Locals talk cultural appropriation and Halloween

SALISBURY, Md. – With Halloween around the corner people are getting ready to show off their favorite costumes, but for some that may not be as exciting as you would expect.

That is because some costumes can just be downright offensive.

“Would I be offended if I ran into somebody at a Halloween party wearing blackface, probably would,” said James King, an associate professor at Salisbury University.

This year maybe more so than ever before in light of recent scandals Americans are watching, and they are talking.

An example of those conversations can be found online where some have voiced concerns about cultural appropriation.

“If like, there’s a general meaning behind those attires then I don’t think people should just wear them casually for example the Native American head dress,” said Sylvia Anyiam, a Salisbury University student.

The issue has gained so much traction this year that experts in cultural studies have been forced to take it on and even they are having a tough time deciding what is right and what is wrong.

“I don’t understand myself to be the costume police,” said King.

King suggests that the best way to avoid controversy is to consider what impact your costume could have on others.

“To question whether this is really the best costume for them to put on for Halloween,” said King.

Advocates say people should dig a little deeper when they look into a costume this holiday season while trying to be more understanding of other cultures.

They would like to remind the public that if you think that a costume could be offensive it is best to find something else.