What makes a Halloween costume offensive?
Halloween is one of the most entertaining holidays purposefully decorated with arty and humorous scary things. Nevertheless, certain Halloween costumes can be offensive or thrust the wrong stereotypes through misappropriation. Here are some things to consider when selecting or making a Halloween costume:
Racist Costumes
To parade in traditional or sacred clothing of other culture as a kind of mask is definitely regarded as a disrespectful gesture making light of the deep, sacred meaning of a distinctive costume. For instance, the items such as Native American headdresses, geisha dress or Mexican poncho and sombrero can be worn for fun or joke purposes instead of true reflect of culture.
Perpetuating Stereotypes
Clothes which remain with exaggerated ideas about race, gender, or culture, offend people. By this, one should refer to such examples as "Indian chief" or "Mexican bandit" costumes that are nothing but mockery and misleading stereotypes related to an entire nation. Consequently, it's would be better to focus on other cultures as tangible characters.
Blackface or Redface
The example of black face can serve as a tool for some to paint their faces black, brown or red in order to resemble the looks of people of another race who are targeted. This example is a profoundly offensive practice as it reflects the racist past of the black face. This is correct irrespective of whether it is intended or not and it endorses the position of other racial and cultural groups lowly.
Sexualized Costumes
Hypersexual costumes that are most commonly worn by women as well as making the women exposed to danger or there being underlying disrespect towards them. Enlighten your mind on whether the costume really has to be so revealing or suggestive.
Mocking Marginalized Groups
Mistrusting or satirizing those with disabilities, economic disfavors, or the population of the oppressed by lesser means only pushes fun down the ladder. Rather than to use the vulnerable groups just becoming a source of entertainment without any sensitivity, it is preferable to present them in a better sort of way.
However, what may seem like a simple choice on your part, could at times mock other people, since you might be just blind to the cultural differences or shared historical context. Instead of going to the extent of dressing up in things that are so sacred, let us be selective in what we call symbolic costumes that we wear and pay greater respect towards the cultural symbolism of others. This will give folks more reasons to smile and enjoy the festival.