Reasons I Hate Halloween

by Racialicious special correspondent Fatemeh Fakhraie, originally published at Muslimah Media Watch.

I hate Halloween. Now that I’m a grown-up, it’s just lost its appeal. Especially when I look at what some adults do for Halloween.

Slutty costumes (I just had to say it)
Slutty “ethnic” costumes: Native American girl, geisha, etc.

In particular:

1. Harem girl costumes
2. Belly dancer costumes
3. Genie costumes
4. Cleopatra costumes
5. Arab sheikh costumes

These costumes reinforce the eroticized and/or dangerous stereotypes associated with Muslim and Middle Eastern men and women. Plus, it’s doubly insulting because (usually) white people will “play dress-up” in these costumes, to supposedly “live like we do” for one night. The only missing detail is: none of the institutional oppression that we face as Muslims and Middle Easterners comes with the costume.

Just looking at the names of the costumes is informative enough: “Exotic Belly Dancer Costume” and “Sheik of Persia Arabian Costume” can tell you that these people have no idea about the culture they think they’re appropriating. (History lesson: Persia didn’t have sheikhs, they had shahs. And Persia and Arabia were two different places! AKH!)

Look at the women’s costumes: all are revealing and hypersexual. How many Middle Eastern women prance around in sheer pants and face veils? None. These costumes scream sexist Orientalism!

Don’t worry, guys! There are plenty of racist costumes for you, too! Take this “Arab Sheik” costume: of course he has a knife! All Middle Eastern men are dangerous, didn’t you know? You can even tell by his face: he’s pissed, and he’s going to take it out on some infidels!

And, if you’d like to pass on your racist Orientalist fantasies to your children, there are belly dancer costumes for little girls! That’s right! Make sure that your daughter learns that her self worth comes from how much her coin-bedazzled bra reveals and how pleasing her dancing is to a man! You can start as soon as she’s a toddler!

Ick. Enjoy your free candy!

Share and Enjoy:

Trackbacks & Pings

Hotashi » Halloween Racism on 30 Oct 2007 at 10:16 pm

[...] I just read a really interesting article on racialicious.com called Reasons I Hate Halloween. It made me think back to my childhood and my recent years to the types of costumes I’ve seen others wear. I don’t recall any racialized persons costume, but I can remember how almost all costumes are gendered. At my university (and I’m sure many others) the most popular costume is the local slut. Or at least, they will manage to sexualize any possible female character. It really sickens me. Anyway, here is the link for the article –> LINK FOR ARTICLE [...]
What are you doing about Halloween this year? at Anti-Racist Parent - for parents committed to raising children with an anti-racist outlook on 31 Oct 2007 at 9:51 am

[...] out more discussions of Halloween’s racism, sexism, and racism and sexism [...]
Feministe » U.S. Immigration Enforcement Finally Preaches What it Practices on 18 Nov 2007 at 2:06 pm

[...] a “Muslim terrorist” or a “Mexican drug lord?” I know that for some reason many of my fellow white people think that it’s okay to be racist on Halloween, but . . . it’s not. Never has been, folks, never will be, and I’d like to think that [...]
U.S. Immigration Enforcement Finally Preaches What it Practices : The Curvature on 18 Nov 2007 at 2:08 pm

[...] a “Muslim terrorist” or a “Mexican drug lord?” I know that for some reason many of my fellow white people think that it’s okay to be racist on Halloween, but . . . it’s not. Never has been, folks, never will be, and I’d like to think that [...]
Slightspots « Think Pink Radio on 13 Dec 2007 at 11:10 am

[...] is an issue usually discussed around Halloween but is equally relevant all year long. I don’t know why some white gay men [...]
The Racialicious Halloween Roundup | Racialicious - the intersection of race and pop culture on 21 Oct 2009 at 10:01 am

[...] to post angry articles dissecting the politics of Halloween. In 2007 Fatemeh wrote “Reasons I Hate Halloween“: ["Orientalist" costumes] reinforce the eroticized and/or dangerous stereotypes associated [...]
Racist Halloween Costumes » Sociological Images on 29 Oct 2009 at 11:18 am

[...] Fakhraie, at Racialicious, points out how “Middle Eastern” costumes reinforce both ignorance and negative [...]

Comments

Royce wrote:

Halloween I realized is a very white holiday. At my campus Halloween party this weekend their was more offensiveness than you could shake a stick at: blackface, redface, the geisha and samurai, fauxstafarians, non-blackfaced or -redfaced caricatures of Black or Indigenous peoples, and this is just all that I saw.

Why do white people feel entitled to be offensive. They felt attacked if my friends or I asked them what they were supposed to be, or told them their costume was offensive.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:10 am ¶
Katie wrote:

Yep. SO true.

Several orientalizing costumes at a party I was at this past weekend. Vomit.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:19 am ¶
Stephanie wrote:

That last picture is very similar to the dance costume I wore in sixth grade when our routine was to “A Whole New World.”

Now I feel guilty. I guess it’s really Disney’s fault, though. Go figure.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:23 am ¶
Paul wrote:

Forgive the possible ignorance, butI believe the Ptolemies were Greeks.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:46 am ¶
el guante wrote:

Living in Madison for 6-7 years, where Halloween is the biggest event of the year (it’s hard to describe what a big deal it is there), this issue was always in the spotlight.

I think the key to making any progress here is being able to frame the issue in a way that makes sense for the people who are being offensive, rather than the “hey look how racist these stupid people are!” Many articles i’ve read (and written, honestly) use the latter technique, including this one i think.

Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that– one doesn’t need to be (and shouldn’t be) in “teach” mode all the time; venting is healthy too.

But i think that it’s really important to address the responses that we KNOW these people are going to have: “i’m not representing ALL Mexicans with my sombrero and pancho,” or “it’s just halloween; lighten up a little,” or “there ARE some white rastafarians,” or “i’m dressing as this middle eastern stereotype to make fun of it,” “why you gotta bring race inot it? i just dressed as a belldancer because it’s sexy,” or whatever.

And it really gets back to a larger conversation about either well-meaning or just ignorant white people who don’t understand why their comments or actions (or costumes, in this case) are offensive. We need to be opening up dialogues around the idea that if you offend someone, it doesn’t matter what “you were going for,” or “what you really meant.” The concept of ownership is completely alien to a whole lot of people.

