As Cinco de Mayo approaches, many people mistakenly believe it’s a free pass to wear sombreros, partake in cultural appropriation, and engage in other silly antics. Spoiler alert: it’s not. To make sure you don’t inadvertently come off as disrespectful this Cinco de Mayo, consider these guidelines:
- Steer clear of the sombrero.
- Refrain from making jokes based on stereotypes.
- Educate yourself about the true meaning of the holiday. (Fun fact: Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where a small group of largely indigenous Mexicans triumphed over French troops trying to invade their country. Outnumbered and armed with outdated weapons, these brave defenders forced a retreat from the French.)
For parents aiming to instill empathy and understanding of different cultures in their children, it can be challenging to know where to start. Thankfully, PBS Kids has a delightful show called Let’s Go Luna! that serves as a fantastic resource.
In this animated series, a talking moon named Luna (voiced by Judy Greer) travels the world with her friends: Leo, an Australian wombat; Carmen, a Mexican butterfly; and Andy, an American frog. Together, they embark on adventures that introduce them—and the audience—to various cultures across the globe.
Understanding different cultures is vital for children, as it expands their worldview beyond their immediate surroundings. Just as shows like Doc McStuffins help kids relate to medical concepts, Let’s Go Luna! provides a window into diverse cities and cultures.
Unfortunately, American culture often simplifies or misrepresents Mexican culture, leaving kids with a limited understanding. Let’s Go Luna! addresses this by taking the characters to Mexico City, where they explore the vibrant culture through engaging stories.
In one episode, the circus troupe encounters a spicy salsa that causes hiccups, preventing them from performing. This scenario gives Carmen and Luna the chance to explain the significance of mariachi music, a wonderful means of deepening a child’s appreciation for cultural art forms. Once kids experience mariachi music on the show, parents can enhance the learning experience by playing actual mariachi songs at home.
Does your child have a sweet tooth? Most kids do, but they might not realize that Mexico is a major producer of cocoa beans, the key ingredient in chocolate. In the episode, they meet Pico, an armadillo whose family farms cocoa beans. As they join Pico on a quest to return a lost bean, they discover the diverse uses of cocoa, from traditional molé sauce to delicious Mexican hot chocolate, which has a spicier twist compared to the typical version.
Shows like Let’s Go Luna! serve as excellent tools for learning, presenting information in a way that is both fun and accessible for kids. Characters often explain concepts or provide context that makes it easy for children to grasp new ideas.
Watching the show together opens up opportunities for important conversations about race and culture. By addressing differences respectfully, parents can engage their kids in discussions that foster understanding. You could even have a dance party in the kitchen while listening to mariachi music, or try making homemade Mexican hot chocolate together for a special treat.
In a world where kids often hear negative stereotypes about people from Mexico and Central America, it’s crucial to expose them to the richness of these cultures.
Cinco de Mayo should not be reduced to a day for wearing cheap costumes and eating tacos. The history of Mexico predates that of the United States, yet mainstream narratives often overlook this. Our children deserve to learn about the world beyond their borders, and shows like Let’s Go Luna! can play a pivotal role in bridging that gap.
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In summary, Let’s Go Luna! is a fantastic way for children to learn about and appreciate other cultures, promoting understanding and empathy while delivering valuable lessons in an engaging manner.
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