While I appreciate the effort that goes into having a themed birthday party, I am hesitant to applaud this effort as the "Indian" theme likely perpetuates racial stereotypes. Yes I as a child played cowboys and indians, but my children do not and will not. The community of First Peoples (to whom I do not belong, by the way) in Canada and the U.S have had significant damage done to them by an us-them mentality. I think Ohdeedoh should be careful of what it promotes, considering not only design but the ethics of the message.

Oh give me a break...that's ridiculous. You speak as though everyone is running around in blackface or something. It's a child's birthday party, lighten up!!! They've got kiddie versions of teepees and necklaces and headbands, which are all things that many Native American tribes use. If anything, I think this is a great way to begin to acquaint and interest children in this culture. Once again, its a little kid's birthday party, not luncheon at an Embassy.

This exotifies Indian cultures and doesn't do anything to teach children about actual Indians and their culture. It turns Indians into another dress-up game. I'm all for creative birthday parties, but this is racially insensitive.

Yes, this is incredibly racist and inappropriate. To the second commenter, this IS exactly the same as a party where people are going around in blackface.

I feel like I need to defend Morgan's party theme. I regularly read her blog and know that this whole party was centered on Henry's love of teepees. She did, in no way, bill this as being an Indian-themed party; it was all about the Teepees! I thought it was such a fun idea for a children's party and am sure that there was no wish to offend anyone, or any group of people.

Yes but even calling the tents "teepees" is part of the problem Redroobees.

This party theme perpetuates the objectification of a people and the stereotype of Natives as "savages" ala that cake shot.

so if you dress in green on st. patricks day, or have the day off for MLK day, or go to a wurestfest (sp? german festivle) your being racist. indians did live in tee pee's and they lived off the land. it was there way of life. why cant kids dress up like them? they dress up like cops, bunnys, singers, moms, and lots of other things. when did acting out a culture become racist???? because these kids were not native american indians they cannot pretend to be indians? savages on the cake? i think not. they are people who lived a spritual life. as a full blooded mutt i think were over reacting here. i love the party and did cowboy themed last year, was that racist?

Interesting read ->
http://racerelations.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=racerelations&cdn=newsissues&tm=27&f=10&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//media.www.oxyweekly.com/media/storage/paper1200/news/2009/02/18/Opinion/Racism.Strikes.Oxys.Party.Scene.Wearing.Brown-3634537.shtml

Give me a break! I will be using this fun idea! I will have my Native American friend come do an authentic hoop dance for us. It's all how you present your party. These kids were NOT doing anything wrong.
PS- The cake does not look offensive at all. If anything it honors the herritage and traditions of the Native Americans.

I am saddened to read that people think that this party was racist. My kids and I have been to pow wows with Native Americans in headdresses with teepees around. These are functions that are run by Native Americans. Are they racist too? Nice way to make someone feel bad about something so innocent. I think it was a lovely idea for a young boys party and I imagine it was meant to honor a different culture, not make fun of it.

Chill out, Nancy Grace. Those kids aren't going to die because they used plastic beads, and they won't push any Indians (I've never met anyone--of any tribe-- that wanted to be called a Native American) onto concentration camps reservations. They're just having fun. Yeah, teach your kids that pretty much since the Europeans showed up they've been killing and subjugating the native peoples and there's a long way to go before these people have equal, or even remotely comparable rights and privileges as whites in America (or Australia, or Scandinavia, or western or eastern Europe, or wherever else native people were pushed off their land and summarily exterminated), but let them have a good time. What about that woven bowl from Nigeria or the your fabulous necklace from Argentina? Impoverished people are craftspeople and you're "supporting" them because it's the right thing to do? RACIST AS WELL. Let the little ones run about wearing feathers and beads and feeling some connection to a history, rather than hushing their questions about race and history.

at jackied302- children (and adults) should be free to dress up and wear costumes for historical periods, occupations, fantasy characters, etc... but you don't "dress up" as a race- it is entirely inappropriate.

I am cringing in horror at the number of people who are defending the "not-indian-just-teepees-but-with-indian-stereotypes-and-headbands-and-beaded-necklaces" theme to this birthday party.

I have no doubt it was created with good intentions, but rather than defend the idea, why not aim to educate on why such parties/themes are inappropriate?

