Halloween is around the corner and many students are planning their costumes for on-campus or off-campus parties. It is a good time to remind everyone in the UBC community that culture is not a costume. At UBC we do not mimic cultural, racial or ethnic groups. It’s a matter of respect.
It is important to think before you dress up and be aware of the hurtful racist or sexist stereotypes that are sometimes portrayed in costumes. For whatever reason, this is the one time of year when it is often perceived to be OK to be blatantly and unabashedly racist, and in many cases sexist. Racist and sexist stereotypes aren’t funny, and culture, ethnicity, and race are not costumes.
Everyone can do their part to create a respectful environment at UBC. We encourage you to share the information below widely on social media and with your clubs, fraternities, sororities, residences and classrooms. Best wishes for a safe and respectful Halloween, the Equity and Inclusion Office
Resources and Events
Read this blog!
Hip Vs. Horrible Halloween Outfits by Hannah Barath, Access and Diversity Co-op student.
“Culture is not a costume” resources
- Poster: (UBCO letter-size) and (UBCO tabloid-size); ((UBCV letter-size) and (UBCV tabloid-size)
- Web badge: 770 pixels wide and 560 pixels wide (UBCO); 770 pixels wide, 560 pixels wide (UBCV)
- Classroom slide (UBCO) and Classroom slide (UBCV) – Display the slide before October 31
Social Media messages
- This Halloween – Think before you dress up. Culture is not a costume. At #UBC we do not mimic cultural, racial or ethnic groups. http://bit.ly/1rgAMHH
- Culture is not a costume. This Halloween – think before you dress up. At #UBC we do not mimic cultural, racial or ethnic groups. http://bit.ly/1rgAMHH
Read more
- Listen to an interview on CBC North with DJ NDN from A Tribe Called Red about stereotypical Aboriginal or First Nations costumes.