Most of the people who dress as racial or ethnic stereotypes were just too lazy and/or uncreative to think of something better anyway. Raising these issues in our communities, even just through articles or PSA fliers or whatever, can dissuade many i think.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:56 am ¶
lunanoire wrote:

I have to admit, for years I have wanted to be a bollywood dancer for Halloween. I am not a desi nor would my intent be to pretend to be a desi, but a bollywood dancer. However, maybe it’s impossible to separate the 2. I never got the outfit as a broke person.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 10:12 am ¶
Paul wrote:

Cleopatra was of Greek origin as she was a Ptolemy. Thus, the author engaged in her own questionable behavior by assuming that geography equals ethnicity.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 10:26 am ¶
Fiqah wrote:

Paul: I think that what Fatemeh is pointing out is the all-encompassing nature of Orientalism. Our popular cultural notions of Cleopatra SMACK of Orientalism. It doesn’t distinguish between ethnic groups, languages, regions, or histories. If you haven’t yet I’d strongly encourage you pick up “Orientalism” by Edward Said. It’s a classic, and the standard deconstruction tool for Orientalism.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 12:48 pm ¶
islandgirl550 wrote:

As a person with locks… I hate hate HATE the “Rasta Mon” wig sets I see every year in the party supply stores. Or how about the white girl I just saw at lunch with the afro wig, gold hoop earrings, and dashiki? Umm… NO!

I went to Salem, MA for their festivities… ended up at a Pimps and Hoes party!!! Was totally disgusted and left immediately, but not before some girl offered a fake gold chain to me and asked why I wasn’t participating… Let’s see, I’m the only black chick in the room? Self-hating??!!! I DON’T THINK SO!!!

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 1:45 pm ¶
Manish wrote:

I feel compelled to break out my ‘Aladdin’ post now

[Aladdin came with these endearing lyrics about Arabs:

Oh, I come from a land, from a far-away place
Where the caravan camels roam
Where they cut off your ears if they don't like your face
It's barbaric, but hey, it's home!
The male hero's face was purposely modeled on the features of Tom Cruise, while the villains all had hooked noses, turbans, facial hair -- you know, natives. The film's setting, the mythical town of Agrabad, derived its name from Agra, site of the Taj Mahal in India, and a number of Muslim cities like Islamabad. Forget geography, and culture be damned -- we can't tell them A-rabs apart.]

http://www.vij.com/clash/essays/culture.html

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 2:44 pm ¶
BellaSugar wrote:

Whitey here, and I think a lot of these costumes are really offensive. Last night I was looking for a red-haired wig (I’m going as Daphne from Scooby-Doo) and I couldn’t believe how many “Geisha” styles were available.

There are definitely dipshit white people who think it’s hilarious to dress up as “Other” in a mocking way. Then there are some who think it’s fun to wear harem pants or kimono or some other ensemble that isn’t part of mainstream American culture, and don’t think about it at all in a racial context. I think these people largely don’t mean to be offensive, but have no idea that the costumes are playing on stereotypes. Ignorance isn’t an excuse, but hopefully it’s an opportunity to talk about the costume: “Oh, so why are you carrying around a sword?” etc.

On a related note, I often ask keffiyeh-wearing hipsters what they know about the scarf’s meaning, and most of them have NO idea. They just think it’s a cool patterned thingy from Urban Outfitters. So I look for opportunities to create dialogue, to inform people that—surprise!—certain fashions aren’t “just” fashion, they’re symbolic.

Same with Halloween. I think it’s fair game to ask people about their costumes.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 2:50 pm ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:

As Fatemah noted, the same thing happens with Native American women. Somebody recently sent me 20 links of “sexy Indian maiden,” “Pocahontas,” and “squaw” costumes being sold on eBay. They were generally variations on buckskin mini-skirts and halter tops.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 3:14 pm ¶
Paul wrote:

Sorry for the double post above. My work computer went fuzty.

The reason that I broached the subject of Cleopatra’s ethnicity was that too many people ignore the facts of history when it suits their purposes. I understand the point that was being made and agree with it, but it irks me to see people perpetuate popular misconceptions.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 4:28 pm ¶
DeeDee wrote:

I dont’ deny Fatemah’s assertion that many of our Halloween costumes reek of a sensual and sexualized Orientalism that is not properly addressed. Maybe these images have been appropriated moreso from our movie culture (for all of us in the younger generations) than any romanticized image that has come from colonialism.

As an African American, I fully understand the effects that sterotypes can have upon a person’s psyche and their social standing.

However, I want to play devil’s advocate for just a second. If an American doesn’t have years of experience dealing with the Middle Eastern or Persian culture how can they actually come to know more of what’s authentic (besides reading Said’s literature)? I ask this question because I’m blessed to live in New York City where I work, live and play with people from all over the world.

However, when I’ve tried to strike up conversations with my Persian coworker in an honest attempt to understand her culture, I’ve been dismissed as ignorant and unworthy of response. I have no problems admitting that I am ignorant about Persian culture because I haven’t traveled to Iran or learned Farsi and don’t know much about Zoroastrism. But in a country such as this one, people must bend a little and give to those of us who are eager to learn and understand. It doesn’t do anyone any good to retreat into a cultural enclave on one hand and then condemn others for knowing nothing of your culture on the other hand.

It’s this cultural education by many that can help change these stereotypes that plague any group.

Just sayin…

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 5:24 pm ¶
F. wrote:

Did you know that all original belly dancers did not even reveal their stomach? They were almost completely covered and wore special clothing as to outline the stomach to see how the dancer could bend his/her abdomen . As part of my culture involves belly dancing-I was required to learn about it. So, basically the revealing outfits concerning belly dancing today: are just an American version of what they thought of when they heard belly dancing.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 6:54 pm ¶
Fatemeh wrote:

Manish–great post! You pinpoint the reason I hate Disney.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 7:17 pm ¶
jen* wrote:

the question of Cleopatra’s race has been under debate for years. there is no final answer on this one way or the other. her Ptolemeic forebears do not preclude her from having had some Egyptian forebears as well.

general acceptance has come that it is quite likely she was of mixed heritage. the assumption that the Ptolemies would have refrained from intermarriage [or just straight-up intercourse] with local Egyptians is a bit naive, considering common practices [and the general human tendency - not for interracial relationships, necessarily, but for entanglements with available people, whatever their race.]

i actually find it a little obnoxious that the question of Cleopatra’s race is an issue – people fighting over who [which race] she belongs to…but there it is, it’s who we are. and i bristle when someone claims she had to be one or the other. i’m not.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 8:09 pm ¶
Cortney wrote:

Wow. Thanks for posting this. As a feminist I have always had a hard time digesting the hypersexual costumes that so many women don for Halloween. This just adds another layer to that discussion that I hadn’t been able to articulate. Thanks!

