. Celebrity Impersonation: Be cautious when impersonating living people, as it may be seen as mocking or disrespectful. 7. Religious Symbols: Avoid using religious symbols inappropriately, as it can be offensive to those who hold them sacred. 8. Gender Stereotypes: Refrain from reinforcing gender stereotypes through costumes that belittle or objectify. 9. Cultural Misunderstanding: Ensure you understand the cultural significance of costumes to avoid misrepresentation. 10. Be Creative: Strive for creativity that respects diverse perspectives and cultures. #RespectCulture #InclusiveHalloween #LeadWithLeressa

Let's #DecolonizeHalloween and celebrate with respect! Remember, cultures are not costumes. Here are 4 tips to ensure a thoughtful celebration:  1️⃣ Research different cultures, especially those often appropriated during Halloween (e.g., Indigenous, Black, Indian, Asian cultures).  2️⃣ Reflect on your role in this issue.  3️⃣ Discuss with your loved ones.  4️⃣Act with intention, kindness, and empathy. Together, we can build a JEDI world, starting from within our homes, schools, communities, and beyond. Let's be the change we wish to see , and set the example to our children. Find the full article from our founder, Julie Savaria, M.Sc., MBA, on our website, "in the news" tab! Happy Halloween! 🎃  #CulturalRespect #InclusiveCelebration #EmpathyAndUnderstanding

#LetsTalkAbout Halloween costumes in the workplace 🎃 Halloween is a time for creativity and fun, but it's essential to be mindful of the impact our costume choices can have. In a world that celebrates diversity, it's crucial to respect and honor cultures; not use them as costumes. Cultural appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes and hurt feelings. Before choosing your costume, take a moment to reflect on its origins and the potential impact it may have on others. Let's make Halloween a time for inclusivity and respect! Read more about this important topic here from NPR: https://n.pr/3PFO4lT #JenniferTardyConsulting #NPR #CulturalAppropriation #HalloweenInclusivity #RespectForAll

Here's some #FridayFun for the Halloween Season 🏚 👻 Check out this spooky highlight reel from a Matterport scan of Overholser Mansion. Whether you are looking to entertain, audit, or promote, Matterport makes it possible to walk through a physical space from anywhere with the power of virtual reality. Ready to take your property to the next level? Contact us for a haunting deal today. 🎃 #haunted #realestate #matterport #vr #3dmodeling

Forever starts here! Celebrating love, joy, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Check out our latest wedding card designs that perfectly capture your unique love story. #weddinginvitesupplier #LoveInTheDetails #happilyeverafter #weddingdesigns #PrintTechnology #PrintProfessionals #DigitalPrintExperts

🎃 Halloween: A Cultural Tradition or Social Participation? 🎃 As Halloween approaches, it's interesting to ponder its significance in several countries. Is it primarily a cultural tradition or a form of social participation? Halloween's roots trace back to ancient Celtic traditions, marking the end of harvest season and the thinning veil between the living and the dead. It's a cultural bridge that connects generations, with customs like jack-o'-lantern carving and ghost stories. However, in today's society, Halloween has evolved into a social event marked by costume parties, trick-or-treating, and community gatherings. The commercialization of the holiday has played a significant role in this shift. It's important to be mindful of the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation during Halloween, as controversies related to costume choices continue. Regardless of its evolving nature, Halloween remains a cherished and memorable holiday for people of all ages. What does Halloween mean to you? 🧙♀️👻🕷️🍬 #Halloween #CulturalTradition #SocialParticipation #Celebration

🧟 The Spooky Parallels: How #Halloween and #Democracy Share the Spirit of #Inclusivity and #Expression 🧟 🍂As October draws to a close and the world gets ready to embrace the eerie charm of Halloween, it's worth reflecting on the surprising parallels between this festive occasion and the principles that underpin the essence of democracy. At first glance, it might seem like a stretch to connect a night of ghoulish revelry with the concepts of freedom and governance. Still, a deeper exploration reveals some fascinating commonalities.☝️ 🌟One of the most striking connections lies in the celebration's core values of inclusivity and diversity. Halloween is about inviting everyone to participate in a collective celebration, irrespective of their background, age, or beliefs. Whether through elaborate costumes, spooky decorations, or sharing treats with trick-or-treaters, Halloween encourages people to come together and revel in camaraderie.🧛♂ Similarly, democracy fosters an environment where all voices are heard and valued, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or religion. Both Halloween and democracy emphasize the importance of creating spaces where every individual feels welcome and accepted.🤝 🧑🎨Moreover, the essence of self-expression is another shared trait between these seemingly disparate concepts. Halloween encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, try on different personas, and express themselves in ways that might not be feasible in their everyday lives. Similarly, democracy thrives on the premise of freedom of expression, enabling citizens to voice their opinions, participate in public discourse, and actively contribute to the shaping of their communities and nations.🗣️ In addition to these parallels, Halloween and democracy share a historical and cultural significance that binds communities together. 🫂 While Halloween has evolved from ancient Celtic traditions, democracy has a rich lineage dating back to the ancient Greek city-states. Both have transformed and adapted over time, becoming integral parts of contemporary societies and leaving indelible imprints on the cultural fabric of nations.💁♀️