Costume selection matters

September 30, 2025 - Henry Mochida, Beth Brauer and Bethany Balks

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 Psychiatric 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 Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Genyne L. Royal, 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

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 Associate Director of Residence Halls Education, Eduardo Olivo. “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," said Adilene Martinez-Carmona, a fourth-year James Madison College 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," said Matinez-Carmona.

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

1. What does my wearing of the costume convey?
2. Does the costume challenge or misrepresent my value system?
3. Might this costume perpetuate harm or violence that a group has experienced?
4. 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 of Residence Education and Housing Services, Maggie Chen-Hernandez.

MRULE Roundtable Discussions is one of the programs at MOSAIC: The Multicultural Unity Center, which offers weekly conversations that allow participants to immerse themselves in cultural learning to get to know the diverse 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.

Enjoying opportunities to socialize in costume can be fun and even educational when people are encouraged to shift from a culture of appropriation to cultural sharing. 

“Our entertainment should not ride on the heels of someone else’s suffering,” said MSU Community Liaison Suchitra Webster. “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.”