SSM: Cultural Appropriation

In almost every Country Quest at Questa Kids, we come across a contentious or complicated issue that kids need to learn about. So what happens? Questa and Zeke (our plucky heroine and her arrogant sidekick/boss) encounter an SSM Alert, which prevents them from advancing until kids have completed a knowledge quiz.

The purpose of a knowledge quiz isn’t to test children, but to get them to learn about a topic actively, preparing them for the topic they’ll encounter in the storyline. Previous SSMs have covered the GRT (Gypsy, Roma and Traveller) Community and Nuclear Weapons.

For each SSM we write a companion blog piece for parents in case they want to know more about addressing these contentious issues with kids. We’ve got links to additional resources, videos, tips for understanding and recommendations from our resident Child Psychiatrist, Dr. Ruth.

We discuss Cultural Appropriation in the Mexico Country Quest…

Cultural Appropriation is a big topic at the moment - with some people shrugging and shouting “What’s the big deal?” while others explain how the stereotyping and “costumification” of their traditions is hurtful.  

Most of the problematic behaviours around cultural appropriation aren’t linked to children. Kids are far more likely to be unwitting cultural appropriators, but it’s worthwhile using cultural appropriation, particularly costumes, as a teaching opportunity. Discussions about cultural appropriation and the boundaries your family will have about dressing up and understanding other cultures, can’t be had too early. 

As always, the number one rule when talking to kids about these issues is to listen. Kids eventually need to become aware of adult concerns, but it’s important to remember that they’re not trying to upset anyone. Sometimes it’s key for parents to keep a handle on their own fears or emotions, and gently ask questions about children’s assumptions, rather than jumping into redirecting. 

“Although avoiding cultural appropriation is a serious issue for adults, remember that kids often play out their ideas - something which interests or puzzles them will appear quite naturally in their games. It then becomes an opportunity to talk to them, share your views and build that into their growing understanding of the world”
— Dr. Ruth, Child Psychiatrist

Location of SSM:

Between activities 8 and 9 is our SSM. Activity 9 is a gentle intro to Dia de Muertos. This activity has no notably contentious issues, so is not worth skipping. However, do be aware that children may have questions about “What is OK” and “What is not OK”. Hopefully this blog post will help you to address some of these questions.

Special days

There isn’t a special day to celebrate cultural appropriation (thankfully!) but there are a few days to watch out for when it comes to cultural appropriation. That doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate these days, but it’s worth spending sometime thinking about whether they appropriate aspects of culture or perpetuate negative stereotypes: 

  • Cinco de Mayo

  • Dia de Muertos

  • St. Patricks Day

  • Thanksgiving

  • Halloween

Tips for talking about Cultural Appropriation

  • Recognize this is a complex topic for adults, let alone children 

This is a tricky topic for grown ups, let alone kids. There isn’t a crystal clear definition of what is right and when, but rather a continuing debate. However, kids don’t need to be aware of the extent of the grey area. They will find it easier when families come up with clear boundaries, as well as ones that are situationally specific, e.g. “We don’t dress up like Native Americans in this house because it might make Native American people feel like we’re trying to steal their culture”. 

You’ll need to have multiple conversations on this topic, and possibly go through various rounds of “What about dressing up like X?”. Don’t be afraid to do some research together. 


  • Cultural appropriation is positioned within broader talks about race and culture

Cultural appropriation is part of a wider debate about racial injustice, which is why culture can’t be appropriated from white people. Cultural appropriation links closely to stereotypes (great video for kids here) and a host of other issues which intersect with racist narratives. 

Here’s a great place to find resources to teach children about race and racism. I also recommend Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to Raise an Antiracist” [LINK TO BLACK OWNED UK BOOKSHOP]


  • Recognize that most children want to dress up like their heroes, not engage in cultural appropriation

When a kid wants to dress up like Moana, or Pocahontas, they’re not trying to engage in cultural appropriation. It can be hard for parents to separate out their own, adult feelings from the behaviours of children. It’s not evidence that either of you are doing something wrong, it’s an opportunity to guide your child and have a conversation with them. 


  • Offer alternatives to costumes (and include education!)

Luckily, kids can be pretty easy to distract - so come armed with some other suggestions for costumes. This resource over at Cafe Mom has some great ideas, including, 

“...offer new spins on classic favorites, like a Steampunk Alice in Wonderland or a Bedazzled Little Mermaid.

Encourage creativity by creating costumes based on puns. Consider other favorites, such as mythical creatures and favorite animals.”
— Cafe Mom

If your child expresses a desire to dress up like a specific character or from a particular culture, take this as an opportunity for education. Show them that learning about other traditions in a thoughtful way is much more fun than dressing up like someone. CafeMom has some other great ideas for alternative ideas. 


  • Costumes aren’t the only form of cultural appropriation

Cultural appropriation extends to objects and ideas as well, particularly when they’re being sold by companies not associated with the culture. Some examples include dreamcatchers, fake Aboriginal or indigenous art, boomerangs, Dreamtime stories, didjeridus, certain tattoos and more. 


  • Cultural appropriation can also be something that well-meaning people do

It’s crucial when talking to kids that adults don’t claim or intimate that people who do undertake cultural appropriation are “bad” people - it’s not helpful. In the Questa Kids’ Country Quest SSM we emphasize that sometimes people don’t realize they are engaging in cultural appropriation. Here’s an extract from the SSM:

“Sometimes people don’t realize that what they’re doing is mean or offensive. They just haven’t learned what’s OK yet. You can help them learn by helping to explain what cultural appropriation is and why it makes people sad.”
— Questa Kids (SSM)

  • Make clear that altering skin colour is never acceptable

Talks about costumes can be an ideal time to talk about blackface and other traditions of changing skin colour for “fun”. Although it appears for more liberal adults to go without saying, it’s important to reinforce the message that changing one’s skin colour, especially to a darker colour is unacceptable, racist and wrong. Here’s a great, in-depth article about talking about blackface with kids. It’s also worth considering whether some of your favourite childhood books need to be reassessed. Oh, and don’t believe anyone who says that blackface is part of their “tradition”. 

  • Consider who is making money

As Ash Sarkar compellingly points out in an article in The Guardian, cultural appropriation doesn’t always involve economic or political exploitation, but it’s far more egregious when it does. When buying objects or costumes from different cultures. If they’re being sold by a multinational conglomerate like Amazon, it’s a fairly good bet that cultural appropriation is going on. Try to use your money where it’s going to count. 

Things to watch out for:

  • This debate is hugely politicised, so be prepared when talking to other people or other parents about cultural appropriation, especially around costumes. People may have different opinions to you, ranging from “All this woke nonsense…” to “You made the wrong call on this…”. Remember, there’s always room to change your opinions but it’s perfectly acceptable to say “In this family we do X” and leave it at that.

Laura Curtis