Most Inappropriate Baby Costumes

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12 Totally Inappropriate Halloween Costumes You'll Want to Avoid

Do your due diligence this year to make sure that you're not dressing your child (or yourself!) in an offensive costume.

Toni Faint Giphy

October 31 may be all about tricks and treats, but it's just as important to treat others with respect on Halloween as it is on any other day of the year. Though it may have once been acceptable to run around dressed up in headdresses, sombreros, afros, and grass skirts, it's now 2021, and knowing the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is more essential than ever. There are certain inappropriate Halloween costumes that no one should be wearing, much less kids, but luckily, it's easy to avoid disrespectful costumes with a little foresight.

It's important to remember that nationalities and subcultures you don't belong to aren't a costume, and "borrowing" someone's way of life for a costume — even if you don't think you're reinforcing a stereotype — isn't respectful. Also, major cultural events including the pandemic, #MeToo movement, Black Lives Matter movement, or a national tragedy are never okay to mimic.

Make sure you avoid these stereotypical, sexualized, and offensive kids costumes this year (and if you're looking for some fun and family-friendly outfits, check out these easy-to-make kid costume ideas and these creative family getups instead).

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Quarantine Costumes

Considering the fact that millions of lives have been claimed by Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, any costume making light of Covid or the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (such as a "zombie quarantine" costume) are in poor taste.

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Cultural Stereotypes

Along with blackface, Polynesian culture shouldn't be a costume, and even though you may think the classic "hula girl" costume is benign, it's a prime example of cultural appropriation. The same goes for dressing up in kimonos, Native American headdresses, hijabs, and sombreros. If you or your child intend to pay homage to a beloved Disney character such as Moana or Pocahontas, be sure to lead with racial and cultural sensitivity.

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Homeless Person Costumes

You may think this retro "hobo" costume is cute, but seeing as more than half a million people were experiencing homelessness in America as of January 2020, they likely wouldn't find any costume depicting a person experiencing homelessness too cute.

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Holocaust-Related Costumes

While you're likely already aware that dressing your kid up as a Nazi or any costume that includes a swastika is unacceptable, letting them dress as a Holocaust victim for Halloween is also disrespectful. Several retailers came under fire for selling an Anne Frank-inspired outfit, and for good reason. The events of the Holocaust are simply inappropriate for costume party fodder.

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Problematic Historical Figure Costumes

While it's totally fine to dress your kid up as an influential or aspirational historical figure, any figures who represent hatred and intolerance — such as Adolf Hitler and other Nazis, Joseph Stalin, Confederate soldiers, and any other infamous groups and individuals — should be avoided.

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Day of the Dead Costumes

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an important part of Mexican and other Latinx cultures, dating back thousands of years and originating from indigenous peoples. With all the beautiful costumes and traditions associated, it may be tempted to try your hand at some sugar skull makeup, but really, Mexican and Latinx culture shouldn't be borrowed for a costume. And just so you know,

Día de los Muertos has nothing to do with Halloween.

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Prisoner Costumes

Making fun of prisoners is funny or cute, especially as society takes a closer look at how the criminal justice system works in America and who it impacts most.

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Religious Costumes

Any religion-inspired costume that pokes fun at someone's faith is not a smart idea, and considering Anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide, you'll want to leave any costumes depicting Rabbis or Orthodox Jewish folks on the shelf.

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Gangster or Pimp Costumes

It might be entertaining to watch gangsters in action movies, but there's nothing funny about your child idolizing criminals. And unless you're prepared to explain the nuances of sex work to your child, then it's probably best to avoid any pimp costumes.

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Overtly Sexual Costumes

If your daughter imagines herself joining law enforcement some day, chances are she doesn't aspire to become a "sexy cop." Rather than participating in the sexualization of young girls on Halloween, avoid the short skirts, fishnet stockings, and low-cut tops that seem more reminiscent of a college party than a kids costume.

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Overtly Sexual Costumes

Wearing horror costumes is fun and all, but the organs spilling out of this "roadkill" costume is just a bit too much, don't you think?

Jessica Leigh Mattern Web Editor Jessica Leigh Mattern is a web editor and writer who covers home, holiday, DIY, crafts, travel, and more lifestyle topics.

Corinne Sullivan Corinne Sullivan's debut novel, Indecent, tells the story of a recent  college grad who accepts a teaching position at a tony all-boys boarding  school, only to find herself deeply obsessed with a student at the risk  of her job and her sanity.

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Most Inappropriate Baby Costumes

Source: https://www.womansday.com/life/g2665/inappropriate-kids-halloween-costumes/

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