Everyone loves Halloween. It’s one of the MOST lit weekends of college, filled with terrible puns and sometimes-terrible costumes. Let’s keep things socially aware this Halloween and avoid mistakes such as the ones we’ve listed below.
1. Culture Appropriation
In 2008 Heidi Klum left Hindu leaders demanding an apology for her usage of a goddess as a costume. Kali, the goddess of destroying evil, is a highly respected figure in the Hindu religion, not a fun costume to get photos in.
2. Mental Disorders
Who can forget this charming costume. ‘Cleverly’ named Anna Rexia, this costume aims to make fun of the seriously debilitating eating disorder anorexia. This costume is dangerous in so many ways as it makes anorexia appear not only acceptable, but also a coveted feature. No way.
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3. A Transgender Figure
No matter your personal opinion of Caitlyn Jenner, she deserves respect as a person. By turning her, or any other transgender figure, into a ‘funny’ costume, you a disrespecting thousands of people. It is not clever and it is not okay.
4. Any Genitalia
Any genitalia or feminine hygiene products are also not okay. My vagina is not for you to caricature. Neither is my menstrual cycle.
Related: 13 Situations Where You Literally Can’t Even
5. Religious Figures
This costume sits right up there in cultural appropriation. The creepy priest or pregnant nun is disrespectful to the millions of Catholics who’s faith you’re turning into a joke.
6. Clowns.. because everyone hates them.
Like, seriously? No thank you.
There are so many cute, funny, witty, creative, etc. Halloween costumes you can wear. Avoid cringey stares by choosing one of those instead of the above. Happy Halloween!