Weird question about race and clothing...

[dcmom2b3]

Originally Posted by smiles33

I like your approach, dcmom2b3, and I wish more people thought like this. Sadly, my cynical guess is that the Gymbo designers CHOSE the peachy thread for specific marketing reasons, not because they were trying to break stereotypes of who is Native Hawaiian and what they "should" look like.

That's not cynical, smiles, just realistic. Or maybe it is cynical; in any event, I had the same thought, but figured I'd blathered on enough in my prior post. Even if the Gymbo folks are not making an intentional choice, it's clear that it's something that won't affect their bottom line enough for them to consider what Native Hawaiian folks look like, and change their standard design template accordingly. But there are bigger issues out there for people of color to get worked up about -- but you know, if I were Hawaiian, maybe I'd feel differently about this. Huh. Off to process that thought while folding this mountain of laundry sitting next to me . . .

I love these Boards. They make me think!

[ha98ed14]

Originally Posted by smiles33

I like your approach, dcmom2b3, and I wish more people thought like this. Sadly, my cynical guess is that the Gymbo designers CHOSE the peachy thread for specific marketing reasons, not because they were trying to break stereotypes of who is Native Hawaiian and what they "should" look like.

This was my assumption also, which is why I was hesitant. BFF thinks this way too, so I know this thought would cross her mind. I'm glad to know that it wouldn't necessarily be an issue for moms of color, but I decided to go with an entirely different outfit just to avoid the issue.

[Globetrotter]

I tend to go for themes with brown-skinned kids just because we are underrepresented, though nowadays Nordstrom/rack has a lovely line called its a small world that features kids from all over!

However, I would have no problem at all with what you described! Why not? Cute is cute . I think it would bother me more that the Hawaiian kid was portrayed with peachy skin, which wouldn't be entirely representative, but this is not a big deal. That Nordstrom line has some adorable designs with Russian and Scandinavian children, and I would not hesitate for a second to let my kids wear those!