As Halloween approaches, I’m sure we’re all itching to enjoy some (socially distanced) spooky fun! However, even on Halloween, it is important that we are respectful of those around us. Halloween is a wondrous time to pretend we are in another world or out of a movie for the night. But let’s make one thing clear, dressing up as a cultural stereotype is never okay, and unfortunately, this has become too mainstream. Dressing up as anything that relates to a culture that is not your own is insensitive and degrading to others. Go out, have fun, and live out your alter ego for the night, but first double-check that your outfit is inoffensive. Below are common costumes that are sure to be the downer of the party. Remember, when in doubt, switch it out.
- Gypsy
-
You may be thinking, “what’s the harm in this?” However, the term “gypsy” does not equate to free spirited or wanderlust; it is a racial slur towards Romani people. They are an ethnic minority who faced persecution in Europe. Please think twice before walking out the door in this costume.
- Ninja
-
This is a very popular costume for many young boys and girls. However, this costume is not depicting a stealthy character who takes out ten villains without making a sound like we might see in cartoons or movies. Ninjas were highly respected individuals in Japan who did work similar to CIA agents in the U.S.. Depicting them in a costume is degrading to the noble work that many Japanese men dedicated their life to.
- Native American Warrior
-
This is a historically popular costume, as Native Americans are known for their beautiful headpieces, detailed jewelry, and elaborate clothing. However, if you are not a part of this culture, imitating them is simply wrong. In doing this, you are ignoring hundreds of years’ worth of history and tradition. Native Americans work hard to keep their culture alive, despite their lands and their rights being continuously stripped away. Mimicking their culture for a night is not helping to keep it alive, it is just downright insulting.
(This can go for many other cultural costumes too, such as being a snake charmer, Egyptian, a geisha, an Arab, or a Day of the Dead sugar skull.)
- Prisoner and Police Officer
-
The Black Lives Matter movement and civil unrest is at the forefront of our society as many of us are currently aware. With our social justice system being recognized as a system of racism and injustice, being a police officer or a prisoner is extremely insensitive to those who are unjustly kept in correctional facilities within our country.
- The CoronaVirus
-
People often like to come up with costumes that are creative and relevant to current times. But let me be the first to tell you, dressing up as the virus that has ravaged the world, killing millions of people, is in no way creative or funny. This pandemic has left millions without jobs and thousands without family members. It should in no way be taken lightly or made fun of. In addition, it is important to remember that the Coronavirus is still prevalent in our country. Please keep this in mind when you are celebrating Halloween! It is completely normal that we would all like something to celebrate right now, but please do so cautiously, and follow CDC guidelines.
Listed below are some simple, culturally sensitive, costume ideas that will allow you to walk out the door feeling confident and ready to take on spooky season!
- Scarecrow
- Superhero
- Favorite television character
- Zombie
- Cat/Dog/Any animal
- Vampire
- Ghost
- Athlete
- Space cowgirl
- Pumpkin
Halloween is the one day of the year when we can all put our lives aside and take on a different identity for the night. However, please keep other people’s culture or ethnic backgrounds out of your costume.