Inclusive Halloween Dress-Up: Celebrating Diversity and Acceptance

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Halloween is more than just a time for candy and costumes. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all of the different identities we have.

Costumes that stereotype marginalized groups send a harmful message that people from those communities are either scary or funny. This is known as cultural appropriation.

Avoid using jump-scares or motion-activated animatronics when trick-or-treating with children who have cognitive disabilities or sensory issues.

Elphaba and Glinda

The improbable friendship between Elphaba (later Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda/Glinda, two very different characters, is at the center of this captivating play. Glinda is a frivolous blond party girl with a focus on popularity and social status. Elphaba is a social outcast, an activist for the Animals who has a strong