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Original poster

Pirates - appropriate for kids?

104 replies

IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:21

My nephew wants a pirate party - am I alone in thinking this is inappropriate? I know that might sound silly but pirates weren't very nice and modern day piracy is a thing. I may just be overthinking it though and I'd never say anything to my SIL about it.

OP posts:
RightsHoarder · 04/12/2022 07:21

There are real pirates and kids pirates. I'm not sure anyone really makes the link.

MammaWeasel · 04/12/2022 07:23

You are overthinking this.

Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:23

RightsHoarder · 04/12/2022 07:21

There are real pirates and kids pirates. I'm not sure anyone really makes the link.

That's what I'm wondering. Clearly I've made the link but I might just be overthinking

OP posts:
Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:24

MammaWeasel · 04/12/2022 07:23

You are overthinking this.

Ok thank you thought I might be.

OP posts:
AriettyHomily · 04/12/2022 07:24

It's a kids party ffs

Mol1628 · 04/12/2022 07:24

Definitely over thinking it. I’ve been to several pirates kids parties. It’s harmless.

FlounderingFruitcake · 04/12/2022 07:25

My DD is in Y1 and last year (reception) she went to 3 pirate parties. It’s a perfectly normal party theme. Think of it like Disney fairytales versus the original Brothers Grimm ones.

RightsHoarder · 04/12/2022 07:25

I mean everyone knows the kids version is based on a historical stereotype of a type of villain - Villains are everywhere in kids toys - but even the villain link isn't really made. They're just jolly treasure seeking scamps!

Gwdihooooo · 04/12/2022 07:25

I’ve always thought the same as you op. I find it odd that rapists, murderers and thieves have become a common party theme for kids

JaninaDuszejko · 04/12/2022 07:26

You are overthinking it. It's better than the (genocide causing) cowboys and indians we were obsessed with as children. And no worse than encouraging our daughters to want to be expensively dressed brood mares princesses.

RightsHoarder · 04/12/2022 07:27

@Gwdihooooo I don't think that link is made and the modern day pirate theme is something completely different. It's like it has a definition of its own separate to what pirates actually are.

Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:27

JaninaDuszejko · 04/12/2022 07:26

You are overthinking it. It's better than the (genocide causing) cowboys and indians we were obsessed with as children. And no worse than encouraging our daughters to want to be expensively dressed brood mares princesses.

True I'm not keen on princesses either.

OP posts:
RightsHoarder · 04/12/2022 07:28

@JaninaDuszejko wow yes hadn't thought of that one! A quick game of genocide in the park in the 50s!

Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:28

Gwdihooooo · 04/12/2022 07:25

I’ve always thought the same as you op. I find it odd that rapists, murderers and thieves have become a common party theme for kids

Yes I mean they weren't exactly good role models

OP posts:
Tonsiltrouble · 04/12/2022 07:28

I get it. I’ve never really understood the romanticisation of piracy into lovable rogues seeking treasure and amusing children. But it’s a common kids party theme 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:29

JaninaDuszejko · 04/12/2022 07:26

You are overthinking it. It's better than the (genocide causing) cowboys and indians we were obsessed with as children. And no worse than encouraging our daughters to want to be expensively dressed brood mares princesses.

Thats what I mean though. No one would dress up as "cowboys and indians" now as its really offensive. But why are pillaging pirates ok?

OP posts:
Original poster
IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:30

So now I'm not overthinking it.

Minefield.

Anyway I'm not going to say anything.

OP posts:
Fooshufflewickjbannanapants · 04/12/2022 07:31

Pirates were actually quite progressive, they believed in democracy and every crew member got a vote. They had everything codified had heath insurance, equal rights regardless of sex/race or religion and they split the booty fairly, they also had a same sex marriage called matelotage. Does that help OP?

notnowB · 04/12/2022 07:32
Grin
grafittiartist · 04/12/2022 07:33

I always felt the same op.
But I just went with it. Pirates of the Caribbean was a big thing when mine went to parties, so it felt futile to fight!!

ForgottenNurseryRhymes · 04/12/2022 07:35

Ooh argh matey types with eyepatches with skull and crossbones flags are NOT the same thing.

Cosycover · 04/12/2022 07:36

😂😂😂😂😂😂

FlounderingFruitcake · 04/12/2022 07:36

IAmTi · 04/12/2022 07:29

Thats what I mean though. No one would dress up as "cowboys and indians" now as its really offensive. But why are pillaging pirates ok?

Show quote history

Because pirates aren’t a race? It’s unacceptable to dress up as a Native American obviously but you can very much still buy Cowboy costumes.

MerryMarigold · 04/12/2022 07:37

I've never really thought about the real life angle. Just as I don't think Kate Middleton's life is much like that of Sleeping Beauty or Ariel! They're just fun stories.

frenchnoodle · 04/12/2022 07:38

You can dress up like cowboys, look at Woody...

And no one will be pillaging at a kids party.