Every Halloween, we know your family is probably thinking about what to dress up as this year. Unfortunately, many people inadvertently use this holiday to exploit or inappropriately represent another culture.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
In short, cultural appropriation is representing a culture that you aren’t affiliated with. Some examples would be to dress as another ethnicity or race than your own. Sometimes cultural representation seems less harmful. For example, you may not see the problem with wearing a sombrero or dressing as a Native American, but to those who are of that culture, it can be harmful. Even as recently as last Halloween, you may have noticed people getting put on administrative leave or having attention brought to them in the media due to wearing blackface. None of these examples are ok.
How can I avoid Cultural Appropriation this Halloween?
Some costumes are offensive just from their title. If there is something derogatory, it’s a safe bet that that is a costume to stay away from. Think clearly about the costume you are purchasing or creating in a historical context. Are you considering dressing as a person that has been the subject of conflict in the past? It’s best to avoid that. Basically, if you’re seeking to dress like a culture that you are not a part of, you shouldn’t.
Many have appreciation for another culture, and that is a great thing. However, Halloween isn’t a time to show that appreciation as you may offend someone who belongs to that cultural group. It is particularly important to reflect on this if you are a part of the adoption triad.
How can this affect children who are adopted?
If a child is of another race than their family, there are already unique dynamics at play. Remember that your Halloween costumes and those that others choose can affect your child and how they feel about others. My daughter is black and the first time she experienced a white person wearing an afro on Halloween, she was upset. Her hair was being mocked, even though the person wearing it didn’t feel that it was her intention, it was the perception of both my child and myself.
It is important to reflect on costumes before purchasing or creating them. Though you might admire someone of another race, there are other ways to share that including telling their story, sharing your favorite books and movies about them, etc. Halloween is not the time to appreciate a culture in this manner or you could be in danger of cultural appropriation.
Read more about my personal thoughts on this topic here.