Moana and Maui are characters in a Disney movie that our children absolutely adore, so it is only natural that like every other Disney character, they want to dress up as them. It is fine to let them do this – minus the body paint, tattoos, brown skin-coloured body suit and legitimate cultural attire.

Is it OK to dress as Maui for Halloween?

Since the movie's 2016 debut, "Moana" Halloween costumes have been controversial. Minority groups say non-Polynesians dressing up as Moana and Maui, the story's male lead, equals cultural appropriation. Proponents say it's fine to wear costumes of your heroes even if they're a different ethnicity.

Can my daughter dress as Moana?

Emmaline Matagi, an indigenous Fijian, offers a thorough guide to how non-Polynesian girls can dress as Moana (and the answer isn't “just don't do it!”). She argues that the most important thing is you're visibly dressed as just Moana or Maui, never a vague generalization of Polynesian culture.

What is the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation costumes?

An easy way to remember the difference between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation is to remember that Cultural Appreciation is about honoring a culture whereas Cultural Appropriation is dishonoring or demeaning a culture.

Can a white girl dress as Mulan?

And Mulan's outfit was most likely a traditional costume for women in her society. As far as dressing up in any one of these outfits, as long as you are valuing the outfit and the person who it is associated with, there should not be a problem. There should only be a problem if you are making fun of someone.

EXPLORiNG iSLANDS with ADLEY!! Board my Boat and Sail across the Sea with my Family! Moana Makeover

Can white kids dress as encanto characters?

By and large, most people I spoke with felt similarly: dressing up as Encanto characters is OK so long as it's done respectfully. That is, don't try to change your or your child's skin tone, hair, or facial features to try and “match” those of the characters.

Is Mulan culturally correct?

In the cartoon, they used Huns — inaccurate AND racist. Rourans (柔然) are indeed the correct group of nomadic people that Mulan would've fought. But, fun fact: Mulan is most likely from the Northern Wei dynasty, which is established by a nomadic people itself, the Xianbei (鲜卑).

What are the 4 types of cultural appropriation?

According to Rodgers (2006) there are four types of cultural appropriation: exchange, dominance, exploitation, and transculturation.

How to avoid cultural appropriation in costumes?

Other good conversation-starters, especially if a costume idea sounds a little like a cultural stereotype: "Where does that idea come from?" and "Can you describe what you'd wear?" One solid rule: Blackface (using face paint or other costuming to darken one's skin) is never acceptable, under any conditions.

What are some examples of cultural appropriation costumes?

Some culturally inappropriate costume ideas include:

Anything representing blackface, brownface, or yellowface: The practice of blackface has deep societal and historical roots that perpetuate negative stereotypes about people of color.

Is it ok to dress up as raya?

But one quick note: If you or your kids want to wear a Raya costume this year, remember to do a gut check about the kind of costuming you're choosing and take care to avoid stereotyping someone else's culture, or it it could be considered cultural appropriation.

Can my child dress up as Pocahontas?

This group of people are most likely to be offended by any person dressing up as Pocahontas. Even if they are indigenous it's not okay to be pocahontas for halloween - actually what I've found is that they find that even worse if you are Indigenous you are offending your “own people” by trying to represent Pocahontas.

Why can't people over 14 wear costumes at Disney?

Outfits are inspired by characters but use everyday clothes. Disney parks don't allow costumes or masks for anyone 14 or older, except at certain special events. Because the company has its own costumed characters that interact with guests, it doesn't want those likenesses to be misrepresented.

What can Maui not do in Moana?

Maui tends to combine the strength of his muscles and his hook to perform acts such as pulling islands from the sea and lassoing the sun. Without his hook, however, Maui cannot shapeshift. He must also swing the hook a certain way to transform into the desired animal, as evidenced during his fight with Tamatoa.

What is an example of cultural appropriation for kids?

Any time you or your little one adorns yourselves with clothing or jewelry from a minority culture as a costume, it is cultural appropriation. This includes all Native American costumes or stereotypical Mexican costumes (sombreros, serapes, etc.) Disney costumes do not get a free pass either.

Is Moana Polynesian or Hawaiian?

Although Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. In fact, once you start looking for ties to Polynesian culture in Moana, it's hard to stop!

How do you know if your costume is offensive?

Why do schools not allow costumes?

In recent years, for instance, observers have recommended avoiding outfits that could perpetuate cultural appropriation or stereotypes, like feather headdresses traditionally worn by indigenous people for cultural or spiritual reasons.

Can I be Mulan for Halloween?

As long as it is obvious that you or your child is dressed as Mulan, then go for it! But dressing up in a qipao, cheongsam, hanfu, etc., that does not resemble Mulan at all and saying you are "Mulan" or worse claiming you are "Chinese" for Halloween, is not okay.

What is an example of style appropriation?

Wearing headdresses, blackface, kimonos, and other clothing, symbols, and facets of other cultures as costumes is a form of cultural appropriation since these styles often have significance in other cultures and are worn for specific occasions (or, in the case of blackface, are just plain wrong).

Why are dreads cultural appropriation?

From its history, the dread was a symbol of strength and opposition, war and suffrage, and in modern times, an African-American culture built from the ashes of slavery. The style is argued to belong to those whose ancestors have suffered and whom continue to suffer.

What is style appropriation?

Abstract. This paper is about style appropriation: the use by someone of stylistic cultural innovations distinctive of a cultural group that is not her own.

Why did they change Mulan's name?

For instance, a specific discrepancy in the original film is regarding Mulan's family name. It was changed from what it is commonly known as “Hua” in Chinese households to “Fa” in the film to create a character more comfortable for American audiences.

What is the FBI motto in Mulan?

Twitter user Xiran pointed out the remarkable similarity of the slogan to the FBI's motto: “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity.” While the imperial army chants these three virtues, Mulan falters at “true,” knowing that she is lying about being a man.

Why did Mulan flop?

Even though Disney spent a lot of effort to fit the Chinese market, the reason why Mulan failed in the Chinese market is due to the stereotype and misunderstanding of the traditional Chinese culture, make-up, costumes and sceneries, and characteristics, which ultimately caused the movie to become nondescript.