Ashton Hittle
Lantern Staff
One of the most exciting things about Halloween can be what you plan on dressing up as. Trying to decide what you are going to wear is important, it is also important that your costume is not offensive in any way, although the question is where to draw the line with costumes.
There is a difference though depending on who is wearing the costume. There have been times when a child is okay to wear it and an adult is not. I find that quite annoying in many cases because Halloween should be a time when your inner child should be allowed to be expressed.
The character Moana from the movie Moana, according to many blog sites, is an offensive costume that should be avoided. I would have to say that I do not agree with this. I feel that Moana is a Disney Princess, why can’t a young girl dress up as her? I know that it seems to be racially offensive, but I think it is important and it teaches young girls about how cultures are in other parts of the world. Plus, it is not as if they are dressing up and making fun of the culture; instead, they are being inspired by the culture and a character that has been created.
There is never a time or a place to dress up as something that is a controversial issue such as a terrorist. That is not a matter that should ever be turned into a laughing matter. Historical events do not need to be commemorated by people wanting to be funny at a Halloween party. For example, people do not need to dress up as a victim of a school shooting. It is not a laughing matter and shouldn’t be treated as such.
In today’s world, there is truly nothing you could dress up as that will not offend a single person. Everyone has their own opinion about costumes, but it is in your best interest to use your conscious when trying to decide on a costume. Make Halloween fun and do not treat it as a place for you to make a political point. Use the holiday as an excuse to eat too much candy and dress up as the mythical creature you have always loved.
It is difficult to gauge where the line is drawn when it comes to Halloween costumes. The best way to decide whether or not the costume is appropriate is to think about strangers and what they might think of it.
Pinterest is one of the best sites to go to when in need of a quick easy, and lovable costume idea. I have found many of my costume ideas on Pinterest when I could not think of anything. Halloween is a perfect place to express creative ideas, silly puns or spooky nightmares.
Have a happy Halloween!