7.8: Culture is Not a Costume: Cultural Appropriation and Halloween

First Name Basis Podcast

Can you believe that Halloween is just around the corner?

I know some of you super-prepared parents out there are already getting costumes put together for your kiddos, and you may be wondering about cultural appropriation as you're looking through the shelves and online at all the costume options.

I get asked all the time about how to avoid cultural appropriation with Halloween costumes, so this week, I’m bringing you TWO resources to help you as you navigate finding costumes for you and your kiddos.

First is my podcast episode titled “Culture is Not a Costume: Cultural Appropriation and Halloween,” which is a one-stop shop for you to get all of your costume questions answered.

In the episode, you will learn about:

• Indigenous appropriation on Halloween and how these costumes put Indigenous women in danger.
• How you can avoid appropriation in Halloween costumes.
• When it is appropriate to wear cultural artifacts.

Second is a free printable decision tree to help you determine whether a costume falls into the “cultural appropriation” category. It’s a great resource for helping you decide and for sparking conversations with your kiddos about what makes a costume appropriation or not. Head over to firstnamebasis.org/costumes to get your copy sent straight to your inbox!

Articles, Studies & Podcasts Referenced In The Episode

First Name Basis Podcast: Season 3, Episode 1: “Your Top 5 Cultural Appropriation Questions Answered”

“These costumes objectify Native American women. Retailers won’t stop selling them” by Nadra Nittle, Vox

“Our Society Can Never Really Eradicate Patriarchy or Sexual Violence When We Permit Violence Against Indigenous Women,” by Dani M., Wear Your Voice

“Yandy Responds to New Times Article, Says Costumes ‘Pay Homage’ to Native Americans” by Molly Longman, Phoenix New Times

“Yandy Finally Got Rid Of An Offensive Costume. So Why Are Some Protesters Still Angry?” by Molly Longman, Refinery29

“How to dress your Pākehā child up as Maui or Moana without appropriating Pasifika culture” by Emmaline Matagi, The Spinoff

“Please don’t tell your kids they can’t dress as Moana this Halloween” by Preeti Varathan, Quartz

“PSA: Don’t Let Your Kid Dress Up In These Costumes” by Rachel Garlinghouse, Scary Mommy

“Why Your White Kid Probably Shouldn’t Dress Up As Moana For Halloween” by Eden Hagos, Today’s Parent

Little Koto’s Closet Blog

Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN