This weekend I lit some candles to remember those we've lost this year. I bought marigolds for my friend Jen Cruz and for my late father-in-law. I know that it's important be mindful of cultural appropriation. I don't want to trivialize what Diás de los Muertos mean culturally to the people of Mexico and to people of Mexican ancestry.
I'm not running around in sugar skull make-up to be cute. I'm not dressing up like a slutty Frida Kahlo for Halloween. I'm just hanging out with the people I've lost. I'm missing them, and talking with them, and hoping that they can still feel my love.
All of this is a bit heavy for the littles. So instead of convincing my seven year old stepson to commune with the deceased, I took him to the Mexican American Cultural Center. There was a party.
...and I let him decorate a sugar skull.
I am parent now, and it's [partially] my responsibility to culturally enrich the lives of these fellas. Attempts at culturally sensitive and world-expanding parenting, it's a thing. I think.
He's just in it for the skeletons.
Chloe, this post made me tear up. I love it. I love that you are teaching them how to be mindful of other cultures. I miss Jenn too.
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