People Can’t Decide If It’s Racist To Dress Up As Moana For Halloween, Get Their Answer From Her Voice Actor
Moana fans can rejoice, the star of the Disney movie, Auli’i Cravalho, just gave her approval to those who had their Halloween costume ideas set for Moana this year. This comes two years after Disney received flack over the Disney character outfit, citing cultural appropriation.
Since the film came out, people have been divided on whether or not dressing as the heroine or her friend Maui was in line with cultural sensitivity. The controversy even forced Disney to pull a Maui Halloween costume that customers found racially discriminating the same year the film was released. Disney followed up the action with this official statement:
“The team behind Moana has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific Islands that inspired the film, and we regret that the Maui costume has offended some”
Well, as Halloween comes around the corner once again, the actress behind the Disney princess decided to give the fans her blessing and said: “I totally support you!” Scroll down below to below to read the full statement she gave to People Magazine.
Disney princesses have always been a source of inspiration for Halloween costumes but in some cases, these costumes have not only sparked creativity but controversy
In 2016 Disney pulled the Maui costume, from the film Moana, after people complained that it was racist
Recently People Magazine asked Auli’i Cravalho what she had to say about kids dressing up as Moana
Image credits: Auli’i Cravalho
Image credits: gettyimages
Image credits: amazon
So people started sharing their versions of Moana costumes
Image credits: Sarah Buckley Friedberg
Image credits: Veronica Mabee
Image credits: Crystal Williams
Image credits: Vanessa Vail Jensen
Image credits: Jennie Thomas
Image credits: Amanda Marone
Image credits: Sheila Peitra
Image credits: Christina Kirn
Image credits: Carrie Ann Tipps
As well as their thoughts on the debate
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Share on FacebookDefinitely not racism to be honest it is more racist to think that it is racist to dress up as Moana because that is technically racist because you are basically saying Moana has dark skin, therefore, white people cannot dress up as her, however, there is so much more to her than that and would it be the same visa verse no!
Agreed. It's also saying to the children that they should not look up to her or be inspired by her. Although that kid in the third picture does NOT look happy about it!
Load More Replies...It's so refreshing to see reasonable and logical minds. If race doesn't matter, then the ethnicity of a kid who dresses up as a favourite character doesn't matter either. And yes, the costumes might mimic naked skin, because, do you really want your kid to be all naked around in the cold of late October?
What about the coloured child who want;s to be Batman?? Would people say "sorry kid, Batman's white - it's cultural appropriation and racist to wear the outfit"
Load More Replies...I don't understand. How is it racist to dress up as Moana? I'm not being ironic, it's an honest question
I think people forgot the definition of racist. Lol it's like everything is racist in today's world. You can love people of all races and you'll be labeled a racist cause you want to wear clothing like them, or cook their traditional foods, or adopt their traditions. People need to chill lol
Load More Replies......how did that question even come into existence?o.O Isn't that, like, the literal definition of racism - "you can't do things my race can just because you don't belong to my race"?
That's what all us common sense folks have been saying for a while. Nowadays people use that "it's only racism if it comes from people in a position of power" b******t card to excuse themselves being a******s. Discrimination is discrimination no matter where ir comes from or who it's aimed at.
Load More Replies...I love all the parents letting their boys dress up as their fav princesses! Now THAT'S breaking worn out stereotypes! Clothes are clothes people.
All this "cultural appropriation" thing is something we don't have in Europe. Dressing up as someone from other culture/other race has never been an issue because there's not mock intended. Stereotypes exist and we all suffer ours. Stop hyperventilating, Americans.
Frenchman - striped jersey string of onions round the neck and a beret - I dont think the French get offended. German - Lederhosen and a green hat with a feather. Russians - big furry hats, crossed arms and silly crouching dancing.We Europeans can handle it without crying "cultural appropriation"
Load More Replies...So, a bit of common sense from someone about this 'cultural appropriation' nonsense at last. I'm sick of all the pathetic virtue signalling that crops up so often these days.
Sadly a lot of people don’t know the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. They’re just too quick on the draw to being offended as it makes themselves feel and look better. Now there are cases where obviously there is a case to answer for, dressing up as a Disney character isn’t one of those moments though.
Load More Replies...Ridiculous, when did identity politics begin to encroach on the innocence of a children's halloween costume. Just let the children be children and lets stop holding them to these strange, and often misplaced standards of political correctness
Why should a kid not wear a costume of his favorite hero? I don't get it.... the last inappropriate costume was when Prince Harry dressed up as a Nazi...