Here's an excellent post on the appropriate/inappropriate concepts of "dressing up" for halloween, parties, or any other occasions.

http://www.racialicious.com/2009/10/21/the-racialicious-halloween-roundup/

Lighten up everyone!! Are we racist when we reenact the first thanksgiving in costume as a history lesson? When I was in grade school I dressed up in a kimono, does that make me racist?? I believe I have a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture, not a dislike or prejudice for it. Clearly we (including myself) have too much time on our hands to politicize an innocent children's party on the internet. I hope that Morgan Moore does not take any of this to heart and it just makes me thankful I did not post any of my children's parties on the internet. I hate to think what you all would have said about my son's "Kung Fu Panda" party. That said, I hope that Morgan continues to post, I love seeing the ideas she comes up with.

Wow! If anything I think hypersensitivity is just as damaging as DELIBERATE racism. This is a cute party idea for a boy who loves tipi's. I agree with everyone who supports Morgan.

Oh for the love. What was Morgan to do? Her four year old boy ASKED FOR a teepee party. Was she supposed to sit him down and describe the genocide? How about we take an age-appropriate view of this party? There is time enough for a lecture on this country's very checkered past--like when the boy turns 6. Let a child explore our history with innocence for a little longer.

Stop posturing, people! There is nothing racist about acknowledging the culture of another race. This summer we visited a historical museum, and my kids sat in a teepee with with a Native American man and made bead necklaces! HE didn't have a problem with it obviously! And in AZ, where we live, there are Native American heritage fairs all the time! And guess what? They wear headresses and full indian costume and have activities for kids that include making headresses and bead necklaces and so forth. THEY ALL don't have a problem with it!

Seriously, if a Native American kid had a party like this, and invited all his other white, black, asian friends...would it STILL be racist? They're all doing the exact same things, but admit it, you wouldn't have thought twice about it.

If it was a party with a Japanese tea party theme, and the kids got paper fans and wore kimonos would it be racist? NO. If it was a Baliwood party and the kids got saris and elephant rides would it be racist? NO.

And I bet you two red cents that 99% of these people would've Ooed and aahed over a felt teepee tent tutorial.

"Are we racist when we reenact the first thanksgiving in costume as a history lesson?"

Why yes, yes you would be. It's a genocide from the Native perspective. Read up.

http://www.ericdigests.org/1997-2/antibias.htm

Another classic which I can't find a link to online but it worth a trip to the library - Dorris, M. (1992). Why I'm not thankful for Thanksgiving.

I think some people are totally taking this too far. Maybe it's the cake? I'm just curious as to how a Native American might take this.

On the other hand, what if her son asked for a chalet party? Would people be offended if the children wore leiderhosen? I mean, the Nazi's were German. What if her son wanted a sleigh party? The Inuits have been equally as oppressed. Yes, Native Americans were horribly horribly wronged in this country to put it very mildly. But can a person reference, much less honor or borrow from, their culture without being considered racist? It's a sticky wicket isn't it?

It's part of White Privilege to be able to say, "Oh, people are taking it too seriously." and to not think how a party such as this, that was surely meant without malice but nevertheless, that is perpetuating stereotypes and is objectifying a whole race of people who have a history of experiencing genocide and marginalization (to say the least) in this country.

Here is a way to think about this problem: Imagine putting together an African-American themed party or a Jewish party. (First I gave everyone curly-ques to hang from their hair, and of course those little hats, then we all sat around and played some money counting games. My son loves coins, so I thought this would be perfect!) Hopefully that seems obviously wrong on so many different levels. You don’t “play” a race, and you shouldn’t perpetuate stereotypes.

Racism is about power. People who have been stripped of their power and degraded based on their race. One way racism is perpetuated is through imagery. Plastic images such as Indians as savages, warriors, or even peace loving naturalists, reduces a group of people to a particular image. An image that perpetuates an “us and them” mentality, and gives us permission to feel free to make blanket statements about a group of people. (I am reminded of a recent debate over a black baby doll called L’il Monkey. Another instance of perpetuating racism through imagery).

So is it OK to borrow from a culture.? Sure, playing games, singing songs and doing crafts are fun. Yet, it is also inperitive to take a moment and asses how you think about, teach about and borrow from, a group of people that has historically, and systematically, been the victim of a deeply embedded racism. (Again, think about how you might borrow from the African American culture when putting together a party and what you would, hopefully, never think of doing).
People who feel compelled to compare it to dressing as a police officer or a bunny are not categorizing correctly. Put this in the same category of African Americans, Jews, and the many other groups of people that have routinely had their power stripped from them. Be mindful of how you are portraying people, and be mindful of the complexity of racism.

