The shitstorm over the carnival costume

At carnival, children can try out different roles: They can finally be a superhero, a fireman or an Indian. However, the latter is where parents quickly fall onto social ice. All the more so if you post pictures of your child dressed up on social media. Suddenly the accusations start: «How can you dress your child up as an Indian?» The other side will immediately join the discussion and complain about the «wokeness» of the world.

Perhaps it helps to first define the term «woke» with a little distance: It dates back to the 1930s and was commonly used in the USA to describe the awakened awareness of a lack of social justice and racism (as defined by Wikipedia). Basically, a position that we as a society feel is right and is actually also the basis for our political system and our dealings with each other.

In recent history, «woke» has become an inflationary battle cry and in many cases has been used thoughtlessly or in unimportant situations. As with many things in life, take a deep breath. It helps if parents find out what is really important to the child about the costume.

Does it want to be an «Indian» because it wants to look like the North American natives? Or is the child particularly fond of feathers and leather fringes? Usually it's the feathers - an imaginative costume with the desired jewellery can be made quickly without caricaturing the culture of an ethnic group. Incidentally, you can certainly expect a child to make this argument, as they themselves usually don't like it when you make fun of them.

Things get a little more complicated when discussions start on Facebook or Instagram. What was meant to be a funny picture from the carnival is suddenly the trigger for a bitter and often spiteful argument. As a parent, I wouldn't defend the costume, but try to cool down the discussion. Thank you for pointing out that Native Americans feel uncomfortable when their culture is used as a template for prejudice at carnival.

However, you can also point out that you don't have to take an argumentative two-handed approach if you don't like something. In the interests of the child, parents should not pick up the gauntlet but remain calm.

Ultimately, it is always possible - and probably even advisable - to delete a post if you have underestimated its outrage potential. And to once again take to heart the rule that pictures of children on social media are not just a delicate matter at carnival time.