It's that time of year again! Crisp autumn air, apple cider and Halloween. As a college student, it can be really fun to relax, dress up in costume and have a good time. Some professors even give bonus points for coming in costume. However, as a responsible, well-informed college student it's on you to make sure that your costume is really a costume and not cultural appropriation. Here are three things to double check when dressing up:
1. Is the costume using cultural garb used by people today?
Hint: if the answer is yes just say no. For example wearing an Indian sari and bindi, which are used by women today as part of religious and cultural traditions, is "othering" those women. It's taking a part of someone's everyday or special occasion life and using it to create a personal fantasy for Halloween. It doesn't take long to check if a clothing article has sacred or traditional meaning, don't be that girl who says "I didn't realize!"
2. Are you portraying someone who is a different ethnicity than your own?
Uh-oh. That is a veeery thin line to try and walk. Using a stereotype, trying to be funny using preconceived notions of what a particular race or ethnicity is like is not OK. If you are portraying a particular person or character think hard about your costume. Are you being respectful to the person? Can it be done tastefully? Are you, in any way, attempting to change or shade your skin tone? If in doubt, go with something else.
SEE ALSO:The 10 Most Overrated Halloween Costumes College Girls ALWAYS Choose
3. Speak up
If you have a friend who doesn't seem to get it, pull them aside. Remind them that just because it's Halloween doesn't give people license to be ignorant or inconsiderate towards people.
There are so many ways to dress up and celebrate without perpetuating harmful behavior. Be a Care Bear, be a unicorn, be a taco but don't be THAT person.