Family members refuse to attend 5-year-old's birthday party because it's Shrek themed: 'They were very offended'

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JR Atkinson • Writer and Editor
Jul 1, 2024 1:00 PM EDT

Shrek remains an important cultural touchstone for many kids and… grown kids. It has stood the test of time as a funny, heartwarming, infinitely quotable series of kids' movies with an impeccable soundtrack. I swear the Shrek soundtrack got me into "good music" when I was a kid. Shrek is inextricably linked to the language of Gen Z-- evidenced by the continued plethora of Shrek memes, Shrek references, and Shrek quotes floating around the internet. 

But for all its memey-ness, at the end of the day, it's a movie with a nice message. It's about self-acceptance and love, no matter if you're an ogre, a princess, or a princess-ogre. So parents can get behind it just as much as kids love it. But apparently not ALL parents, like the family members of a mom who wanted to throw her young son a Shrek-themed birthday party. But commenters were quick to set everyone straight. 

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    via Steven Libralon
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    My family won't come to my sons birthday party because it's Shrek themed
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664
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    So a little back story: I (29F) was raised in a very religious family. Growing up we really didn't watch, read, play anything that wasn't specifically religious centered. I went to a Catholic school my whole life and pretty much only hung out with Christian friends. While I respect my parents beliefs, I do not agree with/believe a lot of the same stuff.
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664
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    So to the issue at hand, my two sons LOVE the movie Shrek. My 5 year old decided that he wanted to have a Shrek themed birthday party, which my husband and I gladly agreed to. Well when I brought it up to my other siblings, who are still be the religious, they didn't seem
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664
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    thrilled. I was later informed by my younger brother that my nieces and nephews will not be coming to my son's birthday party because of the theme. Apparently they were very offended that we "thought it was appropriate for a kids party". I'm pretty disappointed because I obviously want my son's cousins there. But I also don't want to change the whole theme.
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664
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    So I want to get some insight on what people's thoughts are on this. Is it outlandish to have a Shrek themed birthday for a 5 year old? Should I be more sensitive to my nieces and nephews upbringing?
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664
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    princess_fiona_7437 · 5 days ago I don't understand what the problem is. It's not like you're having a cocaine and hookers themed kids party. Shrek is a great kids friendly movie.
    via u/princess_fiona_7437
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    UberN00b719. 5 days ago I think it's because OP's family assumes that they're going to be seen as a bunch of Faarquads for how uptight they are...
    via u/UberN00b719
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    Lilacblue1 5 days ago • What is their problem with Shrek? That it has magic? Music? Dancing? Women with their hair uncovered? Or did someone from their church say "Shrek bad" and they don't really know why they should ban it but they're going to anyway.
    via u/Lilacblue1
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    NotSlothbeard 5 days ago I have in laws that do not watch movies because they are too worldly. They homeschool because they don't want their kids exposed to kids who don't adhere to their religion's rules.
    via u/NotSlothbeard
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    They only listen to religious music and the only TV they watch is educational shows about their specific religion that have been approved by the pastor of their church.
    via u/NotSlothbeard
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    NHFNCFRE 5 days ago The whole thing with Shrek is loving people (or ogres) for whom they are, not how they look! That seems like a message even Jesus could get behind. NTA.
    via u/NHFNCFRE
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    twothirtysevenam 5 days ago "I'm sorry that you're unable to attend." That's all that you've got to say.
    via u/twothirtysevenam
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    _no_balls_allowed_ 5 days ago • Nope nope nope. Go full Shrek. Shrek is love
    via u/_no_balls_allowed_
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    goddessofspite · 5 days ago Shrek is a kids movie. Your kids want to use this as the theme of their party why wouldn't that be appropriate. Your brother can have a bible themed party for his kids all he wants but he doesn't get to force that on you.
    via u/goddessofspite
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    Jen5872 5 days ago · edited 4 days ago Why wouldn't a kid's movie. based on a children's book be appropriate? I haven't actually watched them but they're made for kids, right? What could be so offensive?
    via u/Jen5872
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    Your kid asked for a Shrek party so a Shrek party he gets. Hopefully he'll have lots of friends at his party and won't miss his cousins. You'll have more fun without your religious, stick in the mud family there. Also that leaves more cake for the birthday boy.
    via u/Jen5872
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    Trustic555 5 days ago Shrek is love, Shrek is life.
    via u/Trustic555
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    EDIT: It's very validating to read all of these comments. Growing up super religious sometimes makes you question every decision you make, especially as a parent. I feel like I have to constantly pull myself back into reality and remind myself that just because it's not directly about God, doesn't mean it's demonic. It's tough to still believe in the Bible but have to unlearn a lot of untrue things that I was taught my whole life.
    via u/Acceptable_Pick_4664

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family drama shrek memes drama birthday birthday party Movie movies parenting Movies and TV From the Movies little kids family reddit thread Reddit raising kids shrek parents kids movies
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