The definition of Cultural Appropriation according to the Oxford Dictionary is as follows, “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society."
This term is thrown about every year during Halloween time on social media and by universities. For the most part, it is wise to remind people that not all costumes are “okay,” and some are indeed offensive. However, I do believe many costumes that are deemed offensive today are not offensive at all. I personally believe that the intent behind the costume and why that person wants to dress up is what really matters.
The definition mentions that Cultural Appropriation is the “unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc.” keywords being “unacknowledged” and “inappropriate.” If a child would like to dress up as someone from a different culture I see absolutely no wrongdoing with them doing so.
I see it as that person has interest in that specific culture and they want to appreciate it by becoming that someone for Halloween. I think it is even more important if it is a child. This allows the parents to teach their child about that culture and what makes it unique and important. Using a costume to teach a child about a culture is in no way “inappropriate.” In fact, I find it as a great way to spread different cultures across different nations. I believe different cultures are meant to be spread about and Halloween is one way of doing so.
As I mentioned above, I do think some costumes can be offensive, the main reason being the persons motive. If you represent someone from a different culture to mock them or purposely alter the costume to become a butt of a joke, then I do believe that is wrong. Doing so is an “inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas” of a culture. Therefore, if you are going to dress up, make sure you do it well.
To address the second part of the definition that Cultural Appropriation is mostly exemplified by a “more dominant people or society” I’d have to say that anyone can dress up and be potentially offensive.
For example, just because I am a part of a more dominant group of people, my race is one indicator, and I want to dress up as a Geisha, that does not make me an offender of Cultural Appropriation. If I do my research to accurately portray the women of that culture and do it respectfully I see no problem.
My main argument is this. What people want to be for Halloween shows more about what they are interested in than trying to be offensive. I think those who respectfully dress up as someone from a different culture have every right to do so.
The same goes for those dressing offensively, they have the right to be called out on. The purpose of Halloween is to be able to dress up as someone else, not constantly worry if their costume could be potentially offensive to someone. We should be allowed to embrace other cultures, that’s what makes us so diverse in the first place.
