J’s Guide to Halloween Costumes

What Not to Wear This Halloween Season

Be careful: be very careful.

By J Van Beest , Spartan Staff

  • Happy Spooky Season!

Halloween has always been my favorite time of year.  I LOVE dressing up and seeing everyone else’s different costumes.  I’ve trick-or-treated every year of my life (well except 2020) and I don’t plan to stop any time soon.  

What isn’t so great about Halloween is that not everybody quite understands costume etiquette. Remember when you’re bobbing, one bad apple ruins the whole batch.  

I won’t attach any problematic pictures, but everyone has probably seen a handful of examples of which I’m referring. 

In case you are one of those people, here is my small guide to what NOT to dress up as!

 

“Should I dress up as…_________

Q:  Jeffrey Dahmer?

A:  No!?!?  Or ANY serial killer for that matter.  If you absolutely must be a serial killer, at LEAST be Hannibal Lecter, who WASN’T REAL.

 

Just, “NO!”

 

Q:  a culture that doesn’t belong to me?

A:  No.  Culture is not a costume.  Especially not one that costs $3 at Party City.  

 

Q:  a transgender person?

A:  if you’re not making a mockery of them, sure!  I remember cis men dressing up as Caitlyn Jenner when she first came out, and I’ve seen a few dress up as transfeminine athletes.  Gross.  If you’re cis and want to be Viktor Hargreeves or Elle Argent, go for it!

 

Q:  a person/character who is not the same race as me?

A:  I mean, as long as you’re not making your skin color match theirs, you’re probably good.  Though ask yourself, “Will I ever be elected to public office?” Not anymore.

 

Q:  Queen Elizabeth?

A:  unpopular opinion, I don’t understand why people are offended by this costume.  She was alive for 67,000 years; she was going to die at some point.  

Why not?

Bottom line, if you think you shouldn’t do it, don’t do it.  

Have a fun and safe Halloween!  Don’t eat any suspicious looking candy, check your younger siblings’ candy bags, and bring a jacket!!  It’s gonna be a little chilly