Halloween PSA: These Costumes Need to Die a Slow & Painful Death
Actors characterized as skulls poses front a Trajinera on the occasion of celebrating the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead celebrations known in Latin America as Dia de Muertos. Photo by Aidee Martinez / Eyepix Group/Barcroft Media via Getty Images
Halloween should be a time for a little mischievousness, a lot of candy, and major creativity. However, October 31 has become a day when people dress up in offensive, culturally insensitive costumes. Despite the rise in “My Culture Is Not a Costume” campaigns, we continue to see disfraces that make fun of and appropriate different cultures.
So as we gear up for Halloween, here are six costumes that need to die a slow, painful death.
Customs & Border Protection agent costume
Dressing up as an agent for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for that matter – is offensive to undocumented communities. Both of these agencies have preyed and dehumanized undocumented folks, and wearing a costume like this shows a disregard for the abuses perpetrated by these two agencies.
A zarape, mustache, and a sombrero are a one-dimensional interpretation of Mexican culture.
The Wall costume
The Border Wall – and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in general – aims to strip people of their dignity.
Sexy Día de Muertos costumes
Día de Muertos – often incorrectly called Mexican Halloween – is a culturally significant holiday where people celebrate their late loved ones. You should definitely stay away from Día de Muertos costumes, especially if they are sexy.
Undocumented people are humans, and this costume is not acceptable.
Cholo/Chola costume
Cholo and cholas culture is very specific to mostly Mexican-American communities, so if you’re not a cholo/a, don’t dress up as one.