I'm Hawaiian and I love this! We need to replace Cultural Appropriation with Cultural Appreciation. Appropriation is done to mock or make fun of.. Appreciation is to show reverence, respect and adoration.
Dear Hawaiians- we love you and your amazing welcomes to eveyone. pls dont be offended when someone wears a grass skirt and a bikini - the world knows how great you are
Load More Replies...Here's the question you have to ask: Does ___________ involve the explicit proclamation that one race is better or worse than another? Then it's racist. EVERYTHING else is not racism by literal definition. Does dressing up as someone from another race for halloween specifically mean you think they're inherently worse than you because of their skin colour? Of course nobody does that. If I hated Indian people I wouldn't dress up as one. That would just be weird.
considering his german heritatige prince harrry wasnt that bad
Load More Replies...I realize it's the "in" thing to be sensitive and offended but jeez. P.S. Sorry if I offended anybody.
As a Pacific Islander, I feel dressing as Moana or Maui is not racist or insensitive in the least. I do take offense with the generic "hula girl" Halloween costumes because that's a mishmashed caricature created to sell my culture to tourist WHILE they banned us from actually practicing. There's a huge difference between being white-knighted by ignorant outsiders and actual cultural appropriation.
People don't even know what racism is nowdays. It's defined as, as I'm sure you all know, discrimination vs one or more races with the belief ones own is superior. Surely someone dressing up as another race is admitting that race is equal, if not more special? Accepting a different culture is racist? A child is racist? Ha.
Was TE Lawrence racist because he adopted Arab dress?
Load More Replies...The sad part is is that people even think it’s racist. Come on, it’s kids or adults dressing up as someone who inspires them. I’ve been told that in some cases, those who claim others to be racist are truly racist themselves. I don’t think that’s all cases, but it probably is for a few.
Why was Diane downvoted? Anti Native brigade? Dafuq.
Load More Replies...People need to shut the hell up about all this cultural appropriation and racism bullsh**t. The only ones offended by this aren't even remotely related, they just want to stir up more anger in an already too angry world. Here's an idea if you genuinely care about your fellow man get off your self righteous asses and go do something for them. Cure cancer, visit an elder care faculty and brighten someone's day, help the homeless or even go donate food to an animal shelter. Otherwise STFU and GTFO out you attention wh$%$#s.
Racism means you think your race is more superior than other races. How is wearing a costume racist? I wear a Hawaiian dress and that makes me think I'm better than them? See how that doesn't make sense!? The "proper" terminology would be "cultural appropriation" which I think people are too sensitized too these days. Wearing a costume to display your favorite Disney character (even if you're a white girl dressing up as Princess Tiana) is NOT racist and it certainly isn't cultural appropriation. People need to grow a pair.
Racism, hatred and bigotry comes either from a hating spirit or ignorance but you can educate ignorance. By punishing ignorance all you do is feed the hating spirit. This was the whole purpose behind Freedom of Speech, to bring ignorance to light and allow understanding to destroy it. A white girl getting chastised at a rap concert for singing the rappers song is a good example of what a nation of lying, double standard hypocrites we have become. If we have gotten to the point where we can no longer ask why we have entered a new dark ages. The best way to keep racism strong is double standards and restraining discussion. The big question: is it because of pure stupidity or design? If we continue on this PC trail we might as well eliminate Halloween altogether.
Ugh come on people. If someone dresses up as a character, they are showing they appreciate and like the character. What about when a black person dresses up as Cinderella or some other white character. Is that raciest? No. So why is this any different??....cause it's not
Davey Crockett - King of the Wild Frontier - fringed brown suede tunic - a raccoon on the head, and a couple of guns. who would find this offensive?? everyone I hope
Load More Replies...Good answer from her. I would answer something along the lines of: "if it's racist? Are you mentally r******d you god damn idiot? Of course it's not racist, it has nothing to do with racism at all. It's incredibly offensive to those who actually experience real racism. JEEEZ". Something like that.
As long as you're not using black/brown face or using stereotypes, then you should be fine.
If I dress up as a black actor or character, whom I admire, then why can't I get a tan or darken my complexion? Don't be stupid. Disney's Tiana isn't white, so wouldn't it be more insensitive for me to ignore that fact in my costume? If it's not to mock or make fun of the race, dressing oneself like the character with face paint is perfectly fine. There's nothing racist about it, and if you think so, you're imputing your over sensitivity issues.
