(Image Source: The Grio)
BY RUISHA QIAN
How to dress up for Halloween? If you are thinking about painting your face black, wearing a traditional ghutra, or dressing like a Japanese Geisha, a group has a message for you.
“We are a culture, not a costume.” Members of Ohio University’s Students Teaching About Racism in Society organized a poster campaign against Halloween costumes they say imply racial or cultural stereotypes.
The president of the Society Sarah Williams tells CNN...
"During Halloween, we see offensive costumes. We don't like it, we don't appreciate it. We wanted to do a campaign about it saying, 'Hey, think about this. It's offensive.’ ... The best way to get rid of stereotypes and racism is to have a discussion and raise awareness...”
Color Lines notes, controversy over costumes depicting racial or cultural stereotypes has long been part of the annual festival.
“In 2009, Northwestern had drawn unwanted national attention when party pics of two varsity athletes dressed in graphic black face made social media rounds... In 2009, Target made headlines by selling an ‘illegal alien’ costume that featured an orange jumpsuit and an alien mask.”
But The Stir argues the campaign is ruining the fun of Halloween...
“While the students are making an important point about the need to be culturally sensitive … they're doing it in such a way that spoils the spirit of the holiday. In most instances, people dressing up for Halloween are doing it for fun and laughs... [R]arely do people choose Halloween costumes with a malicious intention. This poster campaign suggests otherwise.”
The Moral Liberal agrees...
“...Halloween is about being someone you’re not. ... College campuses nevertheless keep trying to police Halloween costumes. They really need to stop; it’s making them look ridiculous.”
On its website Ohio University STARS says its goal is to -quote- “raise awareness about social justice, and promote racial harmony.”
Transcript by Newsy.
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