Around this time of year when we are deciding what to dress up as for Halloween, we may face issues regarding cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the act of taking specific elements of other cultures and using them with no regard to their meaning or significance. While we are told not to appropriate other cultures in what we wear, often we are not informed as to why cultural appropriation is so harmful. It is important to understand that cultural appropriation is wrong, but it is even more important to understand why it is wrong so that we can make informed decisions about what is ok and what is not ok to wear this Halloween (or really any other day).
It is essential to keep in mind both identity and context when thinking about cultural appropriation. When we dress up as another culture (most often as a cultural stereotype), or use specific elements of that culture, we are taking them out of their cultural context. By doing so, we are stripping them of their cultural significance and consequently devaluing the identities of the people who are a part of that culture.
Appropriation does not mean appreciation. Dressing up as a cultural stereotype is not a way of appreciating that culture. For example, wearing a Native American costume for Halloween is not a way of honoring Native Americans because it debases the meaning of the clothing in that culture. Furthermore, dressing up as a Native American “for fun” completely ignores the struggles that Native Americans have experienced – aka being killed, displaced and confined by the United States Government. The same goes for adopting elements of black culture without acknowledging the oppression that black people face every day because of the color of their skin. While you might think that elements of a particular culture are “trendy” or “cool,” at the end of the day you can take that costume off and continue to live your life without ever being affected by the oppression of that culture.
You might say that dressing up as other cultures is, “all in good fun,” that the whole idea of cultural appropriation is silly or that I am being overly sensitive. However, if you can say that you are in fact enjoying the privilege of utilizing elements of a culture without having to experience the oppression of that culture. If you don’t see the problem with cultural appropriation, it is because it does not directly affect you.
You may also say that what you wear for Halloween (or any other day) is “freedom of speech” and therefore it is your choice. You are correct – it is your choice. So choose to respect the identities of other cultures and the realities they face because of their culture. Instead of putting on a sombrero or a Native American headdress, wear anything else that does not use a culture as a costume. Be a cat, a butterfly, an alien or even Buzz Lightyear – the possibilities for respectful costumes are endless. There are so many ways to genuinely engage in and celebrate other cultures without wearing them as a costume.
So when you decide what to wear this Halloween, remember that while it may be just a costume to you, it is someone else’s identity.