Every year on Oct. 31 there is a celebration of all things spiritual, sugary and creative. Starting as a holiday to ward off or remember the spirits of the dead, Halloween has now become an excuse for many to strut their stuff in costumes reflecting that year’s pop culture references, complicated puns and childhood fantasies. However, over the years, Halloween has become an excuse for some to commit most egregious crimes against people’s cultural, ethnic and gender identities and histories. In order to make this Halloween fun for everyone, I have taken it upon myself to gather some helpful tips for those out there who want to take part in the get-up get-down.
Do not be racist or do racist things: Some would think this is an obvious enough thing to not do, but recent reports of people dressing up as Trayvon Martin, “Disco Africa” parties and rants about “ghetto” trick-or-treating black children have proven otherwise.
No blackface (yellow face, etc.): Do not, under any circumstances, do blackface. For those of us who need a refresher, blackface is the act of darkening one’s skin (ranging from using bronzer to old school burnt cork and shoe polish) and taking on the “characteristics” (stereotypical) of a culture, race or ethnicity.
Once an acceptable form of entertainment and ridicule, this practice is now outdated and representative of America’s dark racial past and present. By doing this, one is not only being ignorant, one is also adding to the pain, racism and violence people of color and ethnic minorities face every day. Other iterations include yellowface, which is similar but is usually committed in relation to Asian and Asian American people. Rinse, wash, repeat. But seriously, do not be that person. Repeat Ad Infinitum.
No racially, culturally or ethnically insensitive costumes: I know many of us thought Pocahontas was cute thanks to Disney, but she may not be the best costume idea, especially if that idea includes a tomahawk. Additionally, do not wear prosthetics in an attempt to “become” another race (see: no blackface) and do not wear any costumes that mock or attempt to represent a tense aspect of other cultures. This applies to all those who wanted to be a geisha because of that one movie and anyone who thinks it’s funny to dress as Osama Bin Laden because “America.” Please and no, thank you.
Do not be sexist: In the words of Cady from Mean Girls: “in Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” Usage of the contested word “slut” aside, Cady has a point. Halloween is a time for some to let their freak flag fly and bring their idea of sexy back. However, just because someone wants to do so does not give anyone free reign to physically or verbally abuse or harass the aforementioned persons. Halloween should be one of the nights a year people can dress as their own definitions of sexy, intelligent and creative and no one can say anything about it (unless they do any of these “do nots”).
Do not be classist: The idea of being a “lil’ hobo” might be real appealing, but it’s also real classist. It is not funny to reduce a group of people that the United States continues to underserve and ignore to tattered clothing and smudged faces. Also, under this, is dressing as a “redneck.” I know in the South it has become customary for people to identify as “redneck” or go to “redneck” parties, however, it is important to note that this term has a varied history and was mostly used to denigrate the poor and non-traditionally educated.
Note: I know I have not covered all of the possibly insensitive costumes there are, but that is why there are the Internet and books. Educate yourself!
Do not be lazy. Be creative. I know it may seem as if I have put a damper on everyone’s Halloween celebrations, but I want to make it clear that Halloween should be fun for all those who wish to celebrate it, not just those who have privilege. I am not trying to limit one’s creativity; rather, I am trying to expand people’s awareness so that they can explore other, grander options. Why not be a “cereal killer” or a “nudist on strike”? Strut your creative stuff and figure out other ways to take part in Halloween considerately.
Hope Owens-Wilson is a senior African American studies major from Jackson.
Every year on Oct. 31 there is a celebration of all things spiritual, sugary and creative. Starting as a holiday to ward off or remember the spirits of the dead, Halloween has now become an excuse for many to strut their stuff in costumes reflecting that year’s pop culture references, complicated puns and childhood fantasies. However, over the years, Halloween has become an excuse for some to commit most egregious crimes against people’s cultural, ethnic and gender identities and histories. In order to make this Halloween fun for everyone, I have taken it upon myself to gather some helpful tips for those out there who want to take part in the get-up get-down.
Do not be racist or do racist things: Some would think this is an obvious enough thing to not do, but recent reports of people dressing up as Trayvon Martin, “Disco Africa” parties and rants about “ghetto” trick-or-treating black children have proven otherwise.
No blackface (yellow face, etc.): Do not, under any circumstances, do blackface. For those of us who need a refresher, blackface is the act of darkening one’s skin (ranging from using bronzer to old school burnt cork and shoe polish) and taking on the “characteristics” (stereotypical) of a culture, race or ethnicity.
Once an acceptable form of entertainment and ridicule, this practice is now outdated and representative of America’s dark racial past and present. By doing this, one is not only being ignorant, one is also adding to the pain, racism and violence people of color and ethnic minorities face every day. Other iterations include yellowface, which is similar but is usually committed in relation to Asian and Asian American people. Rinse, wash, repeat. But seriously, do not be that person. Repeat Ad Infinitum.
No racially, culturally or ethnically insensitive costumes: I know many of us thought Pocahontas was cute thanks to Disney, but she may not be the best costume idea, especially if that idea includes a tomahawk. Additionally, do not wear prosthetics in an attempt to “become” another race (see: no blackface) and do not wear any costumes that mock or attempt to represent a tense aspect of other cultures. This applies to all those who wanted to be a geisha because of that one movie and anyone who thinks it’s funny to dress as Osama Bin Laden because “America.” Please and no, thank you.
Do not be sexist: In the words of Cady from Mean Girls: “in Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” Usage of the contested word “slut” aside, Cady has a point. Halloween is a time for some to let their freak flag fly and bring their idea of sexy back. However, just because someone wants to do so does not give anyone free reign to physically or verbally abuse or harass the aforementioned persons. Halloween should be one of the nights a year people can dress as their own definitions of sexy, intelligent and creative and no one can say anything about it (unless they do any of these “do nots”).
Do not be classist: The idea of being a “lil’ hobo” might be real appealing, but it’s also real classist. It is not funny to reduce a group of people that the United States continues to underserve and ignore to tattered clothing and smudged faces. Also, under this, is dressing as a “redneck.” I know in the South it has become customary for people to identify as “redneck” or go to “redneck” parties, however, it is important to note that this term has a varied history and was mostly used to denigrate the poor and non-traditionally educated.
Note: I know I have not covered all of the possibly insensitive costumes there are, but that is why there are the Internet and books. Educate yourself!
Do not be lazy. Be creative. I know it may seem as if I have put a damper on everyone’s Halloween celebrations, but I want to make it clear that Halloween should be fun for all those who wish to celebrate it, not just those who have privilege. I am not trying to limit one’s creativity; rather, I am trying to expand people’s awareness so that they can explore other, grander options. Why not be a “cereal killer” or a “nudist on strike”? Strut your creative stuff and figure out other ways to take part in Halloween considerately.
Hope Owens-Wilson is a senior African American studies major from Jackson.
