‘Culture is not a costume’: VSB sends note to parents ahead of Halloween
Posted October 30, 2018 6:37 pm.
Last Updated October 30, 2018 6:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – “Culture is not a costume,” that’s the message given to students and parents in Vancouver ahead of Halloween to make sure costumes are culturally appropriate.
“While dressing up is meant to be fun and exciting, it also runs the risk of offending others with costumes that are offensive to other cultures,” read a note sent to parents.
In an email to NEWS 1130, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) says this is not the first year the board has done this, noting the same topic was discussed last year.
“The notice was sent out as an education piece to support students in ensuring costume selection is considered with sensitivity to the Indigenous learners and families we serve,” read the email.
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The flyer sent by the VSB encourages parents to engage in respectful dialogue.
“Ask yourself some critical questions about your costume,” reads the note sent to parents. “Is my costume based on someone’s race, ethnicity, or culture? Am I reinforcing stereotypes with the image I am portraying? Is my costume exploiting another culture?”
According to the VSB the flyer is part of its “typical” education information the board provides to schools on a regular basis.
-With files from Marcella Bernardo and Jim Bennie
