The stress of finding a costume for Halloween comes around every single year, but does the need to impress ever condone an ignorant, insensitive costume?
Over the years, we have seen celebrities make light of offensive costumes with little regard to those it could offend. Whilst many people believe that a costume is not that ‘big of a deal’, it’s important we consider how harmful even seemingly innocent costumes can be.
Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the use of inappropriate imitation of a person or elements from an underrepresented culture or identities. Often, with a lack of acknowledgment or understanding of their origins.
Culturally inappropriate costumes have become more rife in recent years as more indigenous communities have come to the forefront of popular media, such as TV shows and films. Squid Game, Black Panther and Moana are just a few of the inspirations for culturally inappropriate Halloween costumes.
Whilst it may seem like a harmless celebration of a character or figure, often being an attempt to honour those the costume replicates, it can be harmful for many reasons. Firstly, if that culture is not your own, you have no right to replicate it. Secondly, stereotypes can become more prevalent as a result, especially when costumes attempts to use them as a way of being humorous.
Blackface
Many people know that blackface is a no-no, but many are unaware of the harmful history of the term.
Its American origins trace back to 'The Minstrel Show' which routinely featured white actors coating their faces in black grease to impersonate plantation slaves. This was done in an attempt to comically portray racial stereotypes and perpetuated the dehumanisation of African-Americans at the time.
Engaging in this practice is not only racist and condoning others racist behaviour, but often acts as a traumatic and unnecessary reminder to those oppressed by 'The Minstrel Show'.
Mental Illnesses and Disabilities
Costumes such as gruesome depictions of self harm or use of items like straitjackets all lead to the further misunderstanding of mental health problems.
Implying a disability or mental illness is scary or a person with such conditions is someone to be frightened of is harmful, not only due to perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing stigmas, but also due to the immediate effects they have on those suffering from mental health issues.
Admitting to these struggles is already a difficult thing, but to have them mocked can only increase insecurity and feelings of isolation.
Halloween is a time for everyone to have fun. But, it’s important to consider if your costume may negatively impact someone else’s ability to enjoy themselves by making them feel attacked or marginalised.
Edited by Emily Duff
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