On Halloween, we see a barrage of different people walking around the streets in costume. From a vampire, or a princess; however, there are other costumes seem to catch the eyes of parents and media. Those are the culturally offensive costumes.

“To be something of another culture, they need to be mindful of the [history], and have better judgement to know that it’s offensive,” senior Trina Giang said.

There is no doubt that there are costumes that push the limit on purpose. In 2017, several online Halloween costume distributors released a series of offensive costumes, including a young girl’s Anne Frank based costume consisting of a cotton dress, tag, and brown felt body bag. Costumes like this are deemed unacceptable to wear because of its negative history; however, lederhosen or Dia de los Muertos costumes remain on shelves without question.

“Basic acceptable costumes are not involving race, religion, blackface, or include anyone saying any slurs,” Spencer said. “It’s not acceptable and is just a poor joke. Other costumes shouldn’t be made to offend or cause a stir.”

Without a doubt, some costumes that people will be wearing on Halloween will make people cringe with how insensitive they are. To other people, the same costume will go completely over his or her heads or will not bother anyone. Whether it is someone wearing a hijab, a Middle-Eastern article of clothing that is symbolic to Muslim culture; someone walking around in a fat suit, or even someone wearing the President’s face. Some costumes are going to upset people as we as a culture become more aware of their Halloween attire.

“There’s no acceptance to someone defacing a culture in any way. Race, religion, or society as a whole isn’t a costume,” Spencer said.