While I think it's fine for a kiddo to be interested in Native American dwellings, I think that parents have a big responsibility. For too long in the history of this country, it has been acceptable to objectify Native people -- heck, there's rampant commercialism around this very theme at Thanksgiving, there are football teams named offensively after NA peoples, etc. And there is not enough outcry.

I don't think for a minute that we should discourage interest that our kiddos might show in things related to Native peoples -- no matter how they come by that interest. But, I do think it's our responsibility to round out the story for them. That doesn't necessarily mean teaching four year olds about genocide, but it means sharing with them things that are developmentally appropriate and rounding out their perspectives about native peoples.

I think there's a vitally important distinction between going to a festival and being taught NA beading by a native person and wearing headbands and doing beading at a birthday party. One is led by a person sharing about his or her culture. The other, it sounds like, was in a bit of a culture vacuum. The problem here, for me, is when kids walk away from the party and think about NA folk from a very narrow perspective: people who live in tipis, wear beaded necklaces and headbands. It's from these kinds of partial depictions that stereotypes grow.

Okay ladies, chill out. I am Native. I'm a Navajo, and let me tell you that this theme did not offend me in the least. I think it's adorable. And yes, have a cute Indian party and educate your children, but seriously I would not call this racist. Now can't we all just get along?

Well, if the party had any games like "String the cowboy up by giant hooks in his pectorals" I might have a big problem with it.

I think some of the sensitivity is coming from the stereotyping, not the tipi. Many people in this country never learned that most "Indians" did not live in "Teepees". Tipi use was common only in some (but not all!--http://www.historyonthenet.com/Native_Americans/tribes.htm) tribes in the Great Plains which, before Europeans arrived, was the least populated of the entire area to become the US. The myth of the cowboy and the pioneer, a fantastical myth that caused thousands of men to quit their factory jobs in the East and go West to run cattle, perpetuated the Wild Indian myth. It's a coincidence that this all happened around the time that magazine and newspaper publications also became readily available.

People in the West told stories to people in the East. And when Manifest Destiny came around, the Eastern tribes and the Western coastal tribes were already wiped out by disease or relocation, so there was not much left to do but to continue wiping out the Great Plains peoples. That's what made the newspapers.

So. If my four year old wanted to have a Tipi birthday party, I think I might have specified it as a Sioux party, and taught the guests and my children that we were learning about one particular tribe, where they lived, how they hunted buffalo, what they did for fun. I might have included a traditional Sioux children's game. I would have definitely added that so many other tribes were as different as anyone could imagine, such as the Pacific Northwest tribes who carved totems out of trees, used boats instead of horses, and ate smoked salmon.

First, as a graduate of Oberlin College I am fully aware of the dialectic regarding political correctness and ethnic sensitivities. And as a Jew, I have first-hand experiences with racism. With this in mind, we should think first before reacting to a 4-year-old's party. Never call anyone a racist that has not made overtly and clear racist comments or actions - it cheapens the label.
Second, education must be age appropriate. At 4 or 5, children can learn to recognize racial differences and that all people should be treated with respect. The concept of racism is hard to explain and difficult for a 4 or 5 year old to understand.
Third, Role-playing is a time honored tradition for learning positive things about other cultures. The trick is how to use it and what to stress. We cannot deny that the European settlers in the new world did not treat the Native Americans as equals, but at the same time we recognize that if not for them, the folks from the Mayflower would have probably perished. Respecting them for their selflessness during a Thanksgiving re-enactment does not sound racist to me - it might be a good lesson on acceptance. A four year old can learn these lessons. Anything more complex might just be confusing. When a child is old enough to understand the issues, there is plenty of time to discuss manifest destiny and such low points in American History as the Trail of Tears, Wounded Knee, or the Japanese re-location centers like Manzanar.
Lastly, and I say this with respect. These e-mail exchanges should be relegated to political blogs and web-sites. Remember that the web-site that initiated this exchange is to exchange ideas on home decorating, etc.

So I guess we should probably put an end to princess parties as well. They are pretty insensitive and demeaning toward the modern woman since reality of many princesses were treated as property, "sold" into marriages, locked away, or possibly killed for not bearing children (or the right children). Or maybe we should just re-label such parties with a more accurate and pc term like "fairy tale parties". That being said, just re-label this adorable party as a "neverland" party where peter pan and his lost boys play in tipis and it doesn't have to offend anyone because it is fiction. Good Grief.

