One of the best ways to honor May 5th is to recognize the history behind the
anniversary and recognize that it is NOT Mexico's independence day (...which
is 9/16). May 5th (although it is a noteable day) has become very much a
product of commercial-corporate America - selling more tequilla and burritos
than you'd care to imagine.
.....please PLEASE don't contribute to the simplifying of a complex culture
by reducing it to paper flowers and festive music; that would be the
equivalent of teaching our students about our nation's indigenous people by
making paper tomahawks and headresses. I'd suggest you (your students)
create a map of Mexico, learn the states (of Mexico), have the students
reaserach NAFTA.....anything but food and "fiesta" - those just tend to
perpetuate the stereotypes.
I'm certain you are well intended with the request for activities - I didn't
mean to put you on the defense. Hopefully this post will prove to be
constructive.
