With Halloween coming up we wanted to take some time to talk about the campaign “My Culture is not a Costume”. This campaign starts the conversation surrounding Halloween costumes, and what is cultural appreciation versus appropriation. A good rule of thumb is if it is pulling from stereotypes of a group or identity, just don’t do it. Each culture has a rich history, and have often been limited in their ability to practice aspects of their culture. For example, Native Hawaiian individuals were suppressed from practicing their traditional dances. There are entire generations that are just now reconnecting with this element of their culture that was taken from them. Gabrielle T. Langkilde said it beautifully in her article on cultural appropriation at Halloween, “You are minimizing our cultures, our heritages, and our histories as nothing more than just a fun mask – one that you can put on and take off when it is convenient for you.” The continued thread is the idea that we shouldn’t take parts of someone’s history, tradition, etc. This is because those outside of these cultures aren’t acknowledging or experiencing the backlash that those in these communities encounter when celebrating their culture. We want you to have a fun Halloween, but be respectful and intentional in your costume choice.

As many people have been saying this pandemic is not the only thing killing America, racism is too. Racism is systemic, it is the leading cause of division within our nation and it is a problem we all can work to fix. Recently our justice system has failed to do its part in supporting black and brown people. Breonna Taylor was killed in her home located in Louisville, Kentucky. Police officers Brett Hankinson, Myles Cosgrove and Jonathan Mattingly were involved in the shooting and none of them were convicted of murder. In Wauwatosa , Wisconsin 17-year-old Alvin Cole was shot and killed by Police officer Joseph Mensah at Mayfair mall. Officer Mensah was not charged with the murder of Alvin Cole. Being a black person in America is waking up to see another black man or woman killed without explanation. Missouri State University ‘s student population consists of 4% of black students, everyday these students have to face the reality of being black in America. That is why Black mental health is very important, we must fix the stigma around therapy and provide safe spaces for our students. One of the ways we can continue to advocate for our students is by checking in, asking “how are you?”  or “ How can I support you?”. Provide students with representation in their classes and residence halls, making bulletin boards about BLM, providing texts in classes that are written by black authors.  Also recognizing that our language is impactful, the words we say can leave a lasting mark on someone.  Let’s leave marks of hope instead of pain and bring equality onto our campus. This means immersing yourself in uncomfortable situations, to initiate inclusivity.

On October 11^th we celebrate National Coming Out Day, it started as a way to remember the 1987 march on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This march was aimed at outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation. More specifically, they focused on protections for LGBTQ+ people in the military, federal positions, and parental rights. Until recently, many of their demands remained unfulfilled. Military protections have been an evolving topic with “don’t ask, don’t tell” being repealed in 2010, but the ability for transgender individuals to serve in the military is being challenged in 2020.  It was not until this year that protections for LGBT people in the workplace were passed federally. This day is also meant to empower and celebrate everyone who has come-out. They note that by coming-out and celebrating who you are helps put a person to these identities. We encourage you to further your knowledge through some of the amazing programs being hosted this month.