At the spring pep assembly on March 22, senior class officers revealed this year’s prom theme to be “Rhythms of Rio.” The theme is inspired by the vibrant, lively city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and its visually stunning celebration of Carnival. While capturing the energy of Carnival is likely to create a memorable prom night, Rio’s Carnival is more than just an aesthetic. Respect and consideration are key to orchestrating an event that takes inspiration from the practices of a specific culture. This prom season, it’s critical that we remember the importance of cultural sensitivity and use this theme as an opportunity to learn and experience rather than caricaturize Brazilian tradition.
Senior class president Rey Haswardana (she/her) said that the theme’s idea is to create a colorful atmosphere that reflects a celebration of four years at Inglemoor.
“Above everything, we want students to have fun at the dance while also soaking in these final moments together,” Haswardana said. “We believe this theme will help create the kind of lasting memories that make the end of high school truly special.”
Haswardana also said that after learning about students’ preferred styles of dress, the Rio theme felt like the best fit for prom.
Despite good intentions, these kinds of cultural representations can be insensitive. Without proper research, our prom theme could reinforce the stereotype that Brazilian culture is based solely around partying while ignoring the more serious and political side of Carnival, where marginalized groups often use the festival to speak out against oppression. This is often overshadowed by the more joyful elements of Carnival, so if the prom theme only focuses on the fun, party aspect, we miss out on the more nuanced, broader reality.
The theme of Rio de Janeiro is inspired by Carnival’s elaborate costumes, samba dancing and colorful parades. In Brazil, the festival of Carnival precedes the Christian season of Lent, and blends dance and other kinds of performance while celebrating the dissolution of social barriers and the spirit of community. It’s not just a party, but an expression of Brazil’s rich cultural fabric that incorporates the European idea of the festival and the African-Brazilian custom of samba music and rhythms. Carnival marks an intersection of art, history and long-lasting culture, and we have a responsibility to honor its roots and to represent the bigger picture when depicting the festivities.
Similarly, by using another culture as its theme, our prom risks not only misrepresenting Brazilian heritage but also the heritage of other Inglemoor students. Relying on cliches or excessive stereotypical imagery could make students feel alienated by perpetuating the idea of “exotic” cultures as an aesthetic or prop. Lack of thoughtful planning could also lead students of Brazilian or Latin American heritage to feel as though prom represents a shallow, watered-down portrayal of their identity. A theme that breaks down Carnival to its simplest elements fails to capture the cultural significance of the celebration.
One key step could be involving Latin American or Brazilian students in prom planning. Voices from the community can ensure an accurate representation of Carnival and its surrounding culture. Similarly, instead of relying solely on simplified samba music or feathered costumes, prom could include a broader array of Brazilian art and media like bossa nova, a genre that blends samba and jazz, or contemporary Brazilian music. Costumes and decorations should also be treated with sensitivity, avoiding oversimplifications of cultural dress. Instead, bright colors and geometric patterns, which represent Carnival without directly overstepping into cultural or religious wear, should be emphasized for this year’s prom.
Prom planners did not respond to requests for further communication in a timely manner, so it is difficult to know if these ideas were implemented.
Inglemoor’s Rio-themed prom has the potential to be an unforgettable, exciting night that celebrates the rich culture of Brazil. To achieve this, the theme of Rio must be more than a surface-level backdrop. Rio’s Carnival is a deeply significant tradition that embodies many years of cultural and political history in Brazil. By combining the spirit of the festival with dedication to accuracy, Inglemoor will be able to create an event where Brazilians are both respected and celebrated. This ensures a meaningful experience for all students, fosters inclusivity and reflects the cultural diversity of Inglemoor. Prom should be a time that brings us together in appreciation, rather than dividing us with misrepresentation.
