![]() ![]() ![]() If your answer is no, remember that you can’t just borrow someone else’s culture or race for a day. What is your intent by wearing that costume? to have a good time? to be funny? sexy?Īnd if so, at whose expense? 2. Question why you are choosing to dress up as another culture, ethnicity, or race. Because I assure you that manufacturers make it very clear: Is Your Costume Racially, Ethnically, or Culturally Based?Īnd if you’re thinking “I don’t see race,” then consider yourself a very privileged individual who has never had the misfortune of experiencing or witnessing acts of racism.Īnd if you still “ don’t see race,” just read the names of the costumes that you are considering purchasing. The question is: What about these groups of people makes them exotic or humorous?īut our society equates Whiteness with normalcy, and therefore everyone outside of that category is foreign, weird, or joke-worthy – perfect for a costume.Īnd since manufacturers don’t put much thought into how offensive costumes can be, this year let’s try asking ourselves some thought provoking questions before purchasing or making our costumes to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and racist attitudes. Just check out which categories these costumes are listed under on costume sites: Funny and Sexy. Many racially, ethnically, and culturally based costumes are intended to be one of two things – humorous or erotic. Racism is deeply ingrained into our history.Īnd “pointing out racism is not a witch hunt or an attempt to make you feel bad.” It’s done to better our society and ourselves. Why would they?īut if you’re anything like how I used to be, I have some news for you. Well, it’s simple: Because these implications don’t affect me.Īnd it never occurred to me that an establishment would openly sell racist (or otherwise offensive) costumes. Why would I ever have thought about the implications that my costume would have on Native American or Asian women? Why would I think that deeply about the implications of a costume? I picked these costumes out because-well-I thought I’d look hot in them, and isn’t that what Halloween is all about for us ladies? (Sigh. That is: Even if you don’t think you’re vehemently racist, you can still perpetuate racism.įor example, in the past, I was a “Sexy Indian Girl” and a Geisha. If you’re anything like me, then you go to your nearest Halloween store and innocently pick out a costume, never with the foul intention of hurting anyone.īut regardless of whether your costume selection was done with innocent intentions or not, your costume can still perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas, which then welcomes more aggressive racist attitudes. Unfortunately, sometimes the “fun” comes at the expense of others, and the scariest thing is how rampant racism is on Halloween.īefore you give me an eye roll and say, “Relax, it’s just a joke,” listen up. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using hashtag #FigureOutYourLifePod and follow the podcast on Instagram.Halloween is a holiday about glorifying all things spooky and scary, a day to dress up in a costume for the sake of having fun. Sign up with my code and get $20 towards your savings goals: Since I started using the app, I have easily saved over $7000. Why Blackface Isn’t OK to Wear on Halloween (Or Ever)Ĭultural Appropriation at Halloween: My Culture Is Not a CostumeĬlick here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):ĭo you want $20 to start your savings journey? Get started with Qapital. Seven Racist costumes to avoid this Halloween This Hampshire Halloween checklist: Is Your Costume Racist?ĭon’t Mess Up When You Dress Up: Cultural Appropriation and Costumesīut Why Can't I wear a Hipster Headdress? What is Cultural Appropriation Exactly, and How Do I Avoid It? To get your free audiobook, go to: Ĭhola style-the latest cultural appropriation fashion crime? Listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, or StitcherĪudible is offering Figure Out Your Life with Toya T listeners a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service. ![]() I also share my list of “commonly-worn, yet culturally offensive” Halloween costumes to avoid and a checklist to help determine whether or not your costume is racist. In this bonus episode of Figure Out Your Life podcast, I discuss cultural appropriation and Halloween, and explain why dressing up as “another culture” is racist and an act of privilege that everyone, including people of color, must recognize and consciously avoid perpetuating. And, if you are not sure what to wear, I created a special episode to help you celebrate the holiday without being culturally offensive (or straight-up racist). ![]()
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