In preparation for this year's Halloween festivities, students at Ohio State University are speaking out about certain types of costumes that we see each and every year. The ten students who make up the Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS) group have created a series of posters that display a young person of a specific race or ethnicity holding a photograph of another individual wearing a racially or culturally insensitive Halloween costume. The tagline on each reads "This is not who I am, and this is not okay."
By starting this campaign, the students hope to bring this issue to the minds of those of us who may not have considered the potential damage created by insensitive costumes such as the ones photographed in the posters. Hopefully, people will begin discussing the issue and deciding for themselves whether the costumes are insensitive or not. The STARS group plans to license the posters out to other colleges and universities to use in exchange for a donation.
I think that this is a very worthy cause that these individuals are pursuing. Unfortunately, I see a lot of cultural insensitivity in our society, particularly in places like organized sports (think mascots and logos) and Halloween costumes. We often just accept these images without thinking twice, but I can't help but think that they can end up having a negative influence, albeit subconsciously, on how we view minority groups.
How do you feel about this issue? Take a look at some of the posters/costumes here.
I would have to agree that this is a worthy cause, but on the other hand, you must look at it as only a humorous approach to the holiday. Halloween is meant to be fun by dressing up as something or someone you normally wouldn't or as an alter-ego. I agree that many stereotypes are harsh and offensive, but on the other hand, I think that a large part of consumers are over sensitive and overlook the fun aspect of the holiday.
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