Each Halloween, inevitably, there’s the kid trick-or-treating in a Halloween costume that falls under cultural appropriation. Not everyone notices, of course, but some definitely do.
Here’s the deal. It’s never, ever OK to let your child take on someone’s culture as their Halloween costume.
You might be wondering what cultural appropriation is
You’ve heard of it, but what does it really mean? Cultural appropriation is taking on someone else’s culture and benefiting from it in some way. This might mean getting attention or even profit.
Cultural appropriation isn’t the same as cultural appreciation. You can admire or even partake in another culture — with permission or invitation — without taking advantage of that culture.
An example of cultural appreciation would be attending an event hosted by a particular culture. Another example would be consuming foods that are particular to a culture, listening to music, or looking at their art.
In addition, you might learn another language, which would be functional in some settings
Cultural appropriation becomes glaringly obvious at Halloween when children, who are not American Indian, run around in “Indian warrior princess” costumes, for example. These costumes are purchased cheaply (not purchased handmade from the culture of origin) and costumes that stereotype that particular group. Yes, a triple no-no.
Another example of cultural appropriation is when someone decides to wear blackface. This is the ultimate Halloween (or anytime) no-no. When someone who is not Black decides to (literally) paint their face, it’s a throwback to when white actors were paid to depict Black people in films.
It’s not OK to take something that belongs to someone else’s culture, like cornrows, and wear it as a costume.
I know some parents may wonder what the big deal is
Halloween is a fun event full of pretending, candy, and “tricks.” The answer is yes; Halloween is all of those things. And it can be without stealing from another culture and then making excuses for doing so.
I understand that for some parents, it’s puzzling to adapt to change. When I was a kid, my sister and I dressed in Hawaiian dancer costumes for Halloween one year. My aunt and uncle had brought us grass skirts and shell necklaces from their trip.
But in 2022, we realize that as white girls, we shouldn’t take on someone else’s culture as a Halloween costume — even if it’s “just for fun.”
Here's the deal
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween, including choosing a non-offensive costume. Parents are responsible for teaching their children what cultural appropriation is and why it’s important to respect other cultures by not choosing costumes that mock (and also usually stereotype) those cultures.
It’s also important to help kids understand cultural appreciation. The latter is fine — beautiful even.
Parents are the ones with the dollars
It’s up to us to guide our kids into making good costume choices. If your child has their heart set on a costume that will appropriate a culture, you can steer them in another direction while also educating them on why they can’t use Halloween fun as an excuse.
When shopping for costumes this year, you may doubt whether a costume is appropriate or not. Before buying, take a moment to ask yourself if the costume is trying to “borrow” from another culture.
If you still aren't sure, I suggest you simply pass on that costume and move on
By doing so, you’re teaching your children to respect cultures that are different from theirs and not to take what isn’t theirs.
