Halloween is a time for candy corn, slightly scary Disney Channel movies, and most importantly-costumes. Costumes can be a fun way to express yourself and wear something out of the box. However, sometimes certain costumes carry negative racial and sexual undertones. When it comes to being culturally sensitive, does your costume pass the test? Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of picking the perfect politically correct costume for Halloween.
Sexy Costumes
Do: Feel free to be as sexy as you’d like.
Since the movie Mean Girls (and possibly the dawn of time), sexy Halloween costumes have been a tradition on college campuses. If dressing up in a risqué costume allows you to healthily own your sexuality, go for it. According to sexologist and YouTube star Laci Green, sexy Halloween costumes became popular after the sexual revolution. They allowed women to control their own sexuality rather than be sexualized by men. Don’t let anyone slut-shame you for stepping out of your comfort zone. On Halloween, anything goes.
Don’t: Feel Obligated to Sex up your costume
Amidst all of the sexy police officer, kitten, and nurse costumes at Halloween parties, you may feel like you have to assimilate into something skimpy. However you should never wear something that you’re not comfortable in. While some find power in a sexy costume, there is also merit in being funny, cute, scary, or creative. In today’s society there is a double standard when it comes to costumes. For example a male police officer might look more occupational in comparison to a female’s sexy cop costume. If you can’t find a costume that fits you in stores, don’t be afraid to make your own.
Racial Costumes
Do: Keep your face blackface-free
Are you trying to dress as someone who happens to be a different race? You can honor your favorite character or celebrity without painting your skin. Blackface has historically been used to mock African Americans in minstrel shows. Besides, if your costume is good you won’t need a new skin color to get your point across. No matter what race you are, if you have a giant “S” on your chest and a red cape people will know you’re dressed as Superman.
Don’t: Use a race as a costume
Unfortunately, Holloween night can be the height of cultural appropriation. When you wear a race as a costume, you become a caricature of their culture. These costumes are composed of stereotypical attire and send a message about the entire community you’re dressing up as. Steer clear of any gypsy, Native American, Mexican, or any other type of cultural costume. If you wouldn’t be comfortable wearing it around a room filled with people of that ethnicity, it’s probably offensive.
Pop Culture References
Do: Pick a Conversation Starter
Pop culture references can be a fun way to pick something out of the box. It’s also a nice alternative to the sexy costume if that’s what you would prefer. Wearing a costume that’s smart or funny is a great way to show off your personality. If you pick something unique, it can even spark a conversation at a Halloween party.
Don’t: Pick anything offensive
If your mom or your boss won’t find it funny, chances are the people at the party you’re trying to impress are just rolling their eyes. Dressing up as Bruce and Caitlyn Jenner at the same time or as a pun on illegal immigration might seem clever at first. It’s not. It’s fine to show people that you’re knowledgeable about pop culture, but don’t be rude about it.
Think about the impact of what you wear before you buy a costume. While you may think something’s funny, it may be offensive to a larger group of people. This Halloween be fun, be creative, but most importantly; be respectful.