Leave Halloween to the Kids

Two groups are fighting back

(NEWSER) - Before you don your Halloween costume tomorrow, consider this: Is it offensive? Two groups are fighting back against costumes they consider racist or sexist:

• Ohio University's Students Teaching About Racism in Society (STARS) created a campaign with the headline, "We’re a culture, not a costume." Students are featured in ads that protest stereotype-driven costumes, like an Arab terrorist. See examples on Adweek , or check out the meme that’s since spawned here .

It all started in Greenwich Village in the '70s

(NEWSER) - Ever wondered when Halloween shifted from spooky to sexy? Somewhere in the 1970s, explains Juliet Lapidos for Slate. New York’s Greenwich Village launched its annual Halloween parade in 1973, an event that quickly became popular among the local gay community, who largely attended in drag and other sexy outfits. The parade gained national fame and imitators sprung up. Retailers took note and began to push ever-bawdier costumes. More»

Expect to see plenty of The Situations, Pauly Ds, as well

(NEWSER) - Anyone with a Snooki pouf phobia should stay indoors Halloween night and close the curtains. Fair warning: the streets and parties will be crawling with Jersey Shore guidette and guido fans dressing up in this season's most popular Halloween costumes. Snooki and Pauly D garb, and fake abs evocative of Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino's are flying off the shelves, reports the Wall Street Journal . Jersey Shore characters have already surpassed Lady Gaga to become the No. 1 Halloween costumes chosen by the 18-to-24 set, according to New York marketing firm Brand Keys. More»

Now you actually can wear lingerie for Halloween!

(NEWSER) - In the world of Victoria’s Secret, Halloween costumes aren’t called Halloween costumes: They’re called “Sexy Little Fantasies.” The lingerie giant launched the costume line this year, and, not surprisingly, there are absolutely no un-sexy offerings—so if you were hoping to dress up as the VS Abominable Snowman, you’re out of luck. If, however, you have $198 to spend on a “Sexy Little Bride” costume, it's got you covered (or, as the case may be, uncovered). See the full collection, including “Sexy Little Nurse” and “Sexy Little Air Hostess,” here . More»

Parents unable to counter sexy costume trend: expert

(NEWSER) - No, your eyesight isn't hexed: Young girls really are dressing like French maids and prostitutes every Halloween. And their skirts will only get higher, because pop culture has drowned out any last echo of parental advice, author Diane E. Levin tells the Los Angeles Times. The co-author of So Sexy So Soon says that even pre-tween girls are baring flesh every October to emulate "Disney princesses or Hannah Montana." More»