Costume selection matters

October 15, 2026 - Henry Mochida, Beth Brauer and Bethany Balks

Halloween costume rack

This story was originally published in October 2021.

For many visible and invisible identities, Halloween summons more than ghouls and goblins. While most think of Halloween as a time to dress in costume and celebrate all things spooky, it can also become grounds for racist, sexist, ableist, culturally insensitive and biased behaviors.

Halloween can be an opportunity to creatively dress and decorate, but experts say it’s important to consider how costumes that portray specific groups of people in demeaning ways — as criminals, hyper-sexualized and or grotesque caricatures — can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

“Misrepresentation has long been a tool for dehumanizing others," said Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Dr. Swapna Hingwe. “When we engage in it, we reinforce stereotypes and risk inflicting trauma and harm.”

Discriminatory representations are not limited to race and ethnicity. Any group can become a target if people are given a pass to assume a new identity.

“Historically, non-Western communities have been ridiculed and portrayed as deviant, lazy and sub-human,” said Program Director for Global Inclusion Anjam Chaudhary, Ph.D. “When people dress in costumes that portray such negative images, it gives credence to these stereotypes.”

Costumes can elicit trauma if they poke fun at the experiences of historical harm, bigotry or displacement.

“It is crucial to avoid costumes that mock or show insensitivities around traumatic experiences,” said Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Inclusive Access and Belonging, Kimberly Steed-Page, Ph.D.

Some of those experiences include avoiding costumes that reference:

Anti-Arab or Islamophobia
Anti-Asian hate
Blackface or anti-Blackness
Body-shaming and objectifying
Cultural stereotypes
Disabilities (physical or mental)
Holocaust victim or antisemitism
Disease or disaster victim
Poverty or people experiencing homelessness
Sexual harassment or domestic violence
Transphobia
Victim(s) of violence or displacement

Dinosaur costume While it's true that some culture-specific costumes are not intended to hurt and harm, assuming another group's identity may do just that.

“Costumes that demoralize other cultures are not actually all in good fun," said Interim Associate Director of Community and Engagement, Dreux Baker. “Someone’s culture should not be someone else’s costume.”

"I have seen many non-Mexican individuals applying calavera makeup as a Halloween costume without knowing the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos. I've often heard people explain to others Día de los Muertos as Mexican Halloween. It's much more than that, as it's full of traditions, culture and the remembrance of loved ones. It's history also dates back to roughly 3,000 years ago and is a part of Indigenous roots," said Itzel Castañeda Acosta, a second-year College of Social Science student.

"Cultures are not costumes. People carry the traditions of their identities every day of the year, not just on Halloween night. Peers can reflect on whether a costume is an expression of culture and consider the impact on those in the community before dressing up. Especially since those within the community have fought long and hard to openly express themselves through culture, since it's a part of their identity and makes up who they are," said Castañeda Acosta.

Experts suggest considering the following questions when selecting costumes this season:

What does my wearing of the costume convey?
Does the costume challenge or misrepresent my value system?
Might this costume perpetuate harm or violence that a group has experienced?
Does this costume reference a certain culture or identity, and if so, is it mine to claim?

“MSU offers several resources that are available to support a safe and healthy educational living and learning environment,” said Assistant Director, Community and Engagement Unit, Residence Education and Housing Services, Maggie Chen-Hernandez.

MRULE Roundtable Discussions is one of Live On, Residence Education and Housing Services' programs, offering weekly conversations that let participants immerse themselves in cultural learning and get to know the numerous communities at MSU.

Other resources are available on campus for reporting harassment and discrimination, as well as mental health counseling services for students and employees. Additionally, there are methods for interrupting bias, materials for leading an effective discussion on the topic and resources for learning about inclusive practices.

Socializing in costume can be fun and even educational when people are encouraged to shift to cultural sharing.

“Our entertainment should not ride on the heels of someone else’s suffering,” said Director of MOSAIC: Center for Education and Outreach, charlie Liu, Ph.D. “And inappropriate costumes can be very hurtful and damaging. There are many opportunities for cultural learning at MSU, and it doesn’t need to start with a misstep on Halloween.”