All this fuss and judgment is more offensive than anything I've seen done for this party. Get over it.

I don't think anyone is suggesting 4 year olds be taught manifest destiny.

The pictures a lot of kids and adults have of Native people as hunting buffalo and living in tipis are ridiculous because it only represents maybe a tenth of all American tribal people from that time. A tenth! But decade after decade, this is what keeps prevailing. The damn buffalo and the damn tipi.

I'm sure seeing these icons over and over can be very frustrating for the descendants of the other NINETY percent of Native peoples.

I absolutely agree that this mom was lovingly creating a party for her son and his interests. She is not racist. But the iconic and stereotypical buffalo and teepee are, when applied to "Indians" in general.

As out of hand as these comments have gotten, I have to side with Morgan. I have been a reader of her blog for some time, and have so much respect for her. Racism never crossed my mind when I viewed her cute party ideas.

I'm someone who does know Morgan personally; I'm her mother and know her heart as well as anyone. If she's guilty of anything here, it's of using whatever was at hand to create a party theme. Perpetuating stereotypes? Not purposefully. We all use what we get our hands on at the time.

Racist?

Morgan is a mother who will take her children all over creation to give them cultural experiences. Henry was visiting museums, gardens and various community events before he could talk. She reads to her children daily, from books about as many things as there are books written.

Growing up in southern California exposed her to many ethnicities, cultures and religions, all of which she embraced and loved. We had exchange students from Japan and Italy and she cried for days when they left.

She comes from a religious culture that suffered persecution and was driven from place to place just as Native Americans were. She has beloved family members who belong to the gay community. Henry's best friends are of Middle Eastern decent.

This is a woman whose love knows no bounds ... for her children .... or anyone else. She would do anything for any one of you at the drop of a hat and do it with grace and a smile, expecting nothing in return.

We could rightfully interpret many things that we ALL do as racist, insensitive or in poor judgement. Most of the time, we're all doing the best we can and if there are lessons to be taught, let's do it respectfully, assuming the best of each other and celebrating the gifts we all bring to the internet table.

I totally agree with "cherylp". My jaw dropped when I read all the fuss over this subject!

The party idea can be offensive even if the maker of the party had no intention of it being so. I don't think anyone doubts that the blogger is a kind and lovely person. It's not a personal attack, it's a time to learn and reflect. "Oh, I hadn't thought of that when I put the party together. Good to hear another perspective. Food for thought..."

I can think of a couple of examples in my own growth and learning that were initially embarrassing but helped me shift my thinking and broaden my outlook.

What a great cake! It's our history and Indians are part of our rich heritage!

Why don't you all worry about supporting and protecting our Constitution???

I think Morgan's mom brings up some very good points and background here. (Yay mom!).

Since we are on the subject, I would like to request that folks that do not share my German heritage refrain from using a Christmas tree this year, as you do not understand the cultural importance of this icon, and are surely using it improperly. Thank you.

I know it's hard to see someone criticized in a public forum. But take a moment to read what people are really saying.

Morgan is certainly a lovely woman and a generous mom. It also happens to be true that when she planned a party for her son she perpetuated stereotypes about Native Americans. Including images of Native Americans as naked savages isn't appropriate. Having a bunch of strangers tell you this is nerve wracking. But, I agree with "paperdollsforboys" use it as an opportunity for possible growth.

What other culture would you feel free to do this to?

Think about the Washington Red Skins (complete with the Indian mascot and tomahawk)... would we ever put up with the California Yellow Skins (with a Chinese mascot wielding ninja sticks) or how about the Brooklyn Kikes?

Although her intention was probably pure, she unintentionally sparked a heated discussion that is important. And why not here?

I can't believe the fire storm a themed birthday party has created. I am from Oklahoma (huge Native American or American Indian population) and I have many Native friends. My husband and son are Native American, as well. Not for one moment did I find the birthday party theme offensive and I think most Native people wouldn't. It is a great opportunity to learn about a culture that is part of our country's history.

From reading some of the other posts, I guess that if any race or group of people has faced any type of adversity (which would be every people group on the planet) then that culture is off limits and you are viewed as culturally insensitive or racist if you do otherwise.