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 8:16 pm ¶
Mireille wrote:

BellaSugar: I always thought hipsters wore it in solidarity with Palestin. Honestly. Am I giving hipsters more credit than they deserve?
A lot of people at school wear them…Though they’re mostly Arabs, so it isn’t really an issue.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 8:23 pm ¶
Atena wrote:

Paul – I think the point is that these costumes have little-to-nothing to do with “the facts of history.” People don’t dress up like Cleopatra because she was a great queen of Ptolemic ancestry. The do it because it’s a sexy, exotic costume. The history that most people refer to when thinking about how sexy and exciting it would be to be Cleopatra for a night won’t likely have any historical facts in it, besides those that may have been included in movies they’ve seen.

I understand your desire to represent the facts of history, but you don’t need to invalidate or undermine the author’s valid and important point to make your point.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 8:54 pm ¶
tw33ny wrote:

I saw about 2 afro wigs at my halloween party and was disgusted. I was tempted to approach them and ask them and only them for a photo (Being one of only 2 black people at the party, I hope they would ask themselves why I would do that). But I didn’t, I just looked at them in confusion.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:09 pm ¶
Victoria wrote:

Dee Dee, a thought in response to what you were saying: I think it’s also important that if someone has a desire to learn about another group or culture they rely on themselves (and not on whatever group of people are connected to that culture) to educate…if you want to learn more about Persia why not go online or buy a book and do some historical/social/or political research on your own?

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:49 pm ¶
Victoria wrote:

additional thoughts: sorry Dee Dee I realized you were talking about going beyond that point (post Said)…I think one way to go beyond that level if someone seems closed off is to provide cues to the person that indicate you have attempted to learn about Persian culture…something that indicates you have a respect and legitimate interest in it…that may help the person feel safe – though I think sometimes, sadly, barriers just don’t come down

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 9:55 pm ¶
newbatgirl wrote:

Umm, I was Cleopatra this year and I chose her because I honestly thought it was the best option for me in the costume store.

It was by far the least slutty costume there and to my mind, at least it was based upon a woman who actually lived and is actually remembered for using her intellect (she was well educated and a good strategist who spoke several languages, etc.).

The costume itself covered most of my body (except my forearms and feet). When my five-year old asked who I was, I didn’t have any issues with bringing up an online encyclopedia and reading a bit about Cleopatra to her.

Given the other options out there, such as pirate wenches, naughty nurses, harem girls, and those sick, twisted versions of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, I don’t think I did too badly.

And, before anyone asks, the five-year old is going as a character from The Backyardigans.

I agree with the gist of the post in regards to female costumes though: most costumes for women out there seem to imply that all women want to basically be one thing for Halloween: a sex object.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 10:07 pm ¶
Sekhem Ka wrote:

I’d just like to clear this up: Cleopatra [VII of Egypt, who I assume Paul was referring to] was not a Ptolemy; she was Macedonian AND/or Black African ["Egyptian"]. Thanks.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 11:10 pm ¶
tasha wrote:

Manish, are you certain that Agrabad derived from Agra? I thought that it derived from Acaba, Jordan.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 11:20 pm ¶
Fatemeh wrote:

DeeDee–I applaud your efforts in trying to learn more about Iran. Yay, Iran! And boo for your coworker, who could be reluctant to teach you about our culture for fear that you’re an FBI agent, or could just be a heiffer who prefers to keep to herself.

While talking to people will give you specific experiences (which are always good to have), learning about Iran from more generalized sources will help you get a better picture. I suggest you read Fatemeh Keshavarz’s Jasmine & Stars: Reading More Than Lolita in Tehran. This gives you an excellent weapon against “tell-all” books like Azar Nafisi’s or any of the slew of neo-Orientalist books that have come out.

Seeking Iranian-American groups at local universities and in your city might also help you out (and this goes for any ethnic group, I’m just running with the Irani theme). Groups like this often have get-togethers and “awareness-creating” events.

Posted 30 Oct 2007 at 11:46 pm ¶
Keke wrote:

When I went shopping for my own costume, I saw that many of the items available did in fact play into some kind of sexualized and dysmorphic idea of the “other.” Not only did many of these costumes smack of racist assumption, but did indeed express a deeply sexist sentiment as well. I found it disturbing that many of the costumes available for women are meant to play into popular gender stereotypes. Men have a variety of costumes to choose from, while I wanted to scream in frustration that I couldn’t find anything longer than thigh length to wear. Compounded with the racist costumes I mentioned earlier, this made my head hurt.

I understand that some people just don’t know any better, but I just cannot justify willful ignorance. We live in an era where the internet has connected millions of people from all over the world. There are virtual libraries where information can be obtained. And if internet access is impossible, I am sure there is a bookstore somewhere. So I feel we have more than enough opportunity to at least get a glimpse of the socio-historical underpinnings of modern day practices.

DeeDee, I think I may be able to uncover why some of your co-workers may have been offended. It’s the same thing I think many African Americans may endure as well. Sometimes, we are seen as ambassadors or spokespersons for the millions of people we are seen to represent. I think the first step to getting to know someone of a different culture is to accept that they are not as different as you may think. We are all people that have to achieve the same things at the end of a long day. We eat, we sleep, we love and that’s the starting point.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 12:32 am ¶
Pie wrote:

FAO Sekhem Ka:
There is no evidence to suggest that Cleopatra had black african ancestry. Of course, there’s no evidence that she didn’t either. What is known is that she was of predominantly macedonian heritage, and that she was directly descended from Ptolemy I Soter, making her a Ptolemy.

