Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash
We recently had a complaint from someone who works in a public school about the way BrainPOP, an animated educational site for children, is presenting material to students, particularly a video about the Mexican Day of the Dead that promotes paganism at the expense of the Church.
JM writes: “The 2nd flyer they were handing out read: ‘The Concord Library Presents A Day of the Dead Celebration November 2nd 2010 at 3.30pm. – Celebrate and learn about Mesoamerican culture. Aztec dancers will be performing and educating us about the meaning behind each dance. We will also make pinatas and set up altars to relive the experience of this prominent event’.”
U.S. toymaker, Mattel, is being accused of cultural appropriation after it launched a new “Day of the Dead” Barbie doll that represents one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions – the annual celebration of the Day of the Dead.
I recently spoke at the Deliverance Ministry Workshop, hosted by the Missionaries of the New Evangelization in Castle Rock, Colorado, and was explaining why the very non-Christian version of the Day of the Dead featured in the Disney movie, Coco, was a non-starter for both kids and parents. Afterward, a Hispanic man schooled me on exactly why this this feast is okay when celebrated the Christian way.
JB writes: “There is a new Disney movie for which I have seen a short preview. It is apparently based on the Mexican Day of the Dead. Is this the same as All Souls Day? Or does this movie have something to do with “Saint Death”, which clearly isn’t good or of God. . . . Catholic and Christian symbols are often mixed with new age items, so I am confused. Would you please clarify the meaning of this movie for me?”
