UW-Madison Warns of “Cultural Appropriation” in Halloween Costumes
More than a decade after Yale University sparked national controversy for a memo that warned against culturally insensitive Halloween costumes, universities continue to promote similar guidance.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison shared a “Halloween Cultural Awareness” article from University Housing on its Instagram story on Oct. 30.
“Costumes that are culturally insensitive can negatively impact others,” the guidelines warn. “Before choosing a costume that represents a culture or an identity that you don’t hold, think about the significance of culture and how we can appreciate and learn from differing backgrounds rather than appropriating other identities in a harmful way.”
“Cultural Appropriation” is “when someone adopts aspects of a culture that’s not their own,” according to the article. It is “viewed as disrespectful when cultural elements are copied from a marginalized culture by members of the dominant culture and used outsize of their cultural context.” Examples included “Katy Perry’s approach in several music videos” and “stereotyped costumes.”
Students are encouraged to think about whether their costume comes “from a culture that has been historically or currently discriminated against or oppressed.” They are also encouraged to think about the significance or sacredness of costume items. For example, “Eagle feathers are earned in certain indigenous communities and gifted to individuals by elders of communities.”