This is not relevant to the discussion at hand except as an example of how halloween costumes are part of a tacky tradition of ransacking and exoticising other cultures, with little regard given to good taste or accuracy.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 7:09 am ¶
bdsista wrote:

No you did not say heiffer Fatimah! LOL! But seriously, being a professional bellydancer, there is no way in hell I am going to go to a party in a $750 costume to reinforce a stereotypical image. What’s interesting is in the dance community there are so many of us who wear costumes on a regular basis for performance either in Cabaret or Tribal style which encompasses the goths, tribaret, fusion, fairy goddess and vampire types, etc., that we usually pick something somewhat normal. If we do go out it will be as Queen Elizabeth or Victoria or the usual vampires, goth queens, fairies, elves or pirates. We don’t like the wenches much, most of us are done with the Renn Faire season, so all our friends have seen all our gear and the rest are still doing historic reeinactments. What is worse is all the women who wear the slutty stuff will want to wear this stuff in dance class, but then again, then it opens the door to educate them on Real Middle Eastern Dance vs. Little Egypt and other stereotypes. Most Middle Eastern and North African (Morroccan, Tunisian, Algerian, etc) dance is done fully covered. What we see in the bedlah (bra and belt) style came from Hollywood as did “The Dance of the Seven Veils”. The glittery stuff we classify as cabaret or nightclub style, but it is not what the regular people wear to dance. Be glad when this is over! Then we can go to the myths about Thanksgiving and the Indians and Pilgrims!

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 11:09 am ¶
sally wrote:

I /was/ going to dress in holly wood’s version of Cleopatra b/c I think the draping of the costume is pretty. then I decided to dress as hepshetsut because I like adding the phaero aspects of the costume. next a greek goddess-i loved the lines and the sentiment. I have been a vampire, fairy, historically accurate medieval woman, not so historically accurate medieval person, rag doll, pirate, hippy, witch, dead person, Princess Jasmine, Bell, a cat, trillion as Darwin, and a bag of jelly beans. At some point the costumes are characters. When I dressed as jasmine as a kid, i knew that she was not typical of the middles east, but I liked her as a character. my belly dancing friends will be dressed as the character of belly dancing, and know full well that they are dressing not as “real belly dancers” but as the fictional “character” of belly dancers.
And yes, i have warn an afro, b/c quite frankly i thought it looked cute and have always wished my hair could do it. The same reason i wore along strait purple wig over my naturally red curly hair. The comment about wearing an afro strikes me as strange because to me it seems no different than some one wearing a blond wig.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 11:28 am ¶
NayLah wrote:

You cannot be serious? I understand the costumes that are offensive such as the blackface but dang sometimes – yall gotta loosen up. Now before anyone jumps down my throat – I am not condoning ANY costumes that have negative racial undertones. I have never looked at dressing up for halloween as trying to make fun of a certain culture. Its one time of the year where people get to dress up as something that they are not , wish to be, are amused by or speaking out against – I dont understand how halloween costuming could have an impact on changing how people think when it comes to race. I mean is there going to be a teacher to instruct people on the racial/sexist meanings of some costumes??

Yes women dress in ridiculously revealing outfits and I am not defending the women who want to be sex objects because that is dumb to me but there are some bathing suits that are just or even more revealing – so what?? I like this site and I enjoy the discussions but sometimes its NOT always about race – dang……..give it a rest already.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 11:45 am ¶
meownette wrote:

While I agree with the original poster’s premise, I really object to the use of “slutty” as a descriptor, ever. Can we drop it?

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 12:50 pm ¶
Daomadan wrote:

Methinks some comment posters need a lesson in Racism 101.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 1:06 pm ¶
Michelle wrote:

As I reading the posts I notice two things:

The debate over Cleopatra’s race is very much alive and well, even here where many mixed race, bi-racial and multi-ethnic people have expressed the importance of allowing people to identify as more than one thing. Which brings up why this is so sensitive to people. It seems that some Black people have a need to claim some of the major historical figures because people of darker skin are often left out of the discourse of human (read Western) history. It seems that some White people feel that Cleopatra was not an Egyptian, nor was she a Black African so she should not be remembered as such. I think that this is a very interesting discussion and perhaps we should talk about it further in another thread.

Also, Halloween, for young single women, seems to be a holiday that they get to show off the goods, so to speak, without fear of retribution. The inner slut gets a chance to come out and play full force and it seems that many women relish the one day that they get to be sex objects by choice. I AM NOT SAYING THAT IT IS OKAY! I just feel like it is another part of the whole dissecting the holiday discussion. Most of the women who are dressing like sex objects are women who, for the other 364 days of the year, dress rather conservatively. Also, there are people who really are fascinated with other cultures and they get one day to go hog wild, if you will. Maybe, people get one day to be, without question, questionable in their actions? Not saying it’s okay, just saying….

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 1:08 pm ¶
Fatemeh wrote:

Meowette–you’re right. “Sexy” would have been a less-catty descriptor.

NayLah–I have to disagree. I would liken the use of a Sultan’s outfit to a type of Middle Eastern “blackface,” personally. Viewing costumes like these as not harmful or not portraying harmful stereotypes reinforces the idea that it’s okay to caricature racist assumptions about Middle Eastern culture.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 1:11 pm ¶
Manish wrote:

“are you certain that Agrabad derived from Agra?”

No, I was speculating since Disney lumps together India and the Middle East all the time.

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 1:46 pm ¶
Halfmad wrote:

I haven’t read all the comments here, but I have a question. What about dressing as a Dia de los Muertos figurine–the little characters that are sold of a full band made of skeletons, or a skeleton bride and groom. Offensive? Okay? I am being sincere because I adore those figurines and I know what they signify, but I wouldn’t want to be insensitive to a culture, either. Thoughts?

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 2:39 pm ¶
Gregg wrote:

I rarely respond to articles such as this, but in this case I feel compelled. Why, why, why does everyone ignore the obvious? First, about gendered, objectifying Halloween costumes: no one is forcing women to buy these. They are by-products of the culture, as is the fact that many women enjoy becoming sex objects at Halloween parties. If you want people to stop enjoying feeling sexy, good luck. If you want to change the definition of what sexy is, maligning Halloween costumes is not likely an effective strategy.

As for the racial component of the discussion, I agree that there is such a thing as being far too ignorant and offensive to live, but I personally believe imitation to be the sincerest form of flattery. These people in belly dancer outfits are not getting the cultural history even remotely correct. Ok. Do they look cute? Are they running around screaming that only a Persian would allow themselves to be so decadently slutty?

