Is Your Child’s Halloween Costume an Example of Cultural Appropriation? – By Susan Bartell (usnews.com) / Oct 26 2017
Several parents have asked me why cultural appropriation has become such a big deal when it comes to choosing Halloween costumes. After all, if a child loves a certain character or person, why shouldn’t they be able to embrace this for Halloween? In most cases, parents and children don’t fully understand the true meaning of cultural appropriation, and the ways it is different than simply dressing up for Halloween or any other occasion.
It’s not too late to become educated on this important concept and teach it to your child. In fact, if a deepened understanding of cultural appropriation motivates you to buy or create another costume, go for it! This powerful message of respect for other cultures and people will last a lot longer than the costume that your child has already chosen.
Unlike simply dressing up, cultural appropriation occurs when one wears or uses culturally significant aspects of another culture, without respect or reverence for what this might mean to the culture from which it has been “appropriated” or taken. It is notable that in most cases, cultural appropriation occurs when a historically powerful culture (or person from that culture) takes and uses an aspect of a less powerful culture and does so for insignificant reasons (such as a Halloween costume or fashion statement).
Intent is not necessarily a factor when it comes to cultural appropriation. For example, a parent may not intend to disrespect the Hawaiian culture when purchasing a tattooed bodysuit costume for a child who wants to look like the character Maui from Disney’s movie Moana (Disney has withdrawn the costume from stores). But, unless one’s family is part of the culture and understands the deep cultural and historical significance of such a costume, it can be considered disrespectful. This can be true for all costumes, clothing and other aspects of cultural importance such as kimonos, Indian headdresses, henna tattoos and even, in some cases, foods. The onus is on each person to understand whether their actions are respectful of the culture from which they are benefiting.
The concept of cultural appropriation can feel like a slippery slope to many people. After all, the United States has always been a melting pot – our strength built entirely on the idea that cultures should blend together, learn from one another and become stronger as a nation in doing so. How does this square with the idea that cultural appropriation is negative and most importantly, what do we tell our kids this Halloween and beyond?
The most important message to communicate to kids is that respect for the feelings of another person or culture always ranks above what we want to do just because it’s fun. Always ask yourself the following question (and teach your child to do the same): “What do I know about the meaning of this costume (or any other culturally significant attribution)?” If you find that you don’t know much, do some research before utilizing it for yourself or your child. For instance, perhaps you will find that a particular style or color of clothing is only meant for funerals or weddings or meant to be worn by a particular person in the culture. It’s also possible to discover that a hairstyle, decoration or outfit represents oppression or a tragic time in that culture’s history – not the makings of a Halloween costume, for sure.
It is important to never assume knowledge or to trivialize another culture’s meaningful symbols. The more we learn and teach, the greater our understanding of each other’s cultures.
So this Halloween, open a meaningful discussion with your child about the value of understanding and respecting every person’s heritage. Use this opportunity to talk about the ways in which we are all different and how difference is to be heralded and not rejected.
Halloween is a time of hiding our true selves under layers of makeup and costumes. I propose that despite this tradition, it’s our mandate as parents to teach every child that the person underneath the costume must be elevated and treated with the greatest of respect.
