Is my Halloween costume honouring or appropriating another culture?
Halloween is a time for fun and frivolity (and heaps of candy!) so it's worth making sure that your costume isn't going to be insensitive or offensive. We're all friends, after all, so you don't want to make someone else night worse.
Halloween is a time when cultural appropriation runs rife. Read on for some practical information and excellent alternatives for your Halloween costume.
First, what is cultural appropriation?
Cultural appropriation is taking parts of a culture and wearing it for entertainment or fashion. Many cultures have a history of suffering and were - and still are in many parts of the world - ostracised for their appearance, cultural practices, hairstyles, and traditional dress. When we don’t acknowledge cultures who innovated such styles or traditions, wear them for ‘fun’ and ignore their struggles, we have landed in appropriation territory.
Blackface
This one shouldn’t require an explanation, but there are dozens of celebrities who have committed an offensive Halloween costume faux pas. Blackface dates back to the minstrel performers in the 1800s who impersonated black people’s dance, music and dress. It mocks black culture and ignores their race and class struggles that still exist today.
Native American
Native Americans have inhabited America for some 12,000 years. There are hundreds of different tribes with cultural practices, customs, clothing and languages. Much like Aboriginal Australians, European settlement was terrible news for the Native American people. The trauma from slavery, genocide and the separation of families is still felt today.
Instead of taking from Native American culture, dress up as your
favourite superhero instead. There are heaps to choose from and it's always fun when you see your nemesis at the party.
Mexican
It’s hard not to be allured by traditional Mexican dress. With all the popping colours and patterned fabrics worn during celebrations, festivals and ceremonies. While adopting mariachi, Dios de Las Muertos, and Mesoamerican culture may seem like a cool costume idea, to the people of Mexico, it’s disrespectful.
If you want a costume that celebrates music and colour, why not choose a 1960s hippie costume instead? We have
bright hippie costumes for women and
men.
If it’s not part of your culture, think twice before wearing it.
Don’t wear a costume that you don’t understand the history of.
Japanese Geisha
Geisha girls are hostesses and entertainers who are rigorously trained in art, music and dancing. While the elaborate kimonos, makeup and headpieces may be tempting to mimic, Geishas are a highly respected part of Japanese culture that has existed for hundreds of years. It’s not anyone’s to borrow, even for Halloween.
Try the
timelessness of The Great Gatsby instead. Bring some
frolicky and fringed 1920's flapper sass and bring feathered accessories to the party instead.
Dreadlocks, afros, and cornrows
African hair is often stigmatised. Wearing it as a costume is insensitive to the real struggles of people with African heritage. Dreadlocks, afros, and cornrows are often an expression of identity, community, or spiritual beliefs.
You can still
get wiggy with it as the shagadelic spy, Austin Powers. For women, how about a
luscious mane of auburn curls for a medieval warrior queen costume.
Find the perfect costume
These recommendations are meant to be helpful and not spoil anyone’s fun. There are
thousands of things you can dress up as for Halloween. Get creative, be respectful and have an awesome Halloween!
