10/31/2020
Just like years past, we’ve been excited as a family to plan and organize our group costume. It’s one of my favourite things all year, and this year was no different (even with the changes for Halloween due to the pandemic). For as long as my children will allow me; we‘ll continue this tradition. It makes me incredibly happy thinking of them looking back on these when they’re older, and even showing their children our awesome family costumes. Earlier today, we had a different plan for my husbands costume, and changed it last minute. So let me explain. This year has been challenging, and eye opening. And not just in the capacity of this wild virus, but also when it comes to human equality. It still makes me feel shame that for me (and many others) we are only starting to learn now (and unlearn) a lot of what we’ve been conditioned to know. As a white woman with privilege, I have found myself on several occasions, realizing that I need to take a look inward, but also stop and listen. These past several months have been a lot of reflection. And after reading the very raw and honest blog post by .harris and (as well as several of the comments in support, and very sadly the comments against 😔), it opened my eyes once again. I’m grateful for their grace and strength, and thankful that it made me open conversations today about what we choose and how it’s affects others. Originally we had my husband going as LEGO Master Wu; a fictional Sensei in the Ninjago series. But some honest conversations with some friends today (thank you SO much 🙏🏽), we decided it was better to change the “inappropriate” costume. Our intent was NEVER and would never be to harm or hurt, but we felt it was best to change it up. We also had a great talk with our boys about portraying cultures; some of the struggles they’ve had in the past; and how we can continue to do better and grow. The point is, we are not perfect and still have so much to learn, so we’ll continue to do that. Happy Halloween 🖤