One more thing... how is this any different from what the Boy Scouts or Adventure Guides do. I'm just saying.... I think using this as an educational starting point is a great idea. Let's give Morgan a break and some credit here.

djgteach, this is in NO WAY part of our actual native american history!

those little figurines on the cake are awful in themselves. they might as well be thick-lipped african american figurines for god's sake. I will never understand why so many people seem to make some sort of exception for racism when it deals with natives.

wow-this is so distasteful and the fact that people are trying to make sense of it makes me sick to my stomach.

if i came to your house and killed your women and took your stuff and set up camps (reservations) for your family to live in substandard conditions, limited our access to water, economic development and i then created a cake w/ white ridiculous figurines you'd be pissed off too-u get mad at the slightest disrespect to your country and culture. talking about you won't eat french fries!

the oppression of native peoples is not something from past, today we still struggle for our survival-to live w/ dignity! hundreds of treaties remain unhonored. this isn't a joke. some european-americans show very little sense and sensitivity when it comes to other cultures. who the hell are YOU to decide when your being racist. ur arrogant and lack an understanding of the world around you! shame on you-all of you who posted in defense of this crappy birthday party them...it's incredibly disrespectful along w/ your indian mascots.

if your children want to learn about native culture make it meaningful and respectful. teach them what colonizers did and begin to take action for better conditions for native people. teach them to be compassionate. stop using us as your halloween costumes, birthday themes, professional team mascots...its evil and it lacks integrity! your history w/ native people has created a very delicate relationship, pls don't ever think we have forgotten (just b/c you have).

As intended, here is the best birthday party idea we have come up with. We had a carnival in the backyard. We set up games around the backyard (made by my husband and a friend), hired some teenagers to run them, rented a popcorn machine, served hotdogs, lemonade and cotton candy. The party practically ran itself and the kids had a ball. In fact, I was labelled the local "party goddess" after this party. The invitations were one of my few "artistic' creations. I did a watercolor of a ticket booth surrounded by flying balloons, took it to be copied, then attached an admission ticket to it. The only problem with the label I was given at this party is that I have yet to live up to it for another one.

oh yeah-and yes you're racist when you celebrate your stupid holidays: columbus day and thanksgiving...and you history lessons suck!

man, i wish my mom had thrown me a racist birthday party when i was younger!!

no fair!

and as a minority, i've always found it weird when someone from a certain ethnic group will come out and defend racism towards their group.

not because they did it but because they believe their support somehow validates the racism.

My son's 9th birthday is coming up soon. Does anyone have a good idea for a theme?

I think it's clear that this mother planned her child's party with the best of intentions. The party was obviously an act of love to her child. But did the party promote negative stereotypes about Native Americans? Yes. Was it offensive and hurtful? Unfortunately, yes. Again, was this intentional? I don't think there's any reason to believe it was.

I think that, as has already been pointed out, while it is painful to be criticized, especially in a public forum, it would be valuable to take it as a point from which to grow rather than instinctively becoming defensive. I'm sure this mother is a wonderful person and a wonderful mother, but I think the lack of awareness and sensitivity when promoting these images (particularly here on ohdeedoh) and the appalling desire for so many commenters to defend this all as "no big deal" is really very disturbing. Malicious racism? I'm sure it's not. But ignorance, insensitivity and white privilege? Yes.

Okay, I will try again. Does anyone have any "politically correct" ideas for birthday parties? I would truly love to hear some good ideas for kids birthday parties.

oh boy. i want to appreciate this for its innocence, but i just can't. as a preschool teacher, i can't support the stereotypes of this birthday party. in college i learned how to teach thanksgiving to young children, and the crafts, games, etc. in this party are all good examples of what NOT to do. i agree with what other people have commented... this is dressing up as an ethnicity, which objectifies it and makes it into a funny, silly thing.

developmentally, these little kids don't yet have a strong understanding of abstract concepts such as "a long time ago" or "culture," so they probably left this birthday party thinking that all american indians still live like this today.

furthermore, if you want to educate children about the ways of other people and cultures, give them real experiences... find an authentic meal and cook it together, find a craft and make it with real materials. plastic beads, headresses made out of felt, and chocolate cupcakes don't really cut it.

in my opinion, birthday parties should not be turned into "history lessons." honestly, the best birthday parties don't even have themes. typically, children love running around, eating cake, and opening presents... especially when they are this young. don't overthink it. and don't have a theme party just to impress the other parents who will attend. be realistic and respect your child.

holy.lord.

artsybetsy, thank you for chiming in from your perspective. Our history lessons DO suck, not just concerning the colonization of this country, but our involvement in terror the world over, for centuries, on every inhabited continent. There is a shield that hangs over some people's eyes, thinking that if life is good now, then what has happened to get here must have been, in some way, inherently good as well. It should all be examined, and at least acknowledged. We don't have to bring our little 4 year olds down with atrocities against native peoples, but we shouldn't continue the fairy tale, either.