Load More Replies...I see so much argument both for and against this.....at some point maybe we will figure out that whether or not it offends you is highly dependent on your individual outlook and we can't really make a blanket statement about it. God....we have become such a black and white thinking society.
Seems like the people who are offended are not actually the ones who's dress and costumes are being imitated
Load More Replies...It is not racist to dress up as Auli’i Cravalho because people can actually be just like her like me she is actually Hawaiian I think or I think she samoan like me.
It is 100% racist to acknowledge interest in another culture. Each culture should self segregate and teach its children to things outside their culture as 'other'. Kids should be taught that finding other cultures attractive is a fetish. Cultures should stay to their own people. A white person thinking an Asian is sexy is a fetish. Thinking the hairstyles of other cultures are attractive and wanting to wear that style is racist. Women and men should only dress and simulate their own cultures.
Sheesh. What the hell is wrong with people these days? Is there anything these idiots don't think is racist? If Moana had been a "thing" when I was a kid, little girls of all ethnic backgrounds would have been dressing up as Moana for Halloween and no one - and I mean no one - would have had a second thought about it.
I dressed as Moana and I'm white. I did it because I LOVE the movie and the legend. Its beautiful and the movie is so cute. My boyfriend is half Hispanic and he was Maui. He even handmade his hook. I don't think dressing as something you like is disrespectful as long as its done correctly.
If I could only dress up as a character I shared skin and hair tone with, I'd only have 2 or 3 choices, since I have unusual natural coloring. We should be able to wear a costume of a character of any race or skin tone, and not be limited to dressing up like someone who looks like us.
As a Puerto Rican I am waiting for Disney to make a film about the indigenous people of Puerto Rico, or even about a hero/heroine from PR. It is unfathomable to me that people would think it racist for kids to dress up as their heroes. We have Sushi in Puerto Rico, and Mexican food, and a ton of other food from around the world, does that mean we should stop eating world cuisine because some busy body thinks its racist to have a Puerto Rican learning how to make Sushi? I don't think its racist when a white person makes Paella or Arroz con Pollo. I think its more racist to think that you couldn't try my food or dress like me simply because we are different cultures.
Costumes like Moana are worn by people who love the character, the story, and the culture. I think it is a compliment that so many children want to be her. As long as it's respectful, I don't think wearing clothing of other cultures is anything but positive.
I!rotation is the sincerest form of flattery. Especially when combined with respect and something admired. This is taking the "racist" issue way too far, and inflicting it on children!
I think is racist think that is racist deessed like someone who is different. Why? Is it wrong to like different? Is it wrong to accept different?
I despise this nonsense calling itself Cultural Appropriation. It's insane. Those who use the term rarely can even define it. The problematic thing is in fact cultural MISappropriation, for one thing. OMG It doesn't happen that often at all.
It's only racist if you are trying to belittle or insult the culture. Dressing as a ninja is not insulting cultural appropriation. Wearing thick glass and and buck teeth IS insulting to asians. If my ninja costume is cultural appropriation then what is all these japanese business men in european style business suits? That's my culture
And usually the people whining about this stuff arent even affected by it! They arent "Polynesian"! Just b****y!
age 6 I used to wear a turquise poncho (with white fringing) my mum made around my waist as a skirt - used to dance around the garden, pretending I was a princess on a desert island. Who did I culturally appropriate? The Mexicans? I dont think I had heard of Mexico i was 6. I had read a very good book at school about Polynesia so I think I was a Polynesian princess who's Island had been evacuated by America so they could test atomic bombs. there's cultural appropriation and cultural anihalation. America is the best. Bit sad that an innocent 6 yr old thought this way in 1969
Load More Replies...So, on one hand we are told that multiculturalism and diversity is great, on the other we get scolded about cultural appropriation and stuff. Is it OK if I have Americanized Chinese food for lunch today? I'm so confused.
Multiculturalism as a promoted concept is dreadful. The old Melting Pot metaphor is much better. It allows you to be who you wanna be so long as you can still play well with others. I can't imagine moving to China and spending all my time blowing my trumpet about how Canadian I am and how I should be respected and how nobody else should wear a lumberjack shirt nor eat maple syrup.
Load More Replies...I would find it offensive to see someone dressed as a Natzi.
Load More Replies...This cultural appropriation is getting a bit much. Wearing another country's National Dress etc for an event is not disrespecting that country unless it has racial overtones. We in the UK dont really have an identifiable National Dress, but I would not be offended if someone on the other side of the world wanted to dress as a Beefeater for a party.
