Would This Be Appropriate?

The kids would love it, they wouldn't see it the way their parents might, you know? I think it's a very creative idea, he should go for it!

I think it's an outstanding idea.

But I can also see how some might see it a different way.

But then, that's the beauty of living in the Melting Pot, right?

:)

I think it would be appropriate. Incorporate some of the meaning in the statue into the game. http://www.nps.gov/stli/faqs.htm

I think that sometimes we overthink things. I actually think it's a nice nod to the melting pot that is the US. Immigration is not a game in itself, but that doesn't mean that the game is wrong or that kids can't learn about history through play. I honestly think that it's a brilliant idea from a kindergartener!

I think you are over thinking it! What a GREAT idea your young son has!!! If you feel uncomfortable about it, contact the teacher and tell her what he wants to do - don't show your concern - just ask - Johnny wants to do this for his project....what do you think? Is he on the right track for what you were thinking this project should be?

Don't tell her you are concerned about offending anyone. Tell her what he wants to do and see if that's in-line with what she wants from the kids for the project!!

Anyone who brings up immigration in this thread is...well.. a pinhead. It is OBVIOUS that is NOT the point of your question!!! YOU GO MAMA!!! I love what your son wants to do!!! How exceptionally smart for a 5 year old!!!

You are totally over thinking this. No immigrating is not a game but his game IS a game.

I'm from another country and I see no reason why anyone would be offended with this, unless they want to be and find any excuse to feel discriminated against (some people are just like that).
I think your son is very smart to come up with all of this ideas at such a young age, congratulations to him!

It's unfortunate that society is having you question internally, building a project which would include a world renowned symbol of freedom.
Your post shows your true moral compass and compassion and sensitivity for those around you.
That being said... If they find offense in your sons project, they have come to this country for the wrong reasons....

as a first generation immigrant, i find nothing offensive about your son's project.

You are overthinking it.

I don't see how it could be offensive. Children learn best through games, stories and pretend play. I think it's a wonderful idea, and a celebration of our rich history of immigration :)

Maybe I'm under-thinking this one...but didn't most of our ancestor's come here on boats?
I'm pretty certain my grandfather's family didn't walk/fly/drive here from Germany in the early 1900's...

I think it's a great idea. The people I know that are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants are not sensitive about it. They are proud as can be about it! Why would they take offense. I think it's a great way to teach that important aspect of our shared heritage. We were all immigrants at one time. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom. Why wouldn't we race our boat to her! I think he's a clever clever kid. And he clearly "Gets It." He understands the point behind the symbol. That's a big concept for a little guy.

My husband and I have this issue sometimes. He dislikes going to history places where slavery is a part of it. He is black and comes from the deep south, but is not the "I'm held down because of my skin color" person.

My kids and I went to Raleigh last weekend and went to Mordecai Park. I took a picture of them in front of this great building, which we later learned was the Overseer's House (the overseer to the slaves). I didn't post that one on FB or tell my husband what it was, because he would find it offensive. We also have a local plantation that is great!! Schools do field trips, they do ghost tours, and Christmas showings...people even get married t here...but because of the slave history, my husband is never thrilled to go.

My thoughts on that and your issue are that it is a part of American history. Don't we have to learn about it and continue to teach people about it so we don't go back to those ways? It's never okay to treat people the way slaves were treated nor is it okay to make fun of immigration, but I don't think that's what he is doing.

If you're concerned about it (which I can see where you may be) email the teacher and ask her opinion.

I think it's a great idea and would be a lot of fun though!

As a past kindergarten teacher, I think this might be something to bring up with the teacher. What does he/she think of your son's idea? I think that is a very creative idea for such a young mind - kudos to him!!

Part of an Anti-Bias curriculum is not hiding others' background. There is nothing wrong with learning about different immigrants or cultures or backgrounds. You don't learn prejudice from learning about something - you learn prejudice from prejudice. So if it is simply a game that is focused around the statue of liberty and needing a boat to get there, then that's all there is to it. There is nothing wrong with being honest that some immigrants came from boats. There is nothing wrong with keeping it purely factual - but throwing in stereotypes and negative comments are where the problem comes in.

Are you close with any of those immigrant parents? Run the idea past them and see what they think!

I do think you are overthinking just a tad. That is the problem with some things today is that people are so nervous about offending others they ignore things all together. People are different - we all come from different backgrounds - some ugly things happened in the past, but I had no control over that, I agree they were horrible things, but I can't do anything to turn back time and make them right. People should not be embarrassed about asking questions that are with the pure intention of simply learning about others' differences!