I'm just curious, I am in no way condoning any view point on this but simply wondering: what is the proper way to appraoch a child that wants to have a native american themed party?

BuddhaBellysMum - I would gently ask what the child is thinking of when they ask for such a theme - what gave them the idea, what thoughts come to mind when they think of "Native Americans." Then perhaps a trip to the library or the internet to look up "Indians" - not just Great Plains Indians, but the multitude of tribes and nations that existed, from the fishermen of the Pacific Northwest, Inuits, Iroqois, Seminoles, and so on. Try to give the child an idea of how diverse and multifaceted Native cultures are, and that they still exist today. You don't have to discuss smallpox blankets and Wounded Knee. But don't pretend that Natives just "vanished" off the face of the earth, eager to make way for Manifest Destiny.

I think a lot of kids would back off a Native American "themed" party after that. If not, then say "well, it's not appropriate, lets think of something else." That's party of being a parent, is teaching a kid that just because they want something doesn't mean it's appropriate or tasteful.

Give me a break! What's next? Pin the tail on the donkey is animal cruelty?! This whole comment thread actually frightens me and breaks my heart at the same time.

you really can't compare this to pin the tale on the donkey. give me a break!

OMGoodness. I can't believe some of the comments on this page. People need to lighten up.

Why not have a whitie themed party to even the score? You could stick a tract house and some obese plastic people on the cake.

so I love the cake! the theme all of it! I'm SO not offended.
and designgurls' idea is quite funny to me! I would do this too for my fellow friends who actually have a sense of humor!

This whole thread is over the top. The teepees look like fun.
Making jewelry with beads: Fun.
Fun Fun Fun.
Get over it.

Gosh, so so mean. Morgan must be devastated by these comments, I would be. Right or wrong do you all think it is our place to anonymously abuse someone. Would you speak this way to your friends or family face on. I am sure you would not, think before you write!

You know, what if the kids ACTUALLY learned from the party. What if they asked questions and came away with something accurate about our nations history. What if??

you two are so right!!!

Scary scary post. Scary scary self-righteous women. Right out of the "stuff white people like" blog.

I'm indian, and I am offended by this.

You want to have a teepee party and have a teepee cake, do it.

Just don't put the insensitive stereotypical figurines around it. It perpetuates a myth of how Indians looked, when in fact the Natives of North America are terribly diverse. Don't peg me as that image, thank you.

what a bother to be told you're keeping racism alive...

so rude, so annoying, so uptight.

i think old racism has morphed into a far more sinister breed.

First of all, Lamster said it best. reread the post starting with
"First, as a graduate of Oberlin College I am fully aware of the dialectic regarding political correctness and ethnic sensitivities"

Secondly, instead of being up in arms about a childs birthday party, let's all take a look around the internet or in books and educate ourselves about the Native American Indians and their individual cultures. If we all learn something from this semi-painful exchange, then maybe instead of calling "Racist!", the next time the subject comes up we can bring educated information about what we have learned to the table.

One last thing:
"This party theme perpetuates the objectification of a people and the stereotype of Natives as "savages" ala that cake shot."
perhaps I'm wrong but the dolls don't look like savages at all.
Shame on you paperdollsforboys.

Just check the blog for more photos of the cupcakes jentastic but then again I don't expect you will see what I see.

Shame on me? I am not the one who should be ashamed here. Maybe I should have started my posts with my credentials, "As an early childhood educator with a masters degree in the field and over 20 years teaching anti-racist education..."

Well, my son's very into Mormons right now. It's all so innocent really.

So, I'm going to make a wedding-themed cake with a groom and 4 brides. We'll dress the kids up with the traditional undergarments. Doesn't that sound fun?! Lighten up everyone!

Sounds bizarre and completely prejudice and perpetuating stereotypes..no?

