With the start of Halloweekend, the pressure to have the perfect costume can feel overwhelming. It can also be hard to determine what costume will give the right impression.
Cultural appropriation has a long history in this country, and Halloween isn’t an excuse to do it. People have been called out for stepping out in costumes that paint specific groups of people in a negative light or reinforce stereotypes. Appropriation can be accidental, but it’s still hurtful. It’s always a good idea to check if your costume could rub anyone the wrong way.
So, how can you find a fun, low-effort costume and still be respectful of different cultures? Annenberg Media has your back. We created some do’s and don’ts for Halloween weekend 2022.
Don’t: Native American/Indigenous People
Dressing up as a tribal chief or Pocahontas is problematic. Historically, the media has created a spectacle image surrounding indigenous people and their culture, ranging from their traditional clothing to their practices. On top of the history of assimilation, forced relocation and genocide, dawning a headdress is not the right way to celebrate Halloweekend.
Don’t: Jeffrey Dahmer
The hit Netflix show “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” racked up 4.37 billion streaming minutes from October 20 to October 27, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Due to the increasing popularity of the Netflix series, people have decided to buy his signature glasses and imitate the serial killer for Halloween.
However, that is the problem: Jeffrey Dahmer was a convicted serial killer who specifically targeted men of color. Glorifying him and his actions is not the right approach to Halloween. This sentiment is spreading online, as eBay banned the selling of Dahmer costumes, citing violations of their guidelines.
Don’t: Gang member
One of the biggest examples of cultural appropriation stems from embodying the “thug” persona in a Halloween costume. The fascination around gang life is especially prominent in Los Angeles because of the city’s stereotypes surrounding South Central. Of course, this is still not an excuse to use stereotyped gang apparel as a costume, just ask former Bon Appetit Magazine chief editor Adam Rapoport. Most of this comes from unnecessary accessories like exaggerated jewelry, fake grills and tattoos that often include a teardrop. Attempting to be a gangster with a costume will garner looks but not the good kind.
Do: The Disney Princess
Disney Princesses are staples of Halloween and popular culture as a whole. With new additions in the last 15 years, the princess lineup is as diverse as ever and appeals to wider audiences. From Belle to Tiana, their costumes can vary in effort and turn out great regardless!
Do: Fictional Characters
Your Halloween costume should be a reflection of what you like, so picking your favorite character from your go-to binge show or movie is always a good choice. Because these characters are fictional, you can also add your own creative touch to their outfits, whether they’re the “good” guys or “bad” guys. There’s nothing wrong with being a villain for Halloween, but there is a difference when picking a fictional one.
Do: The Classics
Vampires. Ghosts. Witches. Frankenstein. You can’t go wrong with the Halloween costumes tried and tested for years. As broad categories, each costume leaves the door open for adding your own creative twist! Whether you’re Count Dracula or Edward from “Twilight,” these cult classics never go out of style.
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Halloween is meant to be a time celebrating everyone’s creativity and interests shared through each other’s costumes. You do not want to be that person who sours the mood with your costume, especially if it’s accidental. If you need to second guess your costume, you probably shouldn’t wear it.