By Katelyn Chang, Staff Writer
On October 31st, it’s normal to see countless numbers of fairies covered in glitter, Disney Princesses parading in ball gowns, Batmen seemingly blending into the night, and Zombies rising from the dead. But among them lie those dressed in Native American cultural dresses, Hawaiian hula dancer outfits, and more. This is where the real problem with Halloween and cultural appropriation lies — regardless of intentions (positive or negative), appropriative costumes still perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the continuation of the violence and aggression towards marginalized peoples.
Cultural appropriation still exists today because racism remains ingrained in our history and present society. It’s been built up through generations of oppression that has been aimed at marginalized communities by groups who think of themselves as superior. With the prevalence of identities and cultures being used as jokes, injustices like Indigenous people used as mascots, Headdresses being worn at festivals, and black and brown face persist.
But the reason why these costumes are specifically offensive is because they essentially dehumanize already marginalized groups of people. Specifically, in the case of Native Americans being used as a mere costume, as Henu Josephine Tarrant, a New York-based artist and performer of the Ho-Chunk, Hopi and Rappahannock tribes puts it, “It really is a reflection of how we look to non-Native Americans and what we are to them.”
“Cultural appropriation” is harmful because it perpetuates the constant cycle of stereotyping different groups of people. In order to truly understand the reason why these costumes are harmful in the first place, it’s necessary to highlight others’ struggles. When we do, we can spot the connection between culture, tradition, and identity and to what would seem like a “piece of clothing.” For many, their cultural clothing has been scrutinized and made fun of for years upon years. In fact, it’s common to ignore others’ feelings and excuse what they have historically been ridiculed for, by popularizing and making their cultural clothing suddenly accepted. Especially when this comes from someone who has never experienced the same, it is a stark example of privilege.
While you may be thinking that this entire concept of Halloween costumes being appropriated is outrageous and that it’s just a “joke,” it might be time to take a step back and think about the fact that it’s quite likely that you have never experienced the stereotyping or trivialization of your culture or have had your cultural clothing called “funny” or “disgusting.” You may view it as a “joke,” but it comes at the expense of others. Consider taking the time to ask yourself why marginalized groups of people continue to have to fight for their rights every single day, while those with privilege find it necessary to parade around in their cultural clothing and contribute to the spread of harmful stereotypes of their group of peoples.An active way that we can prevent cultural appropriation is highlighted through the Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group’s (LSPIRG) #iamnotacostume campaign. Their campaign outlines ways to correct your mistakes that you may or may not have made in the past revolving around cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes. These include remembering not to sit in guilt, moving past your mistakes, starting uncomfortable conversations, sympathizing with the groups that you have hurt or offended by making amends, and most importantly being open to learning and re-educating yourself. When we utilize these ideals, we can start to shift towards a more inclusive society and community for all.
