This Halloween, you won't see any witches, vampires, or even superheroes. You may see some clowns, but that's for another article. All of these classical costumes are gone. What you will see is this:
That's right; Halloween has gone post-modern. As I said before, classic Halloween costumes are basically ornate. Now, in its place, something that has gradually shifted over time but is now bigger-than-ever, is the implementation of topical, viral sensations into Halloween costumes. We're talking about the memes that have broken through into something that can be recognized be everyone, as popular in general--or definitely that time--as much as classic characters that are often costume-ized.
I think the three pictures above do these memes justice. Although one can argue, the three most popular apolitical memes of the year are Pokemon Go, Harambe, and Ken Bone. Pokemon Go, a game based off a game that has done well for twenty years, has managed to die out in less than six months. Harambe has already died out (no pun intended), and Ken Bone will be sure to do so to after the election; you can already feel his power slipping away.
So, sure enough, you'll be sure to see costumes like these at your Halloween frat parties--unless everyone is dressing up as Tom Cruise in Risky Business, but, you know; sex sells. Anyway, these topical costumes are the new thing, but why are they the thing in 2016? Why the change? I have a few theories:
Cost-effective
Since these costumes are so in-the-moment, costume stores almost can never keep up. And, in post-great recession America, people can save on whatever they can. A costume of witch might require you to go to a store, but you can find a red sweater and glasses at your grandparents' house for free.
Social Media Culture
This might take a little explaining. Social media, above all, is a way for people to perform for other people. Say something witty or post something sexy, and, hopefully, you will be rewarded with likes. It's the perfect drug for the narcissistic Millennials, also known as "Generation Me" if you've taken Expos at Rutgers. Bottom line: social media has made it socially acceptable for people to perform and impress for their benefit.
Likewise, people are now trying to impress for Halloween. Simply wearing a vampire or zombie costume isn't enough. It can go unnoticed. Halloween costumes are no longer a way to go to parties dressed as something festive; it's become an identity. "What are you wearing this year?" Everyone is trying to outdo each other and come up with the wittiest, most viral Halloween costume. It's become a race, performance, whatever you want to call it.
Meme Culture
Going off of social media culture, memes have become a part of society on its own. Some things are viral for six weeks stretches: animals, people, even games like Pokemon Go. With our ever-decreasing attention spans (who needs books, anyway?), we only see something for a short time, and, with the scale shrunk, the scope intensifies. The flame is that much brighter because it's going to go out sooner. Therefore, short-term memes are more popular--even recognizable--than some timeless figures, and that advantage shows in the costumes done.
A brief word on clowns
Clowns have popped up oftentimes this month, but why has no one questioned them for people who have dressed up early for Halloween? Obviously this is a "Project Mayhem"-esque tool to instill fear, but isn't it ironic that clowns have become the antithesis to Halloween. I mean, clowns have been banned across America for Halloween. And still, according to a study, Clown costume sales have gone up 300% this year. Now we're getting so post-modern it's post-post-modernism; the same timeless costumes are coming back around to become memes.
So as you go out on Halloween this year, I hope that you don't go as a basket of deplorables. Halloween is about spending time together; it's not about your self-image. Go as something classic. Not only will it pay off in the long-run, but it is now certifiably ironic.
