Multicultural Night- what to do?

[Anonymous]

Multicultural night has rolled around again. To summarize you’re supposed to represent the country your ancestors are from. Food, dance, costume. Dd is upset at us that she doesn’t have a country to represent. We had asked with our older son if we could choose a random country or a State and were told no. We’re from Texas- Dh and I actually can dance country western and we have cowboy boots plus our families have specific foods we’ve eaten for generations.

Dh and I were debating a country and just making one up for dd. We don’t have any that would add up to more than 1/16 in dd, definitely none in the 20th century +.

I frankly don’t care, but dd does. I told her we’d attend. We’ve had the conversation a few times and she won’t drop it. I wish there was something I could do.

[Anonymous]

Your ancestors are from the United States. So that's your country. Just do that. What are they going to do - deport you?

Schools are such bullshit. Just do the US.

[Anonymous]

Tex Mex food or Texas style bbq.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tex Mex food or Texas style bbq.

Op here. We specifically asked to do this and were told no. Countries only.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tex Mex food or Texas style bbq.

Op here. We specifically asked to do this and were told no. Countries only.

The United States of America is a country, dumbazz.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Multicultural night has rolled around again. To summarize you’re supposed to represent the country your ancestors are from. Food, dance, costume. Dd is upset at us that she doesn’t have a country to represent. We had asked with our older son if we could choose a random country or a State and were told no. We’re from Texas- Dh and I actually can dance country western and we have cowboy boots plus our families have specific foods we’ve eaten for generations.

Dh and I were debating a country and just making one up for dd. We don’t have any that would add up to more than 1/16 in dd, definitely none in the 20th century +.

I frankly don’t care, but dd does. I told her we’d attend. We’ve had the conversation a few times and she won’t drop it. I wish there was something I could do.

Why would you ask? That was your first mistake.

Really though why would you care what some idiot organizer thinks?

Do whatever you want, you live in America!

Go Texas! Cowboy it up!

[Anonymous]

Oh, probably some place in Europe, no?

Unless you are a native Indian American?

[Anonymous]

This is the dumbest question I’ve ever heard. You’re from Texas, so obviously you choose Texas.

[Anonymous]

Op here. I feel like if I choose America I would be mocking those who really do have a cultural identity outside of the US. I asked because you have to submit your country prior to the event. But surely I’m not the only one with this problem? What about American Indians or African Americans who can’t pinpoint a country? I noticed there weren’t any AAs represented at the last multicultural night and I figure they don’t feel welcome either.

Why can’t it be “ancestry night” or similar so that it’s not tied to a country? I had some very interesting ancestors!

[Anonymous]

You're grossly overthinking this.

[Anonymous]

Texas was its own country prior to becoming part of the US. I'd go with Texas. How many generations removed can you still claim a country of origin?

[Anonymous]

You have a culture - it's southwestern American. Multicultural night isn't just about other countries, it's about a person's culture which can be national, regional, religion-based, or even just traditions-based. You CAN represent Texas and don't let anyone shame you out of having a Texas table. People will love it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. I feel like if I choose America I would be mocking those who really do have a cultural identity outside of the US. I asked because you have to submit your country prior to the event. But surely I’m not the only one with this problem? What about American Indians or African Americans who can’t pinpoint a country? I noticed there weren’t any AAs represented at the last multicultural night and I figure they don’t feel welcome either.

Why can’t it be “ancestry night” or similar so that it’s not tied to a country? I had some very interesting ancestors!

I think you're mistaking what culture is. Culture doesn't mean "country of origin". It is the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.

[Anonymous]

Oh, I'm sorry, it sounds like your PTO is mistaken. Send them a link to the dictionary entry for "culture" and force them to let you represent Texas. I imagine that everyone on your PTO is white American and don't know what they are talking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, I'm sorry, it sounds like your PTO is mistaken. Send them a link to the dictionary entry for "culture" and force them to let you represent Texas. I imagine that everyone on your PTO is white American and don't know what they are talking about.

Op here. Exact opposite. Everyone putting it on has a different country of origin. This is a very diverse school.