Here’s Your Annual Reminder That Halloween Is Not A Free Pass For Cultural Appropriation
2020, amongst many other things, has without a doubt been the year that the world woke up. The slowed down pace of life enforced upon us by the ol’ Rona has meant that for the first time ever, systemic oppression has finally been able to take centre stage and not be drowned out by busyness and whatever else would usually serve as a distraction for most.
The catastrophic continuation of police brutality and systemic racism that has seen the Black community fighting back and refusing to stand down, and more importantly, at a time of a global pandemic that’s disproportionately impacting them. Following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery, social outcry has united globally in support and retaliation. But for many, the fight to end white supremacy is a new one. For me, though, the proof in the pudding will be this year’s Halloween celebrations. Sure, 31st October may look very different to previous years, but it would seem that those who wish to don culturally insensitive costumes just can’t help themselves, so they’ll do it anyway.
Every year, handfuls of celebrities, personalities and average Joes, take it upon themselves to appropriate a culture that does not belong to them. Yup, cultural appropriation is no more publicly rife that at Halloween, where sacred cultural elements are customised and blackface is celebrated in the name of fancy dress. The reason I’m taking aim at those newer to social justice, white supremacy, and anti-racism allyship, is because it’s very easy for those who make this horrendous faux pas to respond to any backlash with “…but I’m not racist!” But the reality is, racism goes beyond throwing racial slurs around or directing hate towards a different ethnic group – and if you’re the ally you claim to be (at least, according to your updated Twitter bio), then you’ll know that this is not an excuse. Ordering an anti-racism book for your performative bookshelf doesn’t balance out the scales.
It may seem like every year, we drive home the same thing, but it won’t stop me from spelling it out again: culture is not a costume, and cultural appropriation is unacceptable at any level, especially one that chooses to do so to win “best dressed” at a fancy dress party. Halloween is not a free pass.
Whilst I know that readers of The Unedit already know this (because if you’re not for social justice, what are you even doing here?), I find it interesting – or in the immortal words of Carrie Bradshaw – I can’t help but wonder… which newly-woke folks will shit the bed on All Hallow’s Eve?
If you’re new to this, it’s okay. Mistakes are made, and it’s up to us all to take accountability for that, and learn from it. Nobody’s allyship is perfect, but Halloween sure as shit isn’t a good enough reasons to allow yourself to pick and choose what input you have in the fight against oppressive systems. There are countless dress-up options that don’t involve offending marginalised groups, or painting your face a colour that is not your own.
For me, this Halloween will be a movie marathon, goodies that I bought “for the trick or treaters”, but if you’re dressing up and going out (safely), be mindful of your costume.
Image credit: David Menidrey
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