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Golden rule - Before you decide, ask yourself: “Is this idea problematic?” If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Even if you think your costume is harmless, it’s best to double-check that it doesn't fall into any of the following categories.

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Cultural appropriation -

Halloween has often been misused as an opportunity for cultural appropriation, with costumes featuring stereotypes and offensive depictions of various cultures. It's essential to remember that using someone else's culture is disrespectful, even if intended as a form of appreciation.

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What is cultural appropriation? -

It generally refers to the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of customs, practices, or ideas from one culture by members of a more dominant culture. In essence, cultural appropriation involves taking elements from a culture that is not your own.

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Why is it problematic? -

Dressing up as a member of a different ethnic or racial group can be deeply offensive and disrespectful. Their traditional clothing, customs, and practices hold rich cultural significance that is often overlooked or misunderstood by those who appropriate these elements for a superficial aesthetic.

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Why is it problematic? -

Unlike the temporary nature of a Halloween costume, marginalized groups face ongoing oppression and cannot simply remove their cultural identity at the end of the day.

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Avoiding cultural appropriation -

Remember that cultural appropriation can extend beyond clothing, accessories, and hairstyles. Impersonating accents or using slang associated with a particular culture can also be offensive and disrespectful. These elements are often deeply ingrained within a specific cultural identity and should not be treated as mere costumes.

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Admiration vs. appropriation -

While some people may justify cultural appropriation as a form of appreciation, experts and community members warn that there are more respectful ways to celebrate and admire different cultures.

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Admiration vs. appropriation -

Learning about their interests and needs is a way to show genuine appreciation and support. Shannon Speed, director of the American Indian Studies Center at UCLA and member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, said rather than dressing up, people should respect and engage with communities instead.

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Cultural clichés or stereotypes -

If dressing up as a member of a different culture can be a red flag, incorporating stereotypes or caricatures means your costume might be a no-go. Native American headdresses, sombreros, ponchos, kimonos, or grass skirts are often reduced to superficial representations, and blackface is never ok.

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Meaningful and sacred elements or figures -

Appropriating religious elements from another culture for a Halloween costume can also be deeply disrespectful and offensive to members of that faith. Avoid using items such as hijabs, Bibles, crosses, or dressing up as saints or deities. Similarly, impersonating facial marks or tribal tattoos that hold sacred meanings can be harmful and insensitive.

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Controversial historical figures -

History books may not always provide a complete picture, so it’s wise to do your research to understand the full context of their actions. Avoid dressing up as individuals who have engaged in harmful or offensive behavior, such as making fun of religions, cultures, or ethnicities, degrading women, starting war, or colonialism.

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People in challenging social-economical situations -

Facing homelessness or living in refugee camps are serious and complex issues that a Halloween costume is unlikely to capture. Poking fun at people who struggle with addiction or mental health issues is also not a good idea as people in these circumstances often carry complex and traumatic backstories.

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Cultural traditions -

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a significant Latin American celebration honoring the deceased. For those who practice this tradition, the two-day holiday and associated rituals, such as face painting, hold deep sentimental value. While Día de los Muertos may share some themes with Halloween, it is a distinct cultural celebration. Appropriating it for a night of partying can be disrespectful to those who hold it dear. 

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Victims and deceased figures - While Halloween has its roots in honoring the deceased, it's important to avoid mocking or recreating tragic events. Dressing up as a car crash victim or imitating the circumstances in which a celebrity has died can be deeply offensive and potentially triggering for those who have experienced similar trauma.

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Criminals -

While gangsters, mobsters, and serial killers might seem fit for a Halloween costume, as their often gory actions match the theme, dressing up as these figures can be controversial. Glorifying individuals who have committed heinous crimes, often targeting specific groups, can be insensitive and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

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Prisoners -

Dressing up as a prisoner can be offensive and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the incarcerated population. Prisons are complex environments often associated with crime, violence, abuse, and drug use. These topics are sensitive and should not be treated lightly. Additionally, portraying prisoners as criminals can contribute to racial and cultural stereotypes and disregard the experiences of individuals who may have been wrongfully convicted.

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Celebrities -

While celebrities often inspire trends and memorable quotes, it's important to consider the consequences of dressing up as a controversial figure. Avoid choosing celebrities who are minors, belong to a different gender or race, or have been involved in scandals related to abuse or violence. Additionally, dressing up as a deceased celebrity can be insensitive, especially if their death was tragic or recent.

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Disney and other animated characters -

To adults and children alike, Disney characters are not entirely fair game. Characters like Moana, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Mulan, and those featured in 'Coco' (2017) or 'Encanto' (2021) are deeply rooted in specific cultures and might be worth reconsidering.

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Disney and other animated characters -

Specialists advise that, even if it’s a child wearing the costume to celebrate a beloved character, there are still no-go’s such as changes to skin color, use of headpieces, specific hairstyles such as braids, and fake representations of culturally significant tattoos.

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Current affairs -

While you may want to show you are keeping up with the news, be careful with references to current harmful events, such as wars, or conflicts. Additionally, using physical characteristics, cultural garments, or accents to impersonate politicians or leaders from other nationalities can be offensive and perpetuate stereotypes.

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Visual gags and props -

Think carefully about including props that could be mistaken for real weapons, such as swords, knives, or guns. Other people and the authorities might mistake them for the real deal. Even the fake ones still pose a risk of injury, if sharp enough, and can trigger people who may have been involved in incidents with such weapons.

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Diseases and disabilities -

Even if you believe your costume is harmless, avoid references to diseases or disabilities. These topics can be sensitive and potentially hurtful, especially for those who are personally affected. 

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Body shaming -

Costumes that mock or exaggerate physical features, such as body weight, prosthetics, or distinctive characteristics, can be harmful and insensitive. These actions can contribute to body shaming and cause unnecessary discomfort for individuals who may already be self-conscious about their appearance.

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References to wars or traumatic events -

Dressing up as a victim of a catastrophe or a destructive world event can be seen as an attempt to mock victims and to downplay the impact of the event.

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Perpetuating misogyny -

The "sensual version" trope is outdated and can contribute to the objectification of women. Choosing costumes that demoralize professions, such as nurses and police officers, can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine women's achievements in fields like medicine.

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Adult spin on child characters -

Adult women dressing up as Dorothy from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ or Eleven from ‘Stranger Things’ in provocative clothing may be seen as just an attempt to adapt the character’s costume into a more adult, modern version, but when you stop and think that those characters are actually very young girls, it’s not hard to see why it's inappropriate. 

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What CAN you wear? -

It seems like a lot to take in, but there are still plenty of options to choose from! 

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Fictional and mythical characters -

Classic fictional and mythical characters such as witches, vampires, fairies, and werewolves can be a safe choice. Just remember to use common sense and check if the characters chosen are associated with specific cultures or stereotypes.

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Other safe bets? -

You can consider dressing up as animals, something food inspired, or sports-related characters. You can also choose athletes, musicians, or public figures, as long as you are not impersonating someone from a different heritage. 

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Still not sure? -

Ask friends or colleagues from diverse backgrounds for their input, especially if you’re still planning to make any reference to their culture. If possible, dedicate time to research the culture, figure, or event you want to reference.

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Treats may turn into tricks -

Avoid generic "costume-in-a-bag" options, as these often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and may not support the source culture.

Sources: (CNN) (Parents.com) (USA Today) (Child Safety Center) (Vogue) (Educational Service Center of Central Ohio)

See also: The best (and worst) celebrity Halloween costumes

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