Have yourself a classy, thrifty Halloween

By Emily Carden

It's that time of year again when your attire, unique and possibly frightening, is in the spotlight and ready for critique. This Halloween season prompts a few new analyzing factors of its own when it comes to costuming - both racial and financial.

While some Halloween costumes make their way to best and worst dressed lists, some are landing on a new list of their own - a not so coveted one at that. Many outfits this year are topping the list of racist costumes. One in particular, an illegal immigrant costume, has orchestrated quite the controversy amongst the Halloween crowd this 2009 season, with a green card to make the outfit complete and "legal."

Such costumes as the "illegal immigrant" are raising awareness within the college community and public eye to denote costumes that cause disagreement with others as unnecessary and detestable.

"Halloween has always been associated with controversy and distaste," stated first year LSU Law student Phil Maples. "Costumes are meant to stir emotion. However, I feel one should reconsider wearing a costume that might offend a neighbor due to a racist overtone or direct statement."

Major businesses are noting the racist acts portrayed in the costumes as well. MSNBC stated, "Since Friday [October 16], when the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights in Los Angeles first raised the issue, companies including Target, Walgreens and eBay have removed the costume from their inventory."

However, isn't the point of Halloween to enjoy others' costumes and have a good time? A classy outfit should top the list of those heading out in dress this Halloween. With thousands of costumes available, ideas as well, why settle for something offensive?

Being classy and respectful when choosing your Halloween costume aren't the only things to keep in mind this uncanny holiday. If you're like the majority of individuals, money is tight and a find at the right price could make your night. Consider your closet or closest thrift store the perfect stop to make an unforgettable Halloween appearance at your destination Saturday, Oct. 31.

"Thrift stores provide great opportunities to get all your essentials for around 20 bucks," Maples said, who has bought several outfits during past Halloween seasons. Thrift stores and closets provide an unlimited assortment of clothing to accommodate any inventive costume design.

It's amazing at how unpleasant society has become, even on a presumed fun holiday. Whether it's taking into consideration other individuals or your wallet, spend this Halloween basking in positive paranormal for all. Check your local thrift stores, closet and even your morals to make sure this Halloween is enjoyable for all.

Originally Published: Issue 821 - October 28, 2009

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Comments

I don’t get it. The costume in question is called "Illegal Alien," and it consists of an alien mask, an orange jumpsuit, and a green card. There are absolutely no racial distinctions in the costume. It’s just a dumb joke, like the "one night stand" costume that is literally a night stand.

Stop for a moment and think about what makes this offensive. Yes, illegal alien suggests an immigrant, someone who was not born in this country but lives here now. The term "illegal" applies to immigrants who are breaking the law by living in the U.S.. If making a costume out of the criminal version of a group of people is offensive, we should take away all prisoner costumes, as they depict Americans who broke the law, and how are we to know they weren’t wrongfully convicted?

If anything, the Illegal Alien costume is a satire on immigration laws and the term "alien" as it applies to immigrants who are human like everyone else. Would you rather the costume say "Roofing contractor who pays illegal immigrants cash under the table"?

I think people are complaining and writing articles like these not because they are truly offended, but because they feel like they should be offended because someone, somewhere might be offended, too. They see illegal alien, their first thought is "Mexican," and they immediately retreat into their overcompensating "I’m not a racist" armor. Maybe these costume companies need to be a little less general next time -- try a costume that says "Russian Bride from the Internet." I don’t think the media has told us to pay attention to that yet.

Political correctness has lost its purpose. Even liberals should find this ridiculous.

Fed up | 2009-10-28 - 06:20:26 PM (CDT)

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