Talk to the teacher...talk to the immigrant parents...see what they think. Don't be afraid to learn...there is nothing oppressive about that.

What a wonderfully creative idea! Go for it!

I think that game is JUST FINE and really applaud your kindergartener for thinking of it!
L. (mother of 3...wife to an immigrant... LOL)

Maybe I am just dense today - but I don't see where this creative school project would be offensive to anyone. I mean, really, we are all overthinking this one. This is a kindgarten project - your son's idea is way above the curve - so let him do it.

My grandfather actually came into the USA from Italy through Ellis Island - and yes, he literally took a boat over. As did my other immigrant ancestors - Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, are iconic symbols in our country. And until about, what, 20 years ago, boats were still very much the way immigrants arrived on our shores. We all need to chill a little and not look for hidden slights in every thing.

I think the project sounds very cute, and educational, and fun for the kids involved. Go for it.

What a great idea! I think the kids will enjoy it, and any adult with an issue over it needs to really calm down!

Hi M.-

What a cute idea!!

I would not only support your 'little guy' in his effort...I would consider getting it patented!! lol

Best Luck!
michele/cat

I love it. What a fun and creative idea.
And it may get some of the kids talking about how they came to America. You could even find out if your grandfather or great grandmother actually had to come through Ellis Island.

I agree that you are overthinking this. What a great idea on his part! I don't think the average 6 year old would make this kind of leap... the average 30 year old for that matter!

For what it's worth, immigration isn't a game for most of our families. Just ask most of our grandparents and/or great-grandparents. However, having your son present the concept (which can be very difficult to understand) within the context of a board game (which most children have played before) is actually a genius instructional strategy!

maybe it will bring the kids closer realizing that unless your 100% American Indian.. all of our families at one time were immigrates!

Honestly I dont' think many will give it a second thought, why crush what he wants to do in fear of offending someone.. it will be a long road in school/ life if he starts that this young.

Encourage him all the more to do this if its what he wants to do! Have fun

I love it...but contact his teacher for further guidance. I can't possibly see how it could offend, since it does not specifically target any group.

I think it's fine. That's kind of what the Statue of Liberty represents best, right? If you're concerned, run it by the teacher.

I think it sounds cute and kids are probably too young to be offended. If you want you could make it silly by having them be on water skies or something similar.

LOL!

In response to a comment below: As a Native American I think I *am* not an immigrant and that the land bridge went the other way. Why not?

As to this idea, I see why you are concerned and would ask the teacher. But your son was very creative to have this idea and if it won't work at school, maybe you could play at home.

ETA: Thursday is open thread day at "Love Is Not Enough" so you might want to ask there.

I think it's a cool idea, but maybe run it by the teacher first. The first-generation families my kids go to school with have, as far as I know, happy immigration stories. Their parents are educated and have great jobs here, they have regular contact with extended family still living overseas, etc. But if there are kids in his class whose immigration experience was a nightmare or is still ongoing (fleeing poverty and war, families split apart, only one parent here, etc.) then I could see that it may bring up something upsetting for a child in those circumstance. I would imagine that the teacher would be aware of any children (especially this young) who have arrived here under traumatic circumstances - barring anything like that, though, it sounds creative and fun and I bet would be well received by the other students.

Yikes!!

Maybe it will be fine, but maybe it won't. I'd stay away from it - so big a risk to be known in the school district as the "anti-immigrant board game family" for the next 12 years.

Maybe a game to climb the Statue of Liberty?

A tourist game to see the SOL and obtain souveneirs to bring home?

An immigration game very OBVIOUSLY set in the 1800s? (still a little yikes)

Being from diverse Queens NY, I think that's a really cool idea. What a clever kid you have!

It's kind of like the Game of Life, it's a journey. My parents are immigrants and they wouldn't be offended by this at all!

Nurture his creativity. And let him have fun creating it.

i dont see how the game has anything to do with immigration.. its a boat race to the statue of liberty honestly i wouldnt worry about it

I would ask the teacher what she/he thinks if you are concerned, but these are kindergarteners. Will parents even see this? Keep in mind that Ellis Island is a thing of the past, a tourist attraction, it's where my grandparents arrived in the early 1900's. Today's immigrants don't relate to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it's not where they come from or how they get to stay here.