Halloween is the perfect time for you to dress up and be something you have always wanted to be. Although it is 2016 and the world is always adapting to new things, costumes still seem to be a huge problem. What's too far, when it comes to a DIY costume or a store bought costume? When you think about what you want to be for Halloween, how exactly do you go about deciding? There are a dozen or more genres of costume themes to decide from but the big question is, "Will my costume offend anyone?". So, I have interviewed a few students here on campus about cultural and religious costumes, here's what they have to say about it.
"Personally I find the sexy nun costumes very offensive because I've gone to Catholic school my entire life pre-k 4 through the 12th grade and would consider myself as a religious person. I think because I've personally known nuns and have been taught by them in a classroom setting I find it disrespectful when nun costumes are sexualized."
- Student, 20
"As far as cultural problems regarding costumes it never really dawned on me as a problem until recently. Personally, I've always wanted dress as Pocahontas or what the stores refer to as a "sexy native Indian" for Halloween. However, I've grown to realize it just isn't right. I'm still somewhat "clueless" to Native American history but from several lectures, discussions... I see why they find sexy costumes based on their culture frustrating."
- Student, 20
As you can see above, people feel very different about the idea of cultural and religious costumes. There has actually been a lot in the news about student at universities wearing offensive costumes for not only cultures, but political leaders as well. With election day right around the corner and uncertainty amongst young voters, Halloween can bring out the best and worse in people when it comes to deciding what costumes to choose.
I asked another student how they felt about Halloween and how conscious you should be when picking out costumes?
"No matter what costume you decide to choose, someone will still be offended regardless. Not only is it cultural and religious costumes that infuriate people but also career costumes as well. When asked how I felt about 'sexy police/firefighters' I can argue that there is nothing sexy about risking your life. But that's just one side of an argument, other people may admire the profession so there's no better time than Halloween to dress as the profession of your dreams. Halloween costumes are a win loose situation."
- Anonymous
After learning about issues centered around Halloween costumes I can certainly say I am a lot more conscious of picking out a costume, but I do keep in mind that it is a holiday to be something you've always desired. Just think twice before you put on a costume, but most importantly have fun being something other than yourself for one night out of the entire year!
