Well its that time of year again, coming off the heels of last year's 'Harlem Shake' viral sensation (btw, it was corporate media that made it viral, not you) and this year's 'Twerking' fiascos of practically everyone but especially Miley Cyrus (cultural appropriation and/or-yes-both slut shaming), for our favorite socially sanctioned not-so-post-racial spectacle... Halloween!
Although it is becoming less socially acceptable to hold "off-season" parties that cavalierly flaunt racial appropriation, so called 'ghetto-parties' don't seem to be losing their position as spaces for blatant racial discrimination and degradation in our professed 'post-racial' society. But it is not the 'off-season' and parading as the cultural other remains as the predictable halloween costume. Taking a look at local retailers or online outlets will reveal top selling offenses: 'ghetto fab wigs', gangsta braids', illegal alien', 'hey amigo' and 'chop suey specs'.
Yes, people are still doing blackface and now using Trayvon Martin as a costume.
We are not so far removed on our campus from such acts of cultural appropriation, anyone receive this year's "Cougador" costume??? Cultural intolerance sanctioned by the University/Administration or Athletic Department? Even if not directly approved by these 'official' campus entities we need to see it as implicitly condoning and creating an environment for such acts to occur; such nice corporate culture or school spirit (Sign the petition to have a stop to this on our campus).
But we can make a choice, personal and collective to resist and push back against the relentless pressures to participate and condone cultural violence. When selecting a (scary?) costume for this Halloween lets stick with the classic vampires (sure even Twilight), zombies, or witches (don't feel coerced to reveal your body). We don't have to perpetuate the 'scary' other constructed by social white supremacy by playing the 'scary other as costume'. More than personal choice, we have a collective responsibility to call out the racism/sexism/homophobia/classism that becomes socially acceptable and social ritual. Look for inspiration and courage in our ever connected society that performs such acts of social justice; a group of students have created a We're a Culture not a Costume campaign to start the conversation. Remember, its about the conversation for transformation: information as action and as Jay Smooth reminds us the conversation to tell someone that they sound racist/sexist/homophobic is a more constructive one than the "you are a racist" charge. Here is an easy way to tell your friend that Halloween costume is racist.
More on the issue(s): Cultural Exchange v Appropriation & Open Letter to White America, Particularly White Youth
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