What're you being for Halloween?

Sep 27, 2014

Erin L.

My gf is going to be a cowboy I think they both fit with each other

Sep 27, 2014

Emily W.

@Brittany yes, we're using the colloquialism "Indian" to refer to any member of a tribe or group indigenous to the Americas. I'm not a fan of the word (I prefer to identify people by their particular association whenever possible, because there are differences).

I would definitely say something like Pocahontas instead of Indian, but it is still incredibly insensitive. I don't dress up in a kimono and say I'm going as a Jap for Halloween, because it is just plain offensive. Same principle.

I get really defensive because I see sacred cultural symbolism being desecrated and perverted for the sake of ignorant costumes. It is disgusting and really needs to stop, but very few people are actually taking a stand against it. I'm not talking about just Native Americans either. I see Bavarian dirndl being transformed into "sexy beer maid" outfits, and traditional Polynesian outfits turned "hula honey". It's a mockery of an entire culture.

Sep 27, 2014

Erin L.

I think Halloween is a time to be whomever you want to be and have fun if that's the case mostly all costumes are offensive

Sep 27, 2014

Erin L.

But I've seen some of you ladies create "Arabic looks" 😑

Sep 27, 2014

Erin L.

I love that Lauren! And thanks

Sep 27, 2014

Ari M.

The fact that people think that you can just dress up as another race or ethnicity, especially those who are marginalized, is highly insulting. At the end of the day, you can take off your costume and will not have to face the injustice they do. And it's also treating their image as a costume is highly dehumanizing.

@Erin personally, I find callin those looks as really annoying considering how they're just bright eye make up usually. It's nearly in the same vein and there's a dissonance with people about this. However, dressing as a Native American is worse in this case cause it will most likely rely on stereotypes. God forbid it ends up into a sexy NA outfit considering the high amount of sexual assault NA women face.

Sep 27, 2014

Allison W.

I thought the question was What are you being for Halloween, not lets all attack Erin for the costume shes being. Halloween is about being whatever you want for a day or night or whatever. She can be what she wants, mind your own. Nothing offensive was meant by it, its being looked into too deeply. It would be like me saying the first costume is offensive, why would she be the red M&M? Why not a yellow one? Or criticizing someone who is a witch but paints themself green, or any typical witch costume. "witches" looked like the every day person, not the wart ridden creatures they are depicted as. I think we should stay on the point of the thread, just say what YOU are being, don't judge others.

Me and my boyfriend will be trick or treating and going as Emmet and Wyldstyle from Lego Movie. Lol.

Sep 27, 2014

Erin L.

Thanks Allison!

Sep 27, 2014

Emily W.

No one is judging, we are pointing out how deeply insensitive and offensive some "costumes" are. Halloween is about being who you want to be, that is true. But basic human decency still applies. I don't get to go out in blackface and say, "Relax, it's just a costume!"

There's a difference between someone dressing as a mythological witch (green skin, warts) and a person of another religion. Taking pentagrams and upside down crosses and such, yes that is offensive, because you're parodying a religion. That deserves just as much criticism as dressing as another race.

It doesn't matter if you don't INTEND to offend. It is offensive.

Sep 27, 2014

Lauren G.

I understand cultural appropriation and I am not ignorant to it but honestly. Anyone will find anything to be offended about now. There's plenty of other things to focus on. She's not mocking them or making fun, it's a goddamn costume. I'm so over people on tumblr and real life being the politically correct police. Do what you want and at the end of the day and if there are any, I'm sure Erin can deal with the consequences. She can do what she wants

Sep 27, 2014

Sam R.

Amen Lauren!

Sep 27, 2014

Lauren G.

Back to the original thread...😒

Sep 27, 2014

Brittany F.

I was just uncomfortable with the use of Indian, where I'm from if you used that in public you'd probably get beat. But if you dress as a costume in good taste and be sure not to come off as mocking another race/religion then it should be fine.

Sep 27, 2014

Lauren G.

I agree, I do not like the term "Indian" but back to the thread. I think I will be Wednesday Addams. I have a black high necked dress and long black hair and I can't wait to do the makeup. Haven't dressed up in a few years...

Sep 27, 2014

Cindy R.

I have this cute shirt that I bought and it's like a rib cage. I want to do some skull make up but really cute. have to look into it more though.

Sep 27, 2014

Markia H.

I want to a be a sexy killer nurse lol

Sep 29, 2014

Jenna L.

Wow this really took a turn... and I find it incredibly stupid that people are attacking someone who in no way was trying to come off as offensive. people who look for drama will always create it I guess.
I agree maybe the word isn't the greatest for today's world, but the costume is perfectly fine and can be pulled off great. doing a traditional NA Pocahontas costume is cute, it's not like she's trying to recreate some stereotypical native personas some people have.
and then if that's wrong, is everyone dressing up in toga and Greek goddesses wrong? dressing up as a cop or doctor, is that belittling their careers?
god no! it's Halloween, it's about dressing up as something and having fun which is what this post was about! so I really don't appreciate those of you who tried to be keyboard heros today.
for those of you with useful and comments that pertained to my question thank you!! I love the Wednesday Adams one!!