The “Me Too” movement has taken over social media, bringing to light the magnitude of sexual harassment and provoking a wide spread conversation regarding personal experiences.
A common thread is: women are not objects. Plain and simple right? Wrong. When a certain amount of cleavage or skin is shown, men have a preconception that women want the cat calls, ass slaps and worse—sex.
In this day and age, it should be clearer than ever before: women are not toys to be taken or tooled with. But unfortunately, this is a change in mindset that will not happen overnight, no matter how many people post, “#metoo.” Women are not “things," except the one weekend of the year they can choose to be if they so wish. It is Halloweekend.
Halloweekend is the weekend closest to Halloween that includes endless parties. A different costume is needed for each event attended. Sexy cats, scandalous police officers, and flirtatious mermaids swarm every frat house and bar alike.
It’s a weekend where anyone can be anything they want to be. For college students especially, it has become a societal norm the Halloween industry continuously feeds. Walk into any Halloween costume store and you are sure to find more provocative outfits than conservative.
And as each year passes it seems an article of clothing goes along with it. It is important for women to always wear what they want, without worrying about harassment. Unfortunately, the society we live in prohibits complete liberation. It is so necessary to be cautious and on the lookout for yourself, friends and even strangers this Halloweekend.
As seen by the magnitude of “me too” posts, sexual harassment can happen to anyone, it is, and it will continue to. Until it is completely eliminated, we cannot be naive and let our guards down.
So dress up as you wish this season, but do not forget the prevalent dangers our society is currently facing. These costumes can’t mask the reality we are living. Have fun, be safe, and remember Halloween is spooky enough without the dehumanization of a female body.