I don't think stereotypes are really bad nor racist in themselves either, it's quite clearly a joke. As a Brazilian and half Japanese, I only find it amusing when people go on about Brazil being basically samba, beaches and soccer and all the "only in Japan" jokes. Do someone actually believes people think the stereotypes really represent the reality? It's obvious that they're exaggerations.
Load More Replies...How stupid can people be? Racist to dress up as someone on Halloween? What these social justice warriors don't get is that by screaming RACIST at everything they see, they are actually hurting the very ethnic/religious or whatever group they think they are protecting. Not only that, but they are creating even a bigger divide between the groups. I am a 90s kid, and in the years I spent in USA as teenager (I am not from USA, to clarify, and where I am from, Halloween is not as big of a deal), I dressed up as some of my heroes, many of which were from different race. I did not darken my skin for that, but I wore appropriate clothing to represent who I was meant to be in best way. Back then, I was commended by my peers for this, and how cool it was to have idols that are not from my ethnic group. It was seen as progressive, as bridging the divide between groups - not offensive. Snowflakes today need to be reasonable, because this is not helping anyone. Rant over.
I loved all the posts where little boys were Moana.. that's awesome in my opinion.
OMG. People are going over the edge and completely misunderstanding and misusing the term "racism" and "racist." This costume is not racist. It's of a person who happens to be from a difficult culture and race, but so is dressing up as Dracula or Frankenstein. Racism is when someone demeans, ridicules, discriminates against someone of a different race based upon that race. This costume is a character in a Disney movie, no different than Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, or Pluto. Some people are so full of hatred and contempt that they're just looking to start a fight.
Isn't this what dressing in costume all about? Pretending to be something you're not? I've been a Hell's Angel and a Pirate Queen (Captain Cordelia Crowe, Jack Sparrow's cousin). So freaking what? By the logic of the people who scream racism or cultural appropriation (SUCH a b******t term) that means little girls of color aren't allowed to dress as Snow White, Belle, Cinderella or any other of the "white" princesses. What a cruel & f****d up thing to try and tell a child.
It seems that the only people that have a problem with these things are white liberals and SJWs. Isn't it cultural appropriation for a white person to speak out for an entire race of people as to what they should and shouldn't do? Can AMERICA - the melting pot of the world, not enjoy each others' cultures without being shamed for it? Enjoying a culture, not appropriating it - like enjoying their food and their beautiful clothes and hair, for instance. If that's not the case, then people all over the world need to stop wearing jeans, created in america for americans, because that's cultural appropriation if anyone else wears them and doesn't understand our culture. There's a video on youtube of a man going around college campuses in a sombrero and poncho and asking if it's culturally insensitive. All the white people said yes - all the Mexicans loved it and thought it was great. Let the people speak for themselves. We don't need any more 'WHITE KNIGHTS" telling us what to do.
It all in how you do it. Dressing as the character is one thing. Making it a caricature is something else. Also, there's no need to try to change your skin tone to "match" that of the character (unless it's something like the Navi, Hellboy, The Simpsons. You also probably should mimic a foreign dialect.
If dressing as Moana is racist, then dressing as Snow White, or Cinderella is racist too. They are all dressed in traditional ethnic clothing.
It isnt racist to poke fun at fellow Europeans or fellow anything. Every nation has its stereotypes and accepts it with humour - apart from the US
Ok- a guy with a navy striped jersey - a string of onions round his neck and a beret on his head riding a bike- what nationality is he?
Load More Replies...It's HALLOWEEN. You are SUPPOSE to dress up as someone/something you are NOT. If you dress in something you are, then it's not a costume!
It was more the tattoos on the Maui costume. Those tattoos are earned and are like eagle feathers to indigenous peoples in America. I'm probably wording this wrong but Moana is gone to dress as.
Original Native American war-bonnets are, and should be, sacred to the people - they represent so much. I dont see the harm in wearing a headband with a feather as a costume if it is done with respect.
Load More Replies...There's no such thing as race. We are a species whose greatest physical difference is eye colour. In groups we share culture. Racism is a social construct. Halloween is a cultural practice. As is All Saints Day on November first. I celebrate these dates for cultural reasons. I'm happy to see others celebrate along. I'm glad this young actress has made a positive distinction.
Maybe it's racist to celebrate an inherently white holiday if your not white. Halloween comes from mostly Celtic paganism. Just saying... sounds pretty dumb right?! That's what people sound like when they say dressing up as a different culture is racist.
