We see it every year. When Halloween comes around, out pop the crazy costumes. It seems that each year, people have more and more options to choose from, including movie characters, foods and even puns. The options are endless.
However, one trend we’re seeing more and more is the prevalence of culturally misappropriated costume attire: the idea that someone can dress up like people from other cultures, groups, religions, etc.
Like the fraternity that had a “Black” party for Martin Luther King Jr. day. Or when people try to dress up as “Native American Indians.”
However, one of the most shocking discoveries would have to be the people dressing up as “ISIS.”
Firstly, why would anyone think it is “funny” to dress up like a group that is wreaking havoc and destruction in the world and killing innocent people? What is funny or cool about this?!?
Secondly, the way these people were dressing up is representative of many Middle Easterner’s cultural and/or religious dress. The fact that entire groups of people are being lumped into the same category as those of ISIS is atrocious.
And do not even get me started on the idea that “terrorism” and Middle Eastern culture go hand in hand or represent one another. One cannot make the claim that terrorists’ clothing equals Arabic clothing.
I understand the desire to be creative and have fun, and I applaud the amount of creativity some people have. But when it comes to turning a person’s identity into some “funny” or “sexy” costume, especially when you yourself do not belong to that identity, it’s just wrong.
And yet, we see it quite often. In fact, the Halloween of 2014 is one of the worst I’ve seen. Culturally misappropriated costumes are so common that campaigns have been created to help counteract it, like the “We’re a culture not a costume” initiative.
“Participating in the gross misrepresentation of others will only further perpetuate unfounded, ignorant and negative views toward large groups of people”
True, costumes are becoming “sexier” to the point that a toddler’s cat costume can now easily be something like “sassy kitty,” complete with barely-there material. And it’s even worse when people pull out the “Sexy Native American” or “Sexy Latina” costumes.
It’s objectifying and sexualizing those cultures—painting them in the light that, rather than thinking about their struggles or accomplishments or notable history, we’re going to focus on how they look (or at least “should” look based on the stereotypes).
Besides, this Halloween it actually snowed. Halloween costumes don’t provide very much protection from the cold, so I’m sure that was extremely pleasant for many.
Some may argue that dressing up is just for fun, and that others shouldn’t make such a big deal about it. But here’s the thing— participating in the gross misrepresentation of others will only further perpetuate unfounded, ignorant and negative views toward large groups of people.
There are so many other things you can dress up as. Why does it have to be a “fun” poke at another group?
So, if you’re in need of a guide to picking out a costume for next year, keep this point in mind: If you don’t belong to a certain cultural or demographic group, then you don’t have the right to try to dress like them for “fun.”
You shouldn’t have to change your physical appearance (skin color, eye shape, etc.) for a costume, unless you’re a werewolf or something. Secondly, why do you think the costume is amusing? If it’s because it plays into a stereotype, then it’s not a good idea.
Instead, I would encourage you to embrace your inner pun-master and be a “Shining Star” (with flashlight) or “Ceiling Fan” (pom-poms a plus) at the next Halloween party.