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Racist, Sexist Halloween Costumes Come Under Fire

Two groups are fighting back

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2011 1:06 PM CDT

(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.

  • Take Back Halloween is fighting against the idea that "women are only supposed to dress up as one thing: 'Sexy _____' (fill in the blank). Sexy Nurse, Sexy Cowgirl, Sexy whatever." Its website offers ideas for more imaginative, less sexy costumes—like Lise Meitner, who discovered nuclear fission.
Of course, at least one blogger thinks this means all the fun is being sucked out of Halloween

Perhaps you want to think twice about that costume.
Perhaps you want to think twice about that costume.   (?Monica's Dad)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
golgo13
Oct 31, 2011 7:43 AM CDT
I don't see what the big deal is.  If someone puts on a racist costume, they aren't dressing up as someone else.  They are dressing up as the person they really are.  Make a note of it and move on.
Alan
Oct 31, 2011 7:38 AM CDT
The United States of the easily offended.  It is almost like many of us look to be offended.  We seem to look to be "victimized" by others.  There is much to laugh at in life, including ourselves.  Look for the similarities among us not the differences.  Just some thoughts.
Barack_Must_Go
Oct 31, 2011 1:12 AM CDT
I saw a guy dressed in all black, .... with  A_ _ CLOWN written across his sweat shirt.  I asked who he was suppose to be ....... his answer ... president Obama.
 

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