Appropriation is another word for THEFT. You can't steal something from a culture. If I, a white guy, wore a sombrero and if it was theft, absolutely no Mexican anywhere could wear a sombrero. If I wore a bindi, and it was theft, then no one from India could wear a bindi. It's Cultural Misapplication.
My niece wore a Cinderella costume for Halloween one year and not one person called her racist. If she wasn't racist, then a white child wearing a Moana costume for Halloween isn't racist either. That's what Halloween is. Kids wearing costumes of characters they love. Silly adults need to stop overthinking something so simple.
I love how the parents let their sons dress in dresses. That's literally the best part of this for me.
why do people care about this. This is such a waste of energy. Actually helping needy people and giving charity is far above social justice b******t. Yall are full of it.
Frankly, it's not anyone's concern what strangers do with their hair. Some may say braids are ghetto on both, or not. People will always have different opinions, but if that hurts your feelings, that's on you.
Load More Replies...Other than the fact that shes native Hawaiian also.
Load More Replies...Definitely not racism to be honest it is more racist to think that it is racist to dress up as Moana because that is technically racist because you are basically saying Moana has dark skin, therefore, white people cannot dress up as her, however, there is so much more to her than that and would it be the same visa verse no!
Agreed. It's also saying to the children that they should not look up to her or be inspired by her. Although that kid in the third picture does NOT look happy about it!
Load More Replies...It's so refreshing to see reasonable and logical minds. If race doesn't matter, then the ethnicity of a kid who dresses up as a favourite character doesn't matter either. And yes, the costumes might mimic naked skin, because, do you really want your kid to be all naked around in the cold of late October?
What about the coloured child who want;s to be Batman?? Would people say "sorry kid, Batman's white - it's cultural appropriation and racist to wear the outfit"
Load More Replies...I don't understand. How is it racist to dress up as Moana? I'm not being ironic, it's an honest question
I think people forgot the definition of racist. Lol it's like everything is racist in today's world. You can love people of all races and you'll be labeled a racist cause you want to wear clothing like them, or cook their traditional foods, or adopt their traditions. People need to chill lol
Load More Replies......how did that question even come into existence?o.O Isn't that, like, the literal definition of racism - "you can't do things my race can just because you don't belong to my race"?
That's what all us common sense folks have been saying for a while. Nowadays people use that "it's only racism if it comes from people in a position of power" b******t card to excuse themselves being a******s. Discrimination is discrimination no matter where ir comes from or who it's aimed at.
Load More Replies...I love all the parents letting their boys dress up as their fav princesses! Now THAT'S breaking worn out stereotypes! Clothes are clothes people.
All this "cultural appropriation" thing is something we don't have in Europe. Dressing up as someone from other culture/other race has never been an issue because there's not mock intended. Stereotypes exist and we all suffer ours. Stop hyperventilating, Americans.
Frenchman - striped jersey string of onions round the neck and a beret - I dont think the French get offended. German - Lederhosen and a green hat with a feather. Russians - big furry hats, crossed arms and silly crouching dancing.We Europeans can handle it without crying "cultural appropriation"
Load More Replies...So, a bit of common sense from someone about this 'cultural appropriation' nonsense at last. I'm sick of all the pathetic virtue signalling that crops up so often these days.
Sadly a lot of people don’t know the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. They’re just too quick on the draw to being offended as it makes themselves feel and look better. Now there are cases where obviously there is a case to answer for, dressing up as a Disney character isn’t one of those moments though.
Load More Replies...Ridiculous, when did identity politics begin to encroach on the innocence of a children's halloween costume. Just let the children be children and lets stop holding them to these strange, and often misplaced standards of political correctness
Why should a kid not wear a costume of his favorite hero? I don't get it.... the last inappropriate costume was when Prince Harry dressed up as a Nazi...
I'm Hawaiian and I love this! We need to replace Cultural Appropriation with Cultural Appreciation. Appropriation is done to mock or make fun of.. Appreciation is to show reverence, respect and adoration.
Dear Hawaiians- we love you and your amazing welcomes to eveyone. pls dont be offended when someone wears a grass skirt and a bikini - the world knows how great you are
Load More Replies...Here's the question you have to ask: Does ___________ involve the explicit proclamation that one race is better or worse than another? Then it's racist. EVERYTHING else is not racism by literal definition. Does dressing up as someone from another race for halloween specifically mean you think they're inherently worse than you because of their skin colour? Of course nobody does that. If I hated Indian people I wouldn't dress up as one. That would just be weird.
considering his german heritatige prince harrry wasnt that bad
Load More Replies...I realize it's the "in" thing to be sensitive and offended but jeez. P.S. Sorry if I offended anybody.
