Halloween is that magical time of year when kids—and adults—can transform into anyone or anything they desire. Whether your family enjoys superheroes, spooky themes, or silly costumes, there’s one thing to keep in mind: avoid culturally appropriative costumes. It’s not appropriate to mock or misrepresent another culture for your own amusement, even when reaching for those fun-size candy bars.
I’ve heard it many times: “Halloween is just for fun, so why should we worry about being politically correct? It’s just one day!” While I can understand the sentiment, we’ve evolved in our understanding of cultural appropriation since I was a child. Back then, it wasn’t something we discussed. I once dressed up as a Hawaiian girl with a grass skirt, blissfully unaware of the implications. However, just because something was acceptable in the past doesn’t mean it’s right today. We know better now, and I hope we can all agree on that.
Ultimately, a person’s intention—like wanting to collect candy—doesn’t negate the impact of their choices. If a costume has the potential to hurt someone, why would anyone choose to engage in cultural appropriation? Members of that culture live their heritage every day, and Halloween doesn’t grant a free pass to disrespect it.
Understanding Cultural Appropriation
Let’s clarify what cultural appropriation means. It refers to “the adoption, usually without acknowledgment, of cultural identity markers from subcultures or minority communities into mainstream culture by those with relative privilege.” Essentially, it occurs when someone takes aspects of another culture for their own entertainment, often without understanding or respect.
A clear example is when a non-Black person wears cornrows, a hairstyle deeply rooted in Black culture, and receives praise for it, while Black individuals face discrimination for the same style. This is appropriation, as it’s taking something significant from another culture and using it for personal gain, often for attention.
On Halloween, allowing a child to dress as a Native American with a headdress and tomahawk is another form of cultural appropriation. Remember, a culture is not a costume. And let’s be clear: blackface or brownface is absolutely unacceptable. There’s no justification for it in 2021.
Teaching Cultural Sensitivity
Recognizing cultural appropriation is more than just avoiding certain costumes. For instance, Disney recently removed their Maui costume from Moana after it faced backlash for cultural appropriation. It’s fantastic to say no to inappropriate costumes, but it’s equally important to explain to children why they shouldn’t engage in cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation is prevalent on social media and in everyday life. I want my children to learn real history and appreciate other cultures. We must differentiate between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. One exploits, while the other seeks to understand and respect.
There are also costumes that might be in poor taste but don’t fall under cultural appropriation. We must exercise good judgment when helping our kids choose their outfits. For example, dressing up as a doctor is fine, but using a COVID-related costume is not appropriate given the gravity of the pandemic.
We can allow our kids to enjoy Halloween without crossing lines into cultural insensitivity. It’s our duty to raise them to be conscious of their actions and their effects on others. There are countless costume options that don’t perpetuate stereotypes or harm anyone—whether you purchase or create them.
If your child expresses a desire to wear a sombrero or hijab for Halloween, don’t just say no. Take the opportunity to discuss why it’s inappropriate. Similarly, a person’s disability, religion, or gender should never be treated as a costume.
If your child insists on a costume that feels wrong, trust your instincts and say no, while guiding them towards more suitable choices. It’s essential to educate them on cultural appropriation and why it should be avoided, not just on Halloween, but every day.
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Summary
Halloween should be a time of fun, but it also presents a vital opportunity to teach children about cultural appropriation. Parents must guide their kids in choosing costumes that respect cultural identities and avoid harmful stereotypes. By fostering awareness and appreciation, we can help our children navigate the complexities of cultural sensitivity while enjoying the holiday.
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