It seems to me they chose something new and different (which they liked) to be their outward fantasy on Halloween. They may as well have chosen Dorothy of Oz. If the Dorothy costume had brown shoes, would be all be screaming that the cultures of both Oz and Kansas were being disgustingly impugned?

A sense of perspective is in order. In Iran, people scream “death to America” on the streets despite being woefully unfamiliar with most aspects of American culture apart from those relating to capitalism and foreign policy. In America, well-meaning folks dress up as a cartoony image of the past of a culture with which they are barely familiar. Neither activity is particularly intelligent, but honestly–perspective!

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 8:40 pm ¶
Alejandro wrote:

Pardon my asking/ignorance, as I haven’t bothered to read through all of the responses, but aren’t calling Halloween a ‘white holiday’ and asking ‘why do white people feel entitled to be offensive’ both examples of the racism against which this whole discussion seems to be based? Or is it okay to discriminate against those who are generally empowered?

I don’t know where you guys live, but this year, and the only time I can recall in recent history, the only racist costume I saw was a girl with a Native American [or whatever happens to be the most PC term these days] headress, and it was on an Asian girl. I don’t think her race is of particular significance, but I’m pointing it out in response to this notion of Halloween being a ‘white holiday.’

But honestly [and granted I'm certain there are plenty of REALLY offensive costumes out there], isn’t this more on the trivial end of the spectrum for fighting against racism? Aren’t there bigger battles to fight than this?

Posted 31 Oct 2007 at 8:55 pm ¶
luckyfatima wrote:

Fatemah u r so right on with this post.

-fatima

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 5:02 am ¶
Roni wrote:

Just as this is an issue of context, I’m wary of blanket statements that all instances of these costumes to be a sign of racist ignorance. If the problem is that people appropriate these costumes with out any knowledge of their cultural context, how can the observer judge the wearers knowledge based on simple appearance?

For instance, I know a Caucasian woman who is a professional belly dancer. She’s been studying Middle Eastern dance for something like 25 years, both in the US and abroad. She can, and does, hold forth on the differences between traditional dance vs. more modern theatrical styles. She’s clearly well-versed in the culture, I also think she’s worn her dance costume to Halloween parties in a pinch. If anyone asked her to justify or contextualize her costume, she’d do so and probably invite them to one of her classes.

I know another woman who is Caucasian, Jewish and half Japanese. She’s a multi-media artist whose heritage greatly informs her work. She also sometimes wears a geisha costume on Halloween and some other occasions. Not only is it part of her heritage, I think it’s a subversive statement on her part in relation to how much she does not fit Japanese stereotypes.

Both these women wear their costumes with with a deep understanding of their context that may not be apparent to an outside observer. Is the issue not their own knowledge but the assumption that others may make about them and the stereotypes that may reinforce? Is it fair to expect people to conduct themselves based on the racist assumptions of others?

I understand the problems with mindlessly exoticizing race based costumes. I also understand these anecdotes are a tiny minority (no pun intended) of these costumes. However, from my experience, I think this question is more complex than seeing a person in costume X at a party and being offended. I’m curious what people think about context vs. what can be observed.

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 7:52 am ¶
Anonymous wrote:

Have you ever seen the hillbilly costumes? Or even the red riding costumes? maybe the mailman? how about the doctor? Not all costumes are racist, and I would be one of the first to stand up and say, “Friend, thats just disrespectful.” But thats the appeal of halloween, you get to be someone, anyone else. Many people have infatuations with foreign lands and those are the things they dress up as, the makers just happen to be men who want to see nothing but ass. Women are more likely to end up slutty, and men are more likely to be funny or obnoxious.

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 7:58 am ¶
ck70843 wrote:

Have you ever seen the hillbilly costumes? Or even the red riding costumes? maybe the mailman? how about the doctor? Not all costumes are racist, and I would be one of the first to stand up and say, “Friend, thats just disrespectful.” But thats the appeal of halloween, you get to be someone, anyone else. Many people have infatuations with foreign lands and those are the things they dress up as, the makers just happen to be men who want to see nothing but ass. Women are more likely to end up slutty, and men are more likely to be funny or obnoxious.

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 7:59 am ¶
Katie wrote:

Wow – so many people posting, saying “that’s just the way it is,” or “get over it,” or “stop overreacting,” or “aren’t there more important issues we can talk about?”

Daomadan – you’re on point. Let Racism 101 begin!

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 8:34 am ¶
Karen wrote:

Does it really make sense to include Cleopatra in with harem girl, belly dancer, genie, and sheikh? She is a historical figure; can’t anyone dress up as any historical figure? I would think it would only be racist if the dressed-up person made it racist by the way they spoke or acted, by the props and makeup they used. If a black child wanted to dress as Abraham Lincoln, or an Asian child as Harriet Tubman, or a white child as Bruce Lee, why would that be a problem? Or do I need Racism 101?

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 9:05 am ¶
nadia wrote:

yes, you need racism 101.

i know that people always come through here saying things like, “aren’t there more important things we should focus on,” (despite the fact that it clearly states all over the website that the intersection of race and pop culture is the primary focus here) but in this instance, i’m wondering how many people (including other people of color) are having trouble seeing the significance because they’re either unconcerned with middle eastern people’s issues or because they have so thoroughly bought into the racist hype that makes war and occupation possible.

“A sense of perspective is in order. In Iran, people scream “death to America” on the streets despite being woefully unfamiliar with most aspects of American culture apart from those relating to capitalism and foreign policy. In America, well-meaning folks dress up as a cartoony image of the past of a culture with which they are barely familiar. Neither activity is particularly intelligent, but honestly–perspective!”

yes, please have some perspective. if you study just a little bit of recent iranian history you would know that prior to the islamic revolution iran was extremely americanized, with a shah who was like an american puppet. to say that iranians are “woefully unfamiliar” with american culture is totally untrue (and given american cultural domination world wide, it would be untrue in many other cases as well). to say that iranians scream “death to america!” in the streets also lacks perspective…have you ever been to iran? or even had a persian american friend? i’m guessing not.

great post fatemah. and i agree about the “slutty” thing, that language demeans us as women.

