World TraditionsNo. 4711 · The 2026 edition
Cultural Appropriation, A Perennial Issue On Halloween
Think twice before you dress up—some costumes can cause real harm.
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Halloween costumes that borrow from other cultures may seem fun, but they can be offensive and perpetuate stereotypes. Learn how to avoid cultural appropriation and choose a respectful costume.
About this
Halloween costumes that borrow from other cultures may seem fun, but they can be offensive and perpetuate stereotypes. Learn how to avoid cultural appropriation and choose a respectful costume.
Tips
- Avoid costumes that perpetuate stereotypes or instances of cultural appropriation, such as 'Arab Sheikh' outfits, 'Mexican' costumes with sombreros and ponchos, or blackface.
- Do not wear generic 'Native American' costumes featuring fringe, fake suede, feathers, and braids, as these depict Indigenous people as a monolith frozen in time and are rooted in a historically violent past.
- Reinforce the importance of not darkening skin or using makeup to change a child's skin color to match the person they are dressing up to be.
- Help children understand why dressing in a caricature of someone else's identity is hurtful and problematic, focusing on conversations about identity and respect.