As a Pacific Islander, I feel dressing as Moana or Maui is not racist or insensitive in the least. I do take offense with the generic "hula girl" Halloween costumes because that's a mishmashed caricature created to sell my culture to tourist WHILE they banned us from actually practicing. There's a huge difference between being white-knighted by ignorant outsiders and actual cultural appropriation.
People don't even know what racism is nowdays. It's defined as, as I'm sure you all know, discrimination vs one or more races with the belief ones own is superior. Surely someone dressing up as another race is admitting that race is equal, if not more special? Accepting a different culture is racist? A child is racist? Ha.
Was TE Lawrence racist because he adopted Arab dress?
Load More Replies...The sad part is is that people even think it’s racist. Come on, it’s kids or adults dressing up as someone who inspires them. I’ve been told that in some cases, those who claim others to be racist are truly racist themselves. I don’t think that’s all cases, but it probably is for a few.
Why was Diane downvoted? Anti Native brigade? Dafuq.
Load More Replies...People need to shut the hell up about all this cultural appropriation and racism bullsh**t. The only ones offended by this aren't even remotely related, they just want to stir up more anger in an already too angry world. Here's an idea if you genuinely care about your fellow man get off your self righteous asses and go do something for them. Cure cancer, visit an elder care faculty and brighten someone's day, help the homeless or even go donate food to an animal shelter. Otherwise STFU and GTFO out you attention wh$%$#s.
Racism means you think your race is more superior than other races. How is wearing a costume racist? I wear a Hawaiian dress and that makes me think I'm better than them? See how that doesn't make sense!? The "proper" terminology would be "cultural appropriation" which I think people are too sensitized too these days. Wearing a costume to display your favorite Disney character (even if you're a white girl dressing up as Princess Tiana) is NOT racist and it certainly isn't cultural appropriation. People need to grow a pair.
Racism, hatred and bigotry comes either from a hating spirit or ignorance but you can educate ignorance. By punishing ignorance all you do is feed the hating spirit. This was the whole purpose behind Freedom of Speech, to bring ignorance to light and allow understanding to destroy it. A white girl getting chastised at a rap concert for singing the rappers song is a good example of what a nation of lying, double standard hypocrites we have become. If we have gotten to the point where we can no longer ask why we have entered a new dark ages. The best way to keep racism strong is double standards and restraining discussion. The big question: is it because of pure stupidity or design? If we continue on this PC trail we might as well eliminate Halloween altogether.
Ugh come on people. If someone dresses up as a character, they are showing they appreciate and like the character. What about when a black person dresses up as Cinderella or some other white character. Is that raciest? No. So why is this any different??....cause it's not
Davey Crockett - King of the Wild Frontier - fringed brown suede tunic - a raccoon on the head, and a couple of guns. who would find this offensive?? everyone I hope
Load More Replies...Good answer from her. I would answer something along the lines of: "if it's racist? Are you mentally r******d you god damn idiot? Of course it's not racist, it has nothing to do with racism at all. It's incredibly offensive to those who actually experience real racism. JEEEZ". Something like that.
As long as you're not using black/brown face or using stereotypes, then you should be fine.
If I dress up as a black actor or character, whom I admire, then why can't I get a tan or darken my complexion? Don't be stupid. Disney's Tiana isn't white, so wouldn't it be more insensitive for me to ignore that fact in my costume? If it's not to mock or make fun of the race, dressing oneself like the character with face paint is perfectly fine. There's nothing racist about it, and if you think so, you're imputing your over sensitivity issues.
Load More Replies...I see so much argument both for and against this.....at some point maybe we will figure out that whether or not it offends you is highly dependent on your individual outlook and we can't really make a blanket statement about it. God....we have become such a black and white thinking society.
Seems like the people who are offended are not actually the ones who's dress and costumes are being imitated
Load More Replies...It is not racist to dress up as Auli’i Cravalho because people can actually be just like her like me she is actually Hawaiian I think or I think she samoan like me.
It is 100% racist to acknowledge interest in another culture. Each culture should self segregate and teach its children to things outside their culture as 'other'. Kids should be taught that finding other cultures attractive is a fetish. Cultures should stay to their own people. A white person thinking an Asian is sexy is a fetish. Thinking the hairstyles of other cultures are attractive and wanting to wear that style is racist. Women and men should only dress and simulate their own cultures.
Sheesh. What the hell is wrong with people these days? Is there anything these idiots don't think is racist? If Moana had been a "thing" when I was a kid, little girls of all ethnic backgrounds would have been dressing up as Moana for Halloween and no one - and I mean no one - would have had a second thought about it.
