Halloween DON’TS Costume Edition

Is your costume safe?

Anna Beck, Managing Editor, Reflector

Halloween is just around the corner, and it is time for everyone to be finalizing their costumes or last-minute scrambling for something to wear. Here are some things you should steer clear of:

Anything Involving Blackface

This should not have to be said, but unfortunately we live in a world where people still think this is okay. It is 2022, let’s leave racism behind.

Anything Involving Cultural Appropriation

In the same sense that Blackface is wrong, so is appropriating someone’s culture. Leave the Native headdresses, sombreros, and anything else that is not your culture out of this.

Anything That Sexualizes Children

Do I really need to explain this one? Pedophilia is not a costume.

Anything That Is Transphobic

You can have your own beliefs and opinions on gender and identity, but when you’re going out to a public Halloween party, avoid things that are going to purposefully trigger others. 

Anything Dealing With Mental Illnesses

Anxiety, depression, anorexia, bulimia, etc, are not a joke. Don’t turn it into a costume. 

Good Rule of Thumb: If you have to question whether it will offend someone, best just to pick something else.