Shame on you Paperdolls for Boys. You are the one labeling them Savages. Really? Savages? It seems you yourself are labeling them with that term.
But if you like, please explain exactly how they come across as savage. We would all like to hear. Is the head dress? The bow and arrow? Elaborate.

Jentastic, why are you shaming the person who has noted something completely obvious and offensive?

"Shame on you" is a paternalistic admonition.

Is it over yet?

Many people are saying that the party theme is insensitive and racist (which equates hate), but the most insensitive and hateful part of this post isn't the birthday party. It's the comments from those who pretend to know the intention of the party planner. Can't we believe that she had good intentions? Does anyone really believe that she is racist?

@beccatown "intention" is only part of the problem with racism. Intentional racists aren't the problem. We all know the're idiots. It's ignorance that plays a huge role in the perpetuation of racist ideas.

In my own opinion there was not an ounce of intentional racism in her themed party.

It's not just Morgan though. She seems like a beautiful and loving mom. Even teachers (which is more "dangerous" in my opinion) perpetuate their own morals & ideas. My children attend a school where their kindergarten classes have "Indian and Pilgrim Day". At one of the stations the children literally run around a fake fire slapping their hands against their mouths making insensitive "Indian calls" (their words not mine).

Another station, they are pilgrims and eat popcorn. WTF?! Again, those teachers are lovely women. They go with their church to Africa every year and help set up schools. They certainly don't think *they're* racist. Again...ignorance.

If people can't see that "themed" cultural parties are insensitive then we need to work on that. There's a difference between eating a cupcake with plastic angry-looking Native Americans and actually "celebrating different cultures"

Like I mentioned before...how do you think some people would feel if I gave my child a "Mormon-themed" party with a wedding cake for dessert that's topped off with 1 groom and 4 brides?

P.S. I wouldn't even have known about this thread if Morgan herself didn't mention it in her blog. Hmmmmm....

I vote we all take a deep breath and walk away from this angry thread of comments. There are better ways to educate each other on topics of racism and prejudice than contributing to a bitter comment thread. This is the last time I will visit this page. I'm moving on...hope you'll all join me :)

It does seem the time as come to call an end to it all. I do feel compelled though to say that most of the commenters here that are pointing out the slip-up of the party planner did so in an intellegent, thoughtful and kind manner. No one ever called her a racist- merely they explained why "playing" a culture/race (especially one that has seen so much racism) is inappropriate.

It is not rude to explain to someone when they make a blunder. We have all done it, we will all continue to do it- and hopefully when we do people will tell us. Instead of standing up and yelling, "you're mean!" or "lighten up!" Take a moment to reflect on what the people who were brave enough to say "You slipped up here" are saying.

Just because it never occured to you that this could be a racially insensitive slip-up doesn't mean that it isn't. And just because some people are willing to point out that it is, doesn't mean that they are rude.

pickledippy and persnikkity both give me hope. obviously they see merit in debating someone unintentionally boosting racist stereotypes and aren't so fluffed up that they'll walk away.

i still cannot understand the labeling of truthful comments as "bitter." it's just so unbelievably scary that people who are patient and kind enough to point out racism are labeled as the ones with the problem.

we'll never get anywhere if we aren't ready to learn and slow to walk away from an intelligent debate.

My son just saw the cake and sail "ohhh...that's cute!" we may just have a Teepee party yet!

*said

I love this blog, but I was really shocked to see this. I am Ojibwe, and I also think this is pretty offensive. I refuse to speak as the voice of all American Indian people, because we are all different, but I think this post should be removed.

In every entry on this blog, women are instantly commenting on safety issues of random pictures, and square chair legs. But so many of you fail to see the harm that can come from the perpetuation a stereotype that is still okay in most people's eyes.

I am not normally the "easily offended" type, but in a blog that really values parenting and good taste, I don't think this post has a place.

And it's TIPI. Not teepee. And not all American Indian people lived in them. Just the fact that you think it's not racist to stick those figurines on a cake, shows how socially acceptable it is to be racist against Native peoples.

lamster, abi, beccatown, jentastic, LaLisa et al--
here is an article that might help you understand what people are saying here. It will give you, and others, a very clear answer to - why is there opposition to letting kids dress up as Indians?

http://www.loveisntenough.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/thanksgiving-and-teaching-about-native-americans1.pdf

I know you'd like to think it's about uppity people who are overfocused on being PC. But it's not. Educate yourself.