As Halloween is quickly approaching, we’re all trying to find that perfect costume. Many of us likely remember this year’s top stories and controversial events in order to create a costume that is current and humorous.
Keeping it fresh is always good, as the typical princesses, super heroes and zombies are getting old. When looking for your hip costume, though, be sure to have good taste. A lot of controversy takes place in a year and although a top story could make for a great costume, think about how it might affect those around you before proudly sporting a costume that rubs some people the wrong way.
In 2015, there has been talk on the web about some costumes that might make some people rather uncomfortable, so stay away from these when you’re frantically ordering last-minute items from Amazon to throw together a costume.
Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner
Photo courtesy of gruntstyle.com
Jenner has been a hero to some this year. She has also gotten a lot of negative feedback in response to her dramatic change of gender. Some are choosing to dress as Bruce, Caitlyn, or a mix of both for Halloween. Gender identity is a sensitive topic, so to imitate a transvestite as a straight person can come off as offensive to those who look up to Jenner or those who face daily gender issues. Instead of mocking a celebrity in the LGBT community, try dressing as another celebrity to whom you look up who has a less sensitive backstory.
“Sexy” Kim Davis
Photo courtesy of gruntstyle.com
After the controversy with county clerk of Kentucky, Kim Davis, many are taking her conservative appearance and altering it to give it an inappropriate flare in order to make fun of a woman who stood up for what she believes. Sure, Davis isn’t the most agreeable of women these days and her scandal wasn’t quite okay, but still, by dressing as this is to defame a woman in our country. Dressing as Davis could also show political preferences that could make others uncomfortable in a social setting. An alternative would be to dress up as a positive world leader in an appropriate fashion.
ISIS
Photo courtesy of opposingviews.com
Yes, you read that correctly. Some see this terrorist group as funny and are dressing up as members of ISIS for Halloween. Honestly, making fun of a terrorist group, in my opinion, is terrifying. ISIS is a very sore and scary subject for everyone everywhere, so you might want to stay away from this one. You and your friends should try dressing as different groups, more positive and well-liked groups, like a music group or the cast of “Friends.”
Ray Rice
Photo courtesy of opposingviews.com
Apparently, a man who was found beating his girlfriend is now a symbol of hilarity to America. Men everywhere are sporting a Ray Rice jersey, paired with a woman with whom they pose as if he is hitting her. Real people in real life get abused everywhere. Imagine being an abuse victim and seeing two people making light of such a serious situation? It’s traumatizing and would make many uncomfortable. There was also an example of a young boy, maybe 5 years old, wearing a Rice jersey, carrying with him a dismantled baby doll, which is simply horrifying. Dressing as sports heroes is always a great and easy idea for Halloween, but stay away from players who have done wrong.
Baby Marijuana
Photo courtesy of gruntstyle.com
There is a costume out there made for babies that is simply a marijuana leaf. I don’t think I have to go into more detail as to why this is completely inappropriate and weird. Keep your kids as princesses and cute animals this year, guys.
Sexy Indians, Geishas, Black Face, Common White Girl, etc.
Photo courtesy of nativeappropriations.com
Every year, people dress as people in different races and religions, and no, they’re not doing it to be culturally aware. These costumes consistently strike controversy, and really, when will it stop? We have come so far in the equality game and petty instances such as these put us years in the past. If you dress up as one of these, or one of the many other examples, you are outwardly making fun of a group of people. How would you like if someone dressed as you and mocked you for the day? You wouldn’t. Stay away from dressing as another race or religion because it always makes the people who associate with that group strongly uncomfortable and offended. They’re just people, not anomalies to be put on display and paraded around.
This year, I advise you to dress up as anything but these. There are still fun ways to be trendy and current. For example, wear a Netflix shirt and have a friend dress as ice and be “Netflix and Chill.” Dress as your favorite celeb in their newest video, TV show, or movie. Or, keep it classic and go as a skeleton or a witch. No matter what you choose, really think about how what you are wearing might be viewed by others and make a conscious effort to be appropriate this year when Trick-Or-Treating.
