It's just about that time of the year again for the fun-filled parties, laughter, and the chance to show off your best impression of your costume idea. Halloween is celebrated by many families all over the world. All of the little children are dressed as mini-mechanics, lions, bunnies, flowers, mermaids, pumpkins, and ladybugs. So much opportunity for a variety that the animals are even participating in dressing up! But, the adults have taken it to a whole new level. There is nothing funny about disrespecting a culture because you wanted to "be funny", "look cool", or "go viral." Trust me, it is not worth potentially losing friends, being fired, or receiving hate comments.
Here are four costume ideas that you may want to avoid this Halloween:
1. Blackface/Whiteface
Totally unacceptable. You are old enough to know why. Also, if you would like to dress up as a celebrity or character that is obviously a different race than you, do so in a way that you don't have to paint your face to look like them. Make your outfit and "swag" match theirs! If it is good enough, people won't even ask who you are trying to be, they'll know. Unless you're body painting yourself Avatar, Mystique, Spiderman, Spongebob, the Gross Sisters, or a Mime, there should be no reason that you have to change your complexion with paint. I know you can be more creative that that !
2. Religious figures
Mother Teresa, The Pope, a nun, Buddha, nor Jesus goes out to parties to drink. Please do not disrespect religion. These people and others are very well-respected religious leaders. It does not make sense to turn their pure or holy reputation into a wild one driven by alcohol at a crazy party for one night. If you don't want to go viral and receive bashing comments because of it, then I would avoid it.
3. Cultural Stereotypes
Ahhh yes! Cultural appropriation and everything else. If you are not a part of that Indian tribe, Asian culture, African, or Muslim culture please do not "dress up" as if you are. Not even the accents are appropriate. These are cultures, not costumes.
4. Clowns
The current year is 2016, and if you are reading this article in any year beyond so then know that 2016 got clown crazy. Clowns are out here showing up at schools, scaring children, chasing people with weapons, and just scaring society at the moment. I am not talking about the friendly clowns with smiling makeup that showed up to your birthday party as a kid. The clowns that I am referring to are wearing scary makeup, and just stand in areas at night with the intent to frighten people. Its become so dangerous that clown sightings are being reported, and clowns are even being shot. If you love yourself, please do not be a clown this Halloween, its too soon.
Halloween is supposed to be fun, don't be a clown about it!
If you avoid those costume mistakes, you can still have a great Halloween celebration. No need to get disrespectful about it! Grab your superhero costume, that mystical costume, or that peanut butter and jelly costume you bought for you and the bae, and go enjoy yourselves. Don't forget to carve a pumpkin, or have some pie. Always remember to watch your surroundings, be careful, and always have someone else with you.
