THE DARK SIDE OF HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
BY JAMEY A.
Halloween has become a commonly celebrated event in the UK, growing beyond children’s trick-or-treating to encompass fancy dress parties and haunted houses decorations. Many of us look forward to Halloween as an opportunity to express creativity, express fantastical characters, and indulge in a night of spooky fun. But while Halloween can be a delightful and imaginative day, it has also gained a reputation due to costumes and behaviours that can reinforce stereotypes, disrespect marginalised groups/people, and perpetuate cultural insensitivity.
Does the fun of Halloween justify the freedom to dress up as virtually anything or anyone regardless of whether certain costumes and actions can cross the line from harmless fun to offensive or even damaging representations?
One of the prickliest issues has been the widespread use of culturally significant attire as Halloween costumes. Dressing up as a member of another culture, particularly minority or Indigenous cultures, is often seen as cultural appropriation—a misuse or exploitation of symbols, clothing, and customs for superficial entertainment. Costumes mimicking traditional Native headdresses – such as African or American Indian, Mexican Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) clothing, or Asian cultural dress are common, despite often being sacred or symbolically significant to their respective communities.
Cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes can trivialise the history, struggles, and beliefs attached to these garments, turning them into props or accessories stripped of their meaning. Those who argue against these costumes suggest that they perpetuate an ‘exoticised’ view of other cultures and reduce complex identities to mere aesthetic choices for a night of entertainment.
Some argue, however, that dressing as a famous figure or wearing another culture’s clothing for Halloween is merely a form of appreciation or homage, not mockery. This stance emphasises personal intention, with many asserting they mean no harm or disrespect. Nevertheless, intention does not negate impact. The very act of reducing cultures to stereotypes can reinforce negative perceptions, especially when these costumes misrepresent cultures in exaggerated or inaccurate ways.
Gender-based and age-related costumes can also bring about debate, particularly when they rely on harmful stereotypes or mockery. Costumes that make fun of elderly people, for instance, often portray ageing in a negative light, adding to the ageist stereotypes that society already perpetuates. Dressing as a caricatured “old person” with a cane and stooped posture is rarely seen as respectful and can alienate older people by turning the realities of ageing into something to be laughed at.
Gender-based costumes raise similar concerns. Some costumes mock traditional gender roles or exaggerate them in ways that can feel dismissive or even harmful. “Men in drag” costumes, for example, have often been used as a joke, reinforcing stereotypes that trivialise and distort transgender or non-binary identities. By turning gender expression into a costume or an object of humour, these portrayals risk making a mockery of gender fluidity, transgender people, and those who do not conform to binary norms. These costumes can perpetuate harmful ideas around gender and reduce complex identities to mere props.
Racial stereotyping remains a troubling theme in Halloween costumes, with portrayals often focusing on physical features or exaggerated behaviours. The continued use of face paint, such as blackface or brownface, is a clear example of racial insensitivity that has drawn widespread criticism. These portrayals disregard the pain and history tied to such depictions, particularly in terms of blackface, which carries a history of racist caricature and systemic oppression.
Costumes that present exaggerated, stereotyped versions of different races or ethnic groups can reinforce harmful narratives that have real-world consequences. Even when the intent is humorous, the effect can be dehumanising. Those in favour of unrestricted costume choice might argue that Halloween’s nature as a night of transformation should allow for boundary-pushing portrayals, but critics argue that these portrayals often go too far, erasing individual humanity and promoting stereotypes.
Some Halloween costumes involve depictions of disability or injury—frequently to heighten horror or humour. Characters portrayed as “crazy patients” or costumes featuring props like wheelchairs or crutches for dramatic effect trivialise the lived experiences of those with disabilities or mental health conditions. The use of mental health stereotypes—such as “psycho” or “maniac” costumes—is similarly damaging, reinforcing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The very act of “pretending” to have a disability for a night can be demeaning to those of us who experience these challenges daily. It reduces complex realities to something monstrous or bizarre for the sake of entertainment, which may not feel like harmless fun to those on the receiving end. These portrayals risk trivialising or demonising disability, often reinforcing fear or ridicule rather than understanding and empathy.
The heart of the debate is whether Halloween’s costumes are an innocent form of escapism or an insensitive practice that normalises harmful stereotypes and perpetuates mockery. For many, Halloween is one of the few times in the year where they feel free to explore alternative identities, challenging norms and having fun. They may argue that Halloween, being rooted in tradition and festivity, should allow for irreverence and playfulness without over-analysis or restriction.
However, critics argue that Halloween costumes don’t exist in a vacuum. When individuals from privileged backgrounds appropriate or mock elements of marginalised identities, it can highlight a lack of understanding and empathy towards the very real experiences of others. Those in favour of sensitivity in costume choices argue that inclusivity and respect need not limit Halloween’s spirit; rather, they believe that thoughtful costumes can add to the holiday’s enjoyment by respecting diverse experiences.
Ultimately, Halloween provides an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, but also a moment to consider the broader implications of our choices. By avoiding costumes that trivialise culture, stereotype gender, mock age, or dehumanise people based on race, disability, or other identities, Halloween can become a celebration where creativity flourishes without harm.
While some may still argue that Halloween’s unique nature should afford a certain freedom to challenge boundaries, others suggest that awareness and respect need not hinder enjoyment. Halloween can indeed be a night of unbridled fun—without causing harm or offence. With a bit of thoughtfulness, it can remain a festival of joy and transformation for everyone involved, striking a balance between freedom and sensitivity in a world that increasingly values both.