#DontAppropriate
Is it ever okay to dress up as another culture for Halloween? | The Tylt
Is it ever okay to dress up as another culture for Halloween?
Despite what "The New York Times" calls the “yardstick of cultural appropriation—pretending for fun or profit to be a member of an ethnic, racial or gender group to which you do not belong” people continue to sport gypsy, Native American, and geisha costumes for Halloween. Is it always racist to dress up as someone from another race or culture? Is offensiveness in the eye of the beholder? Even Beyoncé once caught some flak for dressing as an African queen. Read more and vote!
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Is it ever okay to dress up as another culture for Halloween?
Sugar skulls and Día de Muertos costumes are super popular—but some people find them offensive. When a dominant culture (i.e. white and Christian) helps themselves to images of historically marginalized cultures, it often doesn't go over well. Colonial history and oppression matter when dressing up.
Dressing up as a "tribal princess" or "warrior" draws major critique from Native communities. "Playing Indian" has a long and uncomfortable history in North America.
#ItsJustACostume
But others say it's NBD what you are for Halloween and minority groups need to get over it.
#ItsJustACostume
Others say context matters.
#ItsJustACostume
And some make fun of the whole "culture not costume" argument.