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 10:13 am ¶
Kai wrote:

Racism 101 urgently needed in this thread! ;-P

Actually the funniest thing is that no matter what the topic, the same 6 or 7 basic statements get repeated again and again and again, usually with almost the same wording, and each time the speaker thinks they’re saying something smart and original! These people are like those dolls with a string that you pull and one of a handful of recorded statements gets randomly played; of course, pointing out subtle or covert racism is pulling the string. I’ve gotten to the point that I find it rather amusing. Mi amigo Nezua calls them Wite-Magik Attax and provides a handy and poetic little breakdown.

Incidentally I happen to dig Halloween. There are infinite ways to have fun and do it up without racism or sexism (that statement was so obvious that I can’t believe I felt compelled to say it; but see comments above!). I walked through the Village last night and lemme tell ya, there are plenty of creative people out there who don’t need the appeal to orientalism to put together the most outrageous get-ups. This does, however, require actual originality and imagination.

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 11:18 am ¶
james wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GY8o-qAb08

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 11:33 am ¶
imdeep wrote:

Hmm… creativity, open mind, perspective, sense of humor, ability to confront scary things and release inhibitions…

Seems like the things folks enjoy about Halloween also form the prerequisites for this Racism 101?

Well maybe except for the double-standards and tongue-clicking/finger-wagging. And the candy, you gots to have candy…

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 2:43 pm ¶
hoo_boy wrote:

I’m just struck at how long it took for this to turn into a “white people do this to [BLANK]” thread.

Blacks do it. Lats do it. Even educated AmerAsians do it .Let’s call the bluff: *any* individual can manage to pull off an costume that offends the sensibilities of an entire group on grounds that are ethnic, cultural, religious, etc.

Appreciating that “orientalism” sends out mixed signals in costume choices– would’ve dug more commentary by way of the lack of choices it offers women of all cultures in their representations of “sexy”.

Michelle: as always, beating me to the punch. Only would add it’s never an either/or choice and I fear that the comments are focusing too squarely on the “clothes = person or clothes = personality” judgements. What you wear may have nothing to do with who you are at all, and I’m just wondering if there’s a higher standard for women that’s coming out, regardless of race?

I’m also wondering what about those men and boys that cut lose on gender roles with Halloween? I’m guessing more men (and straight ones who won’t admit their kinks) go geisha/harem/Cleopatra than women, just because they have the excuse…

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 3:12 pm ¶
Karen wrote:

Nadia or Kai, can you please point me in a direction? Where should I go to learn about why, if a black child (or adult) wanted to dress as Abraham Lincoln, or an Asian child (or adult) as Harriet Tubman, or a white child (or adult) as Bruce Lee, it would be racist for him/her to do so?

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 3:31 pm ¶
Danni wrote:

Karen: This is a question I’ve been struggling with for a long while, too. The best example that I can come up with– I think it’s one Carmen talked about on Addicted to Race last year– is Pocahontas. Whereas I wouldn’t have so much of a problem with a white kid dressing up as Harriet Tubman, the idea of women dressing up as Pocahontas is deeply troubling to me because she and her “romance” with John Smith has been so scewed historically that people are embodying a racist myth…

White people dressing up as people of color (in a US context) is problematic for one simple reason: they’re appropriating the histories of people of color fighting against discrimination from which they benefit(ted). It’s a projection of their white privilege that they (unwittingly) for on to people of color who see these figures as heroes in a struggle they fight regularly. A White person is far less likely to understand the pains of slavery than a Black people who have heard stories of their slave ancestors their entire life, along with temporally subsequent stories of racism that come from the enslavement of “their” people (and the mentality that led up to it). For a white person to take on that role, to my mind, is almost to mak e a mockery of it, despite any good will, it simply implies a lack of critical thought and/or consideration of others’ feelings.

I really wanted to comment that I really think that this issue, to my mind, has a lot more to do with transnationalism/globalization that it does with racism as we seen it in America. I think we would all agree that dressing up as Aunt Jemimah is offensive, because of all the history that she represents… with being a mammy and all… but dressing up as a geisha or an Indian Bride (as I heard of from a friend this year) becomes much more problematic because there’s a perception that these third world people can’t speak for themselves, and because any oppression that they’re experiencing isn’t as evident to us in the US/North America/West as domestic racism. I need to think about this idea a little bit more, but people aren’t dressing up as poor “third-world” people, they’re imagining geishas and others to be wearing fine silk, and consuming other similar luxuries, meaning that there’s less of a sense of “western” guilt in a sense.

There’s something to this, I think, but I need to develop my thoughts a bit more….

Posted 01 Nov 2007 at 10:36 pm ¶
Katie wrote:

Lots of Racism 101 can be found here:

http://theangryblackwoman.wordpress.com/required-reading/

Also, there have been some other great discussions and articles of this phenomenon, notably here:

http://ricedaddies.blogspot.com/2006/10/memoirs-of-racially-insensitive.html

http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_tol.jsp?id=885

http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2007/10/22/%e2%80%9cyou-to-can-be-oriental%e2%80%9d/

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 8:40 am ¶
NayLah wrote:

WE DO NOT NEED RACISM 101!!! Its Halloween! Really how do you guys live everyday if you have Race on the brain especially when it is about something as trivial as Halloween?? And Im not trying to minimize anything but there are more important RACE related issues in this world other the a “holiday” that is celebrated ONCE a year – Im black EVERYDAY – write something about that…….

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 9:39 am ¶
Carmen Van Kerckhove wrote:

Everyone, please read our comment moderation policy, particularly these points:

8. Don’t respond to a post or comment by saying “why don’t you focus on some real issues like the war/starving children in Africa/police brutality/etc.” Newsflash: this is a blog about race and pop culture. If you’re not interested in discussing the intersection of those two things, please go elsewhere.

9. Don’t respond to critiques about racism by telling the person making the critique that they’re just too sensitive, or they need to “get a life,” or that they need to stop playing the “race card.” We welcome disagreements here on Racialicious, but make an intelligent case for your point of view. Don’t just dismiss others’ views.

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 9:53 am ¶
Latoya Peterson wrote:

Breathe, commenters.

Things are getting a bit heated.

Karen, to answer your question about historical figures…Carmen, Wendi, and I had an off-line disucssion and we could not come to a consensus about what is acceptable and what is not.

