Halloween is fast approaching and you’ve probably already started to think about your costume; after all it’s the one time of the year …well except for Freshers week, Christmas, New Years, etc. that you get to dress up as something you’re not and take on a caricature. It’s fun and most of us love it! Sometimes though, there can be detrimental stereotypes hidden behind a costume marketed as a bit of fun.

In recent years, we’ve seen offensive costumes being sold, including costumes that appropriate race and culture, perpetuate sexist stereotypes and make light of the experiences of Trans people and those with disabilities.

That’s why this Halloween we’re encouraging you to Check Your Costume! Check and double-check your costume to avoid the exploitation and degradation of others. Don’t let Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia and Ableism be the real Horror this Halloween!

Useful links:

We’ve collated some articles that demonstrate what we mean by inappropriate costumes and highlight how costumes can be racist, transphobic, or examples of cultural appropriation, ableism and sexism.

Check out this article for worst Halloween costumes, Buzzfeed here (beware if you’re spooked by swearing!), examples of racist costumes here and a horrific transphobic example here. You can also take a look at our blog from last year which focused on racist costumes at Halloween.

If you’d prefer to watch something instead the there’s this video that considers why slut shaming, sexist costumes, racist costumes and cultural attire costumes are inappropriate, this video that explains cultural appropriation and this video which discusses some of the common arguments around costumes that are racist.

Resources

• Download our social media graphic here.
• Download our A3 poster here.