With spooky season in full swing, it’s a good time to remember that cultural appropriation is never in style.
Halloween is a scary celebration of creativity, candy and costumes. It’s the one time of year when you can come to class or work dressed as a unicorn, zombie or your favourite fictional character. However, it is not an excuse to mock someone else’s culture, racial, ethnic or gender identity.
Whether it is intentional or not, wearing certain costumes has real consequences and negatively impacts the people that deal with this kind of discrimination every day. As you consider your costume for events in UBC spaces, be mindful of the Student Code of Conduct, the Respectful Environment Statement, the Discrimination Policy (SC7), and UBC’s commitment to inclusion.
Let’s keep Halloween safe and inclusive by leaving culturally insensitive, racist and sexist stereotypes at the grave.
Putting it simply: to avoid costume stress, think before you dress.
Still unsure? Check out some creative ideas and ask yourself:
- Does my costume make fun of human traits, identities, cultures, or race?
- Does my costume represent a culture that is not my own?
- Does my costume reduce cultural or identity differences to stereotypes?
- How would someone feel if they saw you wearing their identity as a costume?
Do your part to help keep Halloween safe and inclusive by starting a conversation with your friends and family.