For example, I personally would smile at a young black boy dressed for Halloween as Bruce Lee or a young Asian girl trick or treating as Frank Sinatra.

It stands to note that both of these figures are generally viewed as positive figures (to the general public) and also have entertainment oriented personas. So, when people think Sinatra, they think “crooner” and when people think Bruce Lee, they think “bad ass.”

(Obviously, yellow face, etc is not okay. Full face make up of different tones is totally fine for mythical creatures, clowns, cartoon characters, and Teletubbies. )

However, I would probably choke out a parent who let some little white kid walk around as Malcolm X. So this historical figure thing cuts both ways.

Instead of racism 101, I say let’s just use a bit of common sense. Let your child choose their costume and do not try to make political statements with your kids. (Maybe that’s a DC thing…)

Don’t pick costumes for shock value. Don’t pick controversial persons to imitate. (As for Cleopatra, I am firmly in the darker depictions camp. However, I understand that white people associate her with Elizabeth Taylor. If a little white girl wants to be the Queen of the Nile, I say fine…just expect a “you know she was black, right? comment).

Do become creative in your costume ideas.

I had to.

There’s only so many years you can go as Val from Josie and the Pussycats

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 10:07 am ¶
Dee Dee wrote:

Hello Everyone:
I see this is a wonderful article because it’s creating interesting responses.

@Victoria – Thanks for your response. I believe that I approach any person with respect when asking questions about their culture, but maybe my approach needs tweaking. I just wish a country with such a diverse population could get dialogue going on many levels.

@ Fatemah – Thank you first of all for an interesting article, and secondly for the book suggestion. I’ve thought about checking out university cultural groups and it’s time that I made a move. Also, I learned that my co-worker was slightly paranoid with everyone so I learned that it wasn’t just me. Here’s to a society that can let go of it’s racial fetishes!

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 4:31 pm ¶
hoo_boy wrote:

Fatemah: getting all the way back to point #1, I finally got around to reading the Salon article in my box and its comments. As usual, the comments are more interesting and telling than the advice. Not that ethnicity doesn’t matter, but it plays back into what bothers you a tad:

http://letters.salon.com/mwt/col/tenn/2007/10/31/halloween/view/?show=all

For one day out of the year, sure does require more thought than any other…

Posted 02 Nov 2007 at 8:36 pm ¶
Michelle wrote:

Wow…who knew that this discussion would require a friendly check in from Carmen.

I want to go back to the slutty/sexy thing.

I think that slutty is the perfect description and not catty at all. There is a line between slutty and sexy. We all know it exists and it is different for everyone, but you can be sexy all the time, all day, everyday. You CANNOT be slutty all the time, because there are times when slutty is inapproriate. The reason this is important, is because it brings to light the crux of the discussion is women making a choice to be seen as sex objects…something to be used/abused ONLY for sex. Which is a very interesting conversation in light of today’s sexual politics.

Posted 03 Nov 2007 at 2:14 am ¶
hoo_boy wrote:

@Latoya #57: Not just a DC thing. In Bay Area, folks were walking the streets in political, if not outlandish, garb.

I saw various “Queens of Denial” (50% women, 50% drag) (Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Laura Bush, Ann Coulter, etc.) and a few “men with “wide stances” a la “Larry Craig” (one carrying his own portable stall, to represent his “stalled exit”). I even saw a self-described (but jaw-droppingly hard to explain) “Chester Cheetah Girl” (my earlier Raven Symone rant came back to haunt me indeed).

While it can offend, if one chooses to do the Halloween thing, I give points still for the creativity and thought some put into their efforts. Why wouldn’t they be so bold and/or reveal themselves the rest of the year?

Posted 03 Nov 2007 at 12:42 pm ¶
meownette wrote:

“Slutty” is a value judgment. It is a putdown. When it refers to dress, it is especially problematic because it assumes that the wearer is sexually promiscuous and derides the decision to be so at the same time. I guess “slutty” really bothers me when used to talk about mode of dress because it presumes a certain type of sexual behavior. It’s all a little too similar to the rape “justification” that “she was asking for it” because of how the she (the victim) was dressed. Clothing does not predict sexual behavior. And even if it did, even if the woman wearing the “slutty” cop outfit is, in fact, promiscuous, I don’t understand the need to characterize her as such. It’s her body and her decision, and there’s nothing wrong with being sex-positive.

Posted 03 Nov 2007 at 3:45 pm ¶
Wendi Muse wrote:

just to remark on Fatemeh’s use of “slutty,” i think it’s important to note, in her defense, that sometimes the costumes are packaged and sold as such. ALSO, it’s common to hear women discussing their costumes using the same word, i.e. “I am going to be a slutty pirate for halloween.”

that’s not to say it’s the best word, but i bet you money that everyone who read this article and saw that word knew exactly what fatemeh was talking about. there is an image that comes to mind.

just my two cents

Posted 03 Nov 2007 at 4:42 pm ¶
Miss B wrote:

Michelle,
You wrote:
Also, Halloween, for young single women, seems to be a holiday that they get to show off the goods, so to speak, without fear of retribution. The inner slut gets a chance to come out and play full force and it seems that many women relish the one day that they get to be sex objects by choice.

This saddens me for a few reasons. I’ll try to explain why.
I am 25. I am a woman. I don’t have an “inner slut.” Sorry (but not really).
I’m sad you assume most young, (specifically) single women do have inner sluts and that we are all just yearning for a few hours when we can walk around in skimpy clothes without fear of retribution. I will never have the luxury of not having to worry about some kind of backlash for what I’m wearing because, like I said, I’m a woman. I can’t name a time in my life after puberty when I dressed up for any occasion without fear of retribution. I could put on a neck-to-heel long-sleeved smock and would still have to mentally prepare myself for the objectification that comes my way.
It’s more complicated than that.

Posted 04 Nov 2007 at 5:43 pm ¶
tasha wrote:

ah that’s nothing, hoo_boy. I saw something way more shocking. I saw a black mother trick or treating with her young (black) son dressed in a neon orange, prison jumpsuit.

And Wendi, you’re right about “slutty” costumes. There was a sexed up, Little Bo Peep get-up at the store identified as “Bo Peep Show” on the bag.

