Culture Is Not My Costume by Ellise A. Smith, M.S.Ed

As the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Division of Student Affairs at a Midwest, urban, research institution I frequently engage in difficult conversations around race, gender, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, size, and more. Most of these discussions are rooted in a lack of understanding about identities and the related experiences. As a doctoral student, I face similar challenges as I wrestle with research, articles, and thought processes related to culture. Oftentimes, most individuals are ‘surprised’ when corrected about their behaviors related to race, gender, culture, etc. as they thought what they did was harmless, or they state they had no intention to offend. However, it is my responsibility as a champion for creating fair and just societies to center my identities as a fat, Black, female (to name a few) to create equity. Therefore, my work does not conclude at the end-of-the-day and oftentimes continues outside of my 9-5 career. There are times where I must challenge harmful ideologies during times when others are unaware, this includes holiday seasons – even Halloween.

As spooky season approaches, families, friend, students, and communities will rush to celebrate a holiday that promotes the consumption of sweets and the opportunity to dress up as anything one’s heart desires. However, each year individuals find themselves in costumes that align with cultural identities and not the spirit of Halloween. This is a reminder that culture is not a costume. In short, wearing or manipulating items to fit your theme for the evening is not acceptable. This sort of behavior reinforces deeply engrained stereotypes about communities that continue to fight for the freedom to express and engage in their culture and heritage.

There is a significant difference between choosing to be a sexy kitten, nurse, or fairy and wearing Indigenous headdresses, engaging in Blackface, and mocking an accent. During Halloween, we see blatant permissible discrimination towards historically excluded groups under the guise of this being an opportunity to have ‘fun’ and have freedom of expression.

Taking a deeper look at why the aforementioned is problematic, lies in the continuous fight individuals have encountered in order to preserve their culture. In the Northern American context, we have witnessed Black and Brown individuals lose connection with their heritage as it is now highlighted because of popularity and entertainment, with no educational connection to who these individuals are or their ancestors. This all aligns with cultural appropriation – as these costumes do not acknowledge the true meaning, connection, and experiences of the cultures they are mocking. Cultural appropriation is critical in this discussion as it exposes how some cultural factors are only acceptable once places on the bodies of the majority population.

As you prepare for Halloween, remember there are a plethora of options available outside of cultural identities. Take a moment to research your costume ideas and be sure they align with the festive nature of the holiday and not the identities of those who are in and outside of your community. With the access to resources to learn more, there is no excuse to engage in behaviors that have a harmful outcome. This is your opportunity to interrupt ideologies that impact others and engage in a moment that could build community in creative ways that do not center the mocking of a culture for your pleasure.

-Ellise A. Smith, M.S.Ed

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Division of Student Affairs at IUPUI

 

**Thank you to Ellise for guest blogging this week, make sure to tune in on Friday for resources!