Recent discussion around Halloween has questioned the inclusivity of the holiday, and challenged us all to think more about our choices related to how we celebrate this season. Here are some additional things to keep in mind to avoid putting others in an uncomfortable position because of your lack of cultural competence this Halloween:
Racial stereotypes and cultural appropriation
Common costumes can celebrate racial stereotyping and cultural appropriation, and can be hurtful to others. Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group discusses common cultural appropriation and racism that underlie costumes that make: http://www.lspirg.org/costumes/
Gender stereotypes, unequal power relations & sexism
Halloween costumes can often replicate gender stereotypes and unequal power relations, and diminish women to sexualized roles (e.g. maid costumes, sex trade workers). The Huffington Post British Columbia published an article recently discussing the difference between costumes marketed to young children based on gender: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/raina-delisle/halloween-costumes-sexy-inappropriate_b_6006922.html
Ableism
Many Halloween costumes and decorations rely on stigmatized images of mental illness and disability, and perpetuate hurtful and dangerous myths. Costumes that rely on stereotypical portrayals of disability, connect disability with violence, or involve props such as straight-jackets, medication, or other disability-adjacent items further stigma around disability. In addition, Halloween attractions and decorations that portray mental and physical health treatments as terrifying ‘asylums’ add to the difficulty of discussing disability and mental health publicly. This video by Cuquis Robledo captures the conversation well: http://www.rootedinrights.org/video-does-your-halloween-costume-marginalize-people-with-disabilities/
(adapted from Sadie’s Place for Innovative Inclusion, shared by the Department of Residence Life, Housing and Dining Diversity Committee)