The most famous example of an unacceptable costume is likely to be Prince Harry’s Nazi costume, which sparked public outrage and was thought to make light of a tragedy. Chris Brown’s ‘Taliban’ costume for Halloween 2012 was similarly met with rightful criticism. On the other hand, some pop-up Halloween shops might have some costumes in stock that might make you do a double take - like the ‘Anna-Rexia’ costume that went viral and sold out, but trivialised eating disorders. Costumes like these are offensive and rightly cause backlash, but today, they are seen less often - that’s not to say that all controversial costumes have disappeared.
Does this really stem from a lack of understanding, or is Halloween seen as a ‘get out of jail free’ card?
While the concept of cultural appropriation has come into focus over the past few years, it’s still pretty common to go out around Halloween and see costumes that belittle others’ cultures. Whether intentionally or not, costumes that imitate traditional dress or practices, especially without an understanding of those traditions, are insensitive. There is another question here: does this really stem from a lack of understanding, or is Halloween seen as a ‘get out of jail free’ card?
Halloween really is a silly holiday - especially for adults. Not in a bad way! It’s so much fun to dress up and be someone else for a night. But this exact logic is likely what leads people to dress up inappropriately. ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’ shouts the girl who’s ordered a polyester lei online and has apparently dressed up as a ‘sexy hula dancer’ - but she doesn’t know that hula was suppressed by law, or the environmental issues Hawaiians face today. The issue lies in a lack of research and a dismissal that these clothes or customs make up others’ way of life. And it’s not always malicious - but it is hurtful. ‘You think it’s harmless - but you’re not the target.’
So, please, research your costume choices, and if in doubt, choose something else. Dress up with consideration, and have fun!
