As Halloween looms over us, it is important to acknowledge the moral dangers of cultural appropriation and recognize the signs to prevent the occurrence.
October 19, 2020, 11:33 am EDT
Written by Sarah Chu
Spooky season is upon us. As if the United States needed something more terrifying than the 210,000 American lives lost this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prospect of frightening photos of college students dressed in racists costumes is equally terrifying.
Though Halloween will undoubtedly look different this year (COVID-19 has scared off Halloween events in 37 states), cultural appropriation has been a perennial problem every Halloween.
In simplistic terms, cultural appropriation is when members of a dominant group take cultural elements from others who are systematically oppressed. Appropriated acts allow individuals of a different culture to exhibit, explore, and often stereotype a culture without facing the consequences of the lifelong injustices enacted on those that are oppressed. Dominant groups often misrepresent ethnic communities, a function that continues to manifest from a history of colonial oppression.
The exploitation of certain ethnic groups highlights the power imbalance between the dominant and the marginalized. While the dominant group cherry-picks offensive customs or physical qualities of another ethnic group, they contribute to the systematic oppression of that group.
Cultural appropriation also perpetuates stereotypes, turning ethnic groups into belittling caricatures. Cultural practices are erroneously depicted, perhaps unknowingly. From kids “dressing” up as Pocahontas to college students wearing blackface, people wear other ethnic group’s culture as a costume they can take on and off.
Cultural appropriation is obviously prevalent on Halloween; however, more subtle forms of cultural exploitation happen all the time. In fact, people – and companies – profit off from the culture of less privileged ethnic groups.
One prime example is the Kardashian family, who is notorious for claiming Black culture as their own, as they continue to build their $1.965 billion empires on the backs of Black creatives. While the Kardashian sisters, who are a mixture of Armenian, Dutch, English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry, are seen wearing Bantu knots, cornrows, and du-rags (shown above), they have also been accused of design theft on numerous occasions. They capitalize on being adjacent to Black culture, yet do not suffer the inequitable outcomes of many Black Americans.
As an ethnic minority who has experienced racism, it is pivotal to denounce the impropriety in stereotyping ethnic groups and exploiting marginalized communities for financial gain. There is no doubt blackface is disgraceful. Calling someone out for racially insensitive behavior, however, does not – and should not – mean complete disengagement with the perpetrator.
Instead of “canceling” them, try to engage with those that display ignorance. Because of the partisan polarization that has become increasingly prevalent in American politics, it can feel impossible to have a conversation with someone who has differing opinions. Shutting down the possibility of dialogue impedes the opportunity to educate others who need a gentle in a positive direction. Empathy stems from trying to understand people who do not look like you – it is the essence of personal growth. By creating an open and non-judgmental space for discussion, we begin to create a mutual understanding between one another.
Intention matters: whether someone is purely malicious or unconsciously ignorant, it is crucial to keep an eye out for cultural appropriation. Before a friend or colleague dresses up as a person whose identity is different from their own, reinforce the importance of not altering their skin tone to match the character's physical appearance. Encourage them to ask themselves if their costume may be harmful to another ethnic group. Though people are often unaware of the long history of blackface or other racially insensitive portrayals, it is inexcusable to feign ignorance. We must hold each other accountable and prevent hurtful actions from exacerbating the cycle of systemic oppression. In a year filled with racial injustice, collective trauma, and political turmoil, the least we can do is be respectful of other people on this holiday.