As I adjusted my pink wig and looked at my Nicki Minaj-self in the mirror (all pink, kind of scandalous, very ridiculous), I came to a revolution: this was my first time dressing up as a someone who’s the same race as me.
In the past, I’ve gone for the non-specific racial characters. I’ve been a 70s girl, a flapper and a sexy zombie – Allen Zombie Mob 2010, represent! But I’ve never gone out of my way to be Beyonce, never thought to be a Dreamgirl and I certainly didn’t think I was going to be Nicki until a month ago.
It felt weird. But weird good. It was like the power of Nicki was flowing through my veins – though that could have been the pain from the pink heels.
I don’t know why I’ve never dressed as an African-American before this year, since I’ve only celebrated Halloween for two years now (strict parents, crazy rules, blah blah), So to gain some professional light on the matter, I decided to poll other women of different ethnic backgrounds who are veterans of the holiday.
“I’ve never dressed as anyone of my ethnic background. I’m usually something race-neutral, like a lifeguard or a witch or a cat. The only person I ever portrayed for Halloween was Snooki from Jersey Shore because she’s recognizable, and the costume was fun to get together. I’m not opposed to dressing as someone of my race, I just have never really thought of Halloween in a racial context. I try to think of what would be funny or a good costume and go from there. However, if they made pregnant Beyonce costumes this year I may have to go for it.” – Melanie Matlock, junior, advertising
“It’s definitely easier to find a costume that looks like you. Then you don’t have to make up your hair or anything. It would be harder for me to do, like Nicki Minaj. This year, I want to be a street fighter girl, [played by Kristin Kreuk.] It’ll be easier for people to get, and people won’t ask me “who are you?” That’s always embarrassing. Also, I really like Kristin Kreuk, and she’s a Chinese-German actress, and was someone I looked up to when I was younger. And I look Chinese—though I’m Pilipino—so it would be easy to do. Plus, my character kicks butt.” – Rose-Ann Aragon, junior, broadcast journalism.
“I’m Indian, and have never dressed up for Halloween as someone who is Indian. I don’t think this has anything to do with any insecurities I have towards my ethnic background; instead, I don’t believe that there are many Indian icons that are well known. This year, I plan to be Pebbles from The Flintstones; in the past I have dressed up as Cleopatra, Arthur, Charlie Chaplin and a tooth fairy. I think what matters most when dressing up for Halloween is dressing up as someone you admire or identify with – not their ethnic background.” – Tess Mody, junior, communications.