Halloween is right around the corner and the fight for the quirkiest costume is on. At this time of year, what’s more fun than going to Goodwill and piecing your costume together? Probably nothing. And although many of you might think it is the one time of the year to throw on WHATEVER you want, you might want to think again.
“But it’s halloween, I can wear whatever I want.” Well, yes, by all means let your creativity run free, express yourself, and in the words of Kevin Gnapoor from Mean Girls “Don’t let the haters stop you from doing your thang.” But if there is one question you should ask yourself while choosing your costume, it should be: “Will this offend anyone?” If the answer is yes, don’t wear it. If you’re not sure, don’t wear it.
Pretty simple, right?
One of the ongoing issues every year as halloween rolls around, is cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is “the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of a different culture,” according to Wikipedia. The definition, in my opinion, is pretty straightforward.
So why do we still see this issue every halloween? I guess there are just many instances out there in which people don’t realize they are appropriating someone else’s culture: A hula girl, a Bollywood dancer, a sombrero and a poncho, a native american. Someone’s culture should not be your costume.
Appropriating someone’s culture is far different from appreciating it. While you get to wear the costume and take it off the same night, others wear it everyday. Not only that, traditional attire like those mentioned above have been in their culture for many years. It is something that these cultures cherish and embrace today, as a sign of respect towards their ancestors.
With that being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with loving and admiring someone else’s culture. Instead of appropriating their culture for one night, appreciate their culture every other day of the year.
Educate your self on the culture that you are fascinated with, try their authentic cuisine, visit the country in which the culture originated, but don't play dress up with someone else's culture.
This halloween, let us all try and avoid cultural appropriation. Trust me, there are so many costumes out there that will be sure to get the job done.
So remember, appreciate, don't appropriate.
