How Pixar’s Short Film “Bao” Can Teach Children About Culture
I recently joined the Ancestry.com network and submitted my DNA. After receiving the details, for weeks all I could think about was how was I going to incorporate lessons about my culture to my son. For example, I learned that that the vast majority of my African heritage was from Congo and Ghana, a large percentage from Great Britain and Central America. It is indeed overwhelming and liberating at the same time.
That’s why I loved the Disney Pixar Animation Studios short film “Bao” that will be featured in front of INCREDIBLES 2 in theaters every on Friday, June 15th.
Directed by Domee Shi, in Disney•Pixar’s “Bao,” an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever.
As a mom I can completely relate to the story line. Domee Shi explores the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship through the colorful, rich, and tasty lens of the Chinese immigrant community in Canada. I love that “Bao” not only gave a real perspective on parenting and what it is like as an empty nester but also how this Chinese mom incorporated her culture through food.
After the preview of “Bao” we were able to experience the dumplings – they were delish.
As God would have it, I was invited to host a Motivated Mom Retreat in Ghana in November. I am very excited about learning more about the culture. I have also looked up a few recipes famous in Ghana. My son loves rice, so we are going to try the jollof rice. I will share our experience with you for sure.
One of our goals as parents should be to teach our children about their culture and the culture of others with food is an excellent way to do that. How do you teach culture to your children? Please share your ideas, I would love to hear from you.
[latoyia]
Thanks to Disney for the all expense trip paid #INCREDIBLES2EVENT. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
