The leaves are starting to change color (unless you live in Florida, like me), the need for excessive pumpkin everything–– lattes, candles, even toothpaste, and spooky specials playing in the background of your home; It can only mean one thing –– it's almost Halloween! The time of year again where people dress up in costumes and have a grand ole time.

Now of course, every Halloween there are a few people out there that need to be reminded of the importance of not culturally appropriating one's culture.

Now by definition, cultural appropriation is defined as "a term used to describe the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another." [1] Whether it's unintentional or you just don't care, we need to be mindful and remember that your last-minute Halloween costume you picked up at a pop-up shop or made from scratch may not be the ideal choice this year.

There are the obvious don'ts that have occurred like bindis on foreheads aren't for creative purposes of a costume but rather a symbolism for marriage; Also symbolized as a third eye to ward off evil in certain religions or another one is wearing a feathered headdress around which is a mockery of Native Americans for feathered headdress are an honor to wear and aren't given to anyone lightly.

These headdresses are passed down from generation to generation of indigenous tribes as one of the highest forms of respect in ceremonial occasions which dated back to the beginning of times.

Plus let's not get started on black face or yellow face because it's as simple as: You. Should. Not. Do. It. Personally, I feel that the list of what is deemed to be culturally appropriate seems to continuously go on because every year we forget about this unspoken rule and costume companies and major businesses continue to produce these costumes that are culturally insensitive.

Now some might argue that some people they know from these cultures aren't offended by these costumes. One person doesn't defy the statistical facts that the vast majority of that culture are fed up with others making a mockery of their culture. I am an Asian-American who avidly celebrates Halloween, it's my favorite Holiday ever and I love everything about it.

What I don't love about Halloween are the racially insensitive Asian Halloween costume. For some odd reason there's this stigma of Asian women being fetishized and I am NOT here for it. Your "Sexy Asian Dragon Lady" costume that's just a cut up, skimpy outfit of a Qipao, something I wear during Chinese New Year as a tradition with my family.

Yeah, that doesn't cut it for me –– ever. I'm a firm believer that if another person saw their culture being misinterpreted or made a mockery of by a cheap costume that they wouldn't stand for it either.

This Halloween, remember to be a little bit more mindful and do a little research on the costume if it may depict something that may be appropriating one's culture or may even seem racially insensitive; doing as little as that can go a long way. Halloween is meant to be spooky and fun for everyone, just remember: my culture is not your costume. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween this year!