Time for a bracing shot of reality, folks: a lot of costumes people wear on Halloween are offensive and insensitive. And while you might think you look cute or cool, you actually just look pretty dumb. Offended? So are the people you’re dressing up as. Here’s a handy-dandy list of costumes not to wear this Halloween and a couple cute suggestions instead:
“Indian”
It’s not cute, and you don’t look like Pocahontas. It’s cultural appropriation. Besides the fact that we don’t call them “Indians” anymore, dressing up in garb that they never even wore is just historically inaccurate and offensive to a culture that’s been here since before your ancestors probably murdered them in the thousands. Think twice before putting on that feather headdress.
“Caitlyn Jenner/Laverne Cox”
Transmisogyny is no joke, kids, and wearing that white strapless onesie a la Caitlyn’s Vanity Fair cover is not funny. Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox, and the entire transgendered community are brave to wear what they wear in a society that constantly tells them not to. Transgenderism is not a costume. And while you may wonder why it’s okay to dress up as other celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and not Laverne Cox, it’s important to note that people who are transgendered are marginalized in society, and wearing it from a privileged position and then taking it off at the end of the night undermines their struggle.
“Hindu/Indian”
I know you probably thought Selena Gomez looked hot in her “Come and Get It” music video, but it’s not hot to wear another culture’s clothing just to appear exotic.
“Geisha”
See #3. Same deal, guys.
Generally dressing as a race that it not your own.
It’s racist. Just don’t do it.
“Walter Palmer” AKA the dentist who killed Cecil the Lion
I saw this costume floating around on the internet, and I gotta say, my jaw hit the floor. It’s just tacky and insensitive.
If you’re stuck and don’t know what to wear, here are some fun and/or feminist costume ideas:
Rosie the Riveter
She’s feminist, she’s badass, and you probably already own everything you need to put together this ensemble.
Marty McFly or Doc Brown
What better way to celebrate last week’s Back to the Future Day than to pay homage to its incredible characters?
Edward Scissorhands
This is my go-to costume in a pinch. What you’ll need: black everything, lots of belts, some aluminium foil attached to some gloves, and some skill at applying the signature makeup look.
Any of these body positive costume looks – thanks Bustle!
What are you planning on wearing this Halloween, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments!
Photos courtesy of: http://pictures.costumeprize.com/1000/01/Paris%20Hilton%20Wearing%20An%2…http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1317010!/img/httpImage/image…