After sharing images from their son, Kenzo’s, first birthday party, Kevin and Eniko Hart are being called out for what many have deemed cultural appropriation.
Eniko shared photos from the “Cowboys and Indians” birthday party on Thanksgiving Day, complete with Native American blankets, cowboy hats and teepees.
“Zos cowboys & indians party was nothing but amazing! Thanks to everyone for coming.. we love you guys,” she captioned an image of guests draped in Native American garb.
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While some fans of the comedian wished baby Kenzo well, others took offense at the themed party, arguing that someone’s culture shouldn’t be worn as a costume.
“Changing the caption and deleting comments does not make your ‘cowboys and Indians’ party ok. Shame on you @enikohart and @KevinHart4real Culture isn’t a costume,” read one tweet.
Changing the caption and deleting comments does not make your “cowboys and Indians” party ok. Shame on you @enikohart and @KevinHart4real Culture isn’t a costume pic.twitter.com/E8AWnZ5j1B
— Carly (@CMeisters) November 22, 2018
“Throwin a ‘Cowboys & Indians’ birthday party on ‘Thanksgiving’ celebrates genocide, white supremacy, & slavery. R those the things u @KevinHart4real & @enikohart represent & are teaching to your child?” user @solomamihood added. “Would it be ok to throw a Master & slave birthday party? nope.”
Throwin a “Cowboys & Indians” birthday party on “Thanksgiving” celebrates genocide, white supremacy, & slavery. R those the things u @KevinHart4real & @enikohart represent & are teaching to your child? Would it be ok to throw a Master & slave birthday party? nope #nativetwitter pic.twitter.com/AnrZNUn3jn
— Mari posa (@solomamihood) November 25, 2018
@KevinHart4real no ill will towards Kevin because I’m sure his intentions weren’t to offend and all but people can’t do black face what makes you think it’s right for you to have an American Indian and cowboys party do you know what the cowboys did the indians.
— Einsteinstesla18🇺🇲 (@Einsteinstesla1) November 26, 2018
Did Kevin Hart and Eniko really throw their 1-year-old a “Cowboys and Indians” themed birthday party… These celebrities really love their privilege to be socially ignorant.
— Clara Jaide (@clarajaide) November 23, 2018
There were others, however, who felt the backlash was unwarranted.
Mr and Mrs Hart. I am 1/4 Pima Indian and I find nothing wrong with your choice of kids party. It’s a party not a scalping. Ppl need to stop with the PC crap. Hope the kids had fun.
— Frances Guadamuz (@FrannySG49) November 26, 2018
@KevinHart4real Do not let people bother you about the Cowboys and Indians party. I am an ‘Indian’ and it really is not a problem.
— Geary Searcy (@Pebblecool) November 25, 2018
The Harts have yet to address the backlash.