I dressed as Moana and I'm white. I did it because I LOVE the movie and the legend. Its beautiful and the movie is so cute. My boyfriend is half Hispanic and he was Maui. He even handmade his hook. I don't think dressing as something you like is disrespectful as long as its done correctly.
If I could only dress up as a character I shared skin and hair tone with, I'd only have 2 or 3 choices, since I have unusual natural coloring. We should be able to wear a costume of a character of any race or skin tone, and not be limited to dressing up like someone who looks like us.
As a Puerto Rican I am waiting for Disney to make a film about the indigenous people of Puerto Rico, or even about a hero/heroine from PR. It is unfathomable to me that people would think it racist for kids to dress up as their heroes. We have Sushi in Puerto Rico, and Mexican food, and a ton of other food from around the world, does that mean we should stop eating world cuisine because some busy body thinks its racist to have a Puerto Rican learning how to make Sushi? I don't think its racist when a white person makes Paella or Arroz con Pollo. I think its more racist to think that you couldn't try my food or dress like me simply because we are different cultures.
Costumes like Moana are worn by people who love the character, the story, and the culture. I think it is a compliment that so many children want to be her. As long as it's respectful, I don't think wearing clothing of other cultures is anything but positive.
I!rotation is the sincerest form of flattery. Especially when combined with respect and something admired. This is taking the "racist" issue way too far, and inflicting it on children!
I think is racist think that is racist deessed like someone who is different. Why? Is it wrong to like different? Is it wrong to accept different?
I despise this nonsense calling itself Cultural Appropriation. It's insane. Those who use the term rarely can even define it. The problematic thing is in fact cultural MISappropriation, for one thing. OMG It doesn't happen that often at all.
It's only racist if you are trying to belittle or insult the culture. Dressing as a ninja is not insulting cultural appropriation. Wearing thick glass and and buck teeth IS insulting to asians. If my ninja costume is cultural appropriation then what is all these japanese business men in european style business suits? That's my culture
And usually the people whining about this stuff arent even affected by it! They arent "Polynesian"! Just b****y!
age 6 I used to wear a turquise poncho (with white fringing) my mum made around my waist as a skirt - used to dance around the garden, pretending I was a princess on a desert island. Who did I culturally appropriate? The Mexicans? I dont think I had heard of Mexico i was 6. I had read a very good book at school about Polynesia so I think I was a Polynesian princess who's Island had been evacuated by America so they could test atomic bombs. there's cultural appropriation and cultural anihalation. America is the best. Bit sad that an innocent 6 yr old thought this way in 1969
Load More Replies...So, on one hand we are told that multiculturalism and diversity is great, on the other we get scolded about cultural appropriation and stuff. Is it OK if I have Americanized Chinese food for lunch today? I'm so confused.
Multiculturalism as a promoted concept is dreadful. The old Melting Pot metaphor is much better. It allows you to be who you wanna be so long as you can still play well with others. I can't imagine moving to China and spending all my time blowing my trumpet about how Canadian I am and how I should be respected and how nobody else should wear a lumberjack shirt nor eat maple syrup.
Load More Replies...I would find it offensive to see someone dressed as a Natzi.
Load More Replies...This cultural appropriation is getting a bit much. Wearing another country's National Dress etc for an event is not disrespecting that country unless it has racial overtones. We in the UK dont really have an identifiable National Dress, but I would not be offended if someone on the other side of the world wanted to dress as a Beefeater for a party.
I don't think stereotypes are really bad nor racist in themselves either, it's quite clearly a joke. As a Brazilian and half Japanese, I only find it amusing when people go on about Brazil being basically samba, beaches and soccer and all the "only in Japan" jokes. Do someone actually believes people think the stereotypes really represent the reality? It's obvious that they're exaggerations.
Load More Replies...How stupid can people be? Racist to dress up as someone on Halloween? What these social justice warriors don't get is that by screaming RACIST at everything they see, they are actually hurting the very ethnic/religious or whatever group they think they are protecting. Not only that, but they are creating even a bigger divide between the groups. I am a 90s kid, and in the years I spent in USA as teenager (I am not from USA, to clarify, and where I am from, Halloween is not as big of a deal), I dressed up as some of my heroes, many of which were from different race. I did not darken my skin for that, but I wore appropriate clothing to represent who I was meant to be in best way. Back then, I was commended by my peers for this, and how cool it was to have idols that are not from my ethnic group. It was seen as progressive, as bridging the divide between groups - not offensive. Snowflakes today need to be reasonable, because this is not helping anyone. Rant over.