Posted 04 Nov 2007 at 8:10 pm ¶
merq wrote:

ah that’s nothing, hoo_boy. I saw something way more shocking. I saw a black mother trick or treating with her young (black) son dressed in a neon orange, prison jumpsuit.

WHA?

Posted 05 Nov 2007 at 11:31 am ¶
Michelle wrote:

In the context of the discussion I do not think it is always necessary to qualify that I do not think that all young women on planet earth who celebrate Halloween have an inner slut.
I was talking about women who choose to wear those costumes…which was the point of the earlier discussion.

I am a slow learner….I have had this brought up to me before…in the absence of the word SOME, people automatically insert ALL.

Okay…

There are some women who feel that Halloween is an opportunity to allow their inner slut to come out and play. Perhaps a discussion about the definition of slut is needed, but in the absence of that, I refer to the previous posts and initial article that described said costumes as presenting women as sex objects. Not sexy nurse, but “slutty nurse here to be used for sex”. And someone is buying those costumes. Costumes that are clearly designed to titilate and entice in purely sexual manner. So, my question was about the group of women who choose those costumes, who are otherwise “conservative” (for lack of a better word) women who make the choice not to be sex objects in their daily life, use one day to do so. Which also speaks to the race issue, why is there one day a year when people can wear offensive clothing, parading around as caricatures of Muslims, Arabs, Blacks, Africans, Chinese and Asians to name a few groups that seem to be maligned once a year? I think these are good questions, given the recent rash of nooses, blackface and anti-Arab, anti-Muslim behaivor (see other recent articles here).

For the record, I have never seen Halloween as essentially problematic. However, the article was really illuminating and I started thinking about how Halloween does seem to be an excuse for people to let it all hang out, racially, sexually and on a positive note, creatively.

And no offense to any women, and I apologize to any women who took offense. I AM NOT in the “she dressed for it/she asked for it” camp. But I do think that “slut” and “slutty” are terms that can sometimes be approriate in a good way, but usually behind closed doors between two consenting adults.

Posted 06 Nov 2007 at 2:08 am ¶
Michelle wrote:

Question to Meownette…

Can slutty be approporiate to be “sex-positive”? Can a woman’s choice to be a “slut” or “sex-object” be sex-positive?

Posted 06 Nov 2007 at 2:10 am ¶
Karen wrote:

Danni and Latoya, thanks for your thoughtful responses. I kept this question in the back of my mind for a few days, and finally tripped over one of my own examples. Sure, Harriet Tubman is a historical figure, and deserves to be known and respected all over the world, but I really can’t think of a way to dress up as her for Halloween that wouldn’t be disrespectful. Unlike Abraham Lincoln, she doesn’t have an iconic image that anyone can tap into as easily as putting a tube on their head and a fake beard on their chin. And unlike Frank Sinatra and Bruce Lee, she was not an entertainer in the mass media era, leaving behind millions of images that anyone can give a shot at imitating. So what’s left? To dress as a generic poor woman of African descent. No, thanks. To carry a sign reading, “Follow me to the Underground Railroad?” Don’t think so.

I doubt my fumbly musing will be particularly interesting to anyone, but there it is, and thanks to all for a useful discussion.

Posted 09 Nov 2007 at 1:41 pm ¶
Rebecca wrote:

What makes Halloween so unique from other holidays, in U.S. culture, is the fact people can dress-up as something that they’re not, party, be gross, or be loud and boisterous, and it’s socially ‘okay’. In fact, it reflects negatively on a person if they don’t dressed-up and don’t participate in any Halloween activities.
It’s the one day where all the rules (social/gender/dress) that you must follow the other 364 days of the year don’t apply. In his book, Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween, David J. Skal describes it as a social pressure value; necessary to keep us from going crazy. (That’s why some people get touchy when you start questioning their costume or behavior.)
Sometimes people use this opportunity to address important social issues, often through camp. (You can’t argue while you’re laughing.) Two examples would be spoofing your boss or questioning gender identity through cross-dressing. (As a staunch feminist who is against the objectification of women, I’m fine if someone wants to wear as little as possible on this day. It culturally reinforces the fact that it’s odd or not okay to do it the rest of the year.)
I understand not every else will have the same reading as me—especially when race is involved.
As for what costumes the Halloween stores have out; they sell what people buy. If you don’t like it; vote with your dollar by not shopping there.

Posted 16 Nov 2007 at 5:28 pm ¶
Aimee wrote:

It toally agree with this. I had a friend who told me she once dressed as a Native American for halloween. Now, I don’t think that is right. The outfits different triebes wore are native dress. They are not costumes. It is not okay to dress up as a person as another culture for Halloween. I find that insulting.

Posted 29 Oct 2008 at 12:07 pm ¶
Aziyza wrote:

Hmmm. This is another interesting article. So, here is another case where race is brought up. “Ignorant white people who are insensitive to other cultures”. I don’t celebrate Halloween but frankly I am sick of this war btw black, white, yellow, brown or what ever color one may call themselves. Are there any green people out there?? When will any people on this planet except or acknowledge that color is not a race and to stop being so damn sensitive. Stop focusing so much on who is trying to imitate and just teach people about other cultures. I am fortunate enough to live in a country where I am forced to only acknowledge my “black or African side” so I can get extra points on a Govt exam for having African ancestry. I am from the wonderful U.S.A. This is really retarded how people get when they see someone of another ethnicity trying to emulate them. For instance the girl who says there was a white chick with an Afro, I bet she has A freaking perm in her hair, What the hell do you call that. By the way depending on how curly your hair is you might also be sporting an Afro, race is not the only contributing factor. I agree that some of these costumes portray negative stereo types but at least a peak of some diversity is being presented. Now if only other ethnic people have the guts and balls to discuss facts and not fantasies. The sad thing about human beings on this planet is that they fail to realize that they have more in common than they think and everyone wants to claim the right to be the first owner of something. Nothing will remain original and everything is borrowed from something. Good luck in obtaining anything original because there are so many frauds and copy-cats. Funny how human beings can appreciate a variety of tree or rocks but can find harmony amongst themselves. When will we evolve???????

Posted 20 Feb 2009 at 6:46 pm ¶
Aziyza wrote:

Correction of second to last sentence :Funny how human beings can appreciate a variety of trees or rocks but can’t find harmony amongst themselves.

Posted 20 Feb 2009 at 6:55 pm ¶