I loved all the posts where little boys were Moana.. that's awesome in my opinion.
OMG. People are going over the edge and completely misunderstanding and misusing the term "racism" and "racist." This costume is not racist. It's of a person who happens to be from a difficult culture and race, but so is dressing up as Dracula or Frankenstein. Racism is when someone demeans, ridicules, discriminates against someone of a different race based upon that race. This costume is a character in a Disney movie, no different than Cinderella, Mickey Mouse, or Pluto. Some people are so full of hatred and contempt that they're just looking to start a fight.
Isn't this what dressing in costume all about? Pretending to be something you're not? I've been a Hell's Angel and a Pirate Queen (Captain Cordelia Crowe, Jack Sparrow's cousin). So freaking what? By the logic of the people who scream racism or cultural appropriation (SUCH a b******t term) that means little girls of color aren't allowed to dress as Snow White, Belle, Cinderella or any other of the "white" princesses. What a cruel & f****d up thing to try and tell a child.
It seems that the only people that have a problem with these things are white liberals and SJWs. Isn't it cultural appropriation for a white person to speak out for an entire race of people as to what they should and shouldn't do? Can AMERICA - the melting pot of the world, not enjoy each others' cultures without being shamed for it? Enjoying a culture, not appropriating it - like enjoying their food and their beautiful clothes and hair, for instance. If that's not the case, then people all over the world need to stop wearing jeans, created in america for americans, because that's cultural appropriation if anyone else wears them and doesn't understand our culture. There's a video on youtube of a man going around college campuses in a sombrero and poncho and asking if it's culturally insensitive. All the white people said yes - all the Mexicans loved it and thought it was great. Let the people speak for themselves. We don't need any more 'WHITE KNIGHTS" telling us what to do.
It all in how you do it. Dressing as the character is one thing. Making it a caricature is something else. Also, there's no need to try to change your skin tone to "match" that of the character (unless it's something like the Navi, Hellboy, The Simpsons. You also probably should mimic a foreign dialect.
If dressing as Moana is racist, then dressing as Snow White, or Cinderella is racist too. They are all dressed in traditional ethnic clothing.
It isnt racist to poke fun at fellow Europeans or fellow anything. Every nation has its stereotypes and accepts it with humour - apart from the US
Ok- a guy with a navy striped jersey - a string of onions round his neck and a beret on his head riding a bike- what nationality is he?
Load More Replies...It's HALLOWEEN. You are SUPPOSE to dress up as someone/something you are NOT. If you dress in something you are, then it's not a costume!
It was more the tattoos on the Maui costume. Those tattoos are earned and are like eagle feathers to indigenous peoples in America. I'm probably wording this wrong but Moana is gone to dress as.
Original Native American war-bonnets are, and should be, sacred to the people - they represent so much. I dont see the harm in wearing a headband with a feather as a costume if it is done with respect.
Load More Replies...There's no such thing as race. We are a species whose greatest physical difference is eye colour. In groups we share culture. Racism is a social construct. Halloween is a cultural practice. As is All Saints Day on November first. I celebrate these dates for cultural reasons. I'm happy to see others celebrate along. I'm glad this young actress has made a positive distinction.
Maybe it's racist to celebrate an inherently white holiday if your not white. Halloween comes from mostly Celtic paganism. Just saying... sounds pretty dumb right?! That's what people sound like when they say dressing up as a different culture is racist.
Appropriation is another word for THEFT. You can't steal something from a culture. If I, a white guy, wore a sombrero and if it was theft, absolutely no Mexican anywhere could wear a sombrero. If I wore a bindi, and it was theft, then no one from India could wear a bindi. It's Cultural Misapplication.
My niece wore a Cinderella costume for Halloween one year and not one person called her racist. If she wasn't racist, then a white child wearing a Moana costume for Halloween isn't racist either. That's what Halloween is. Kids wearing costumes of characters they love. Silly adults need to stop overthinking something so simple.
I love how the parents let their sons dress in dresses. That's literally the best part of this for me.
why do people care about this. This is such a waste of energy. Actually helping needy people and giving charity is far above social justice b******t. Yall are full of it.
Frankly, it's not anyone's concern what strangers do with their hair. Some may say braids are ghetto on both, or not. People will always have different opinions, but if that hurts your feelings, that's on you.
Load More Replies...Other than the fact that shes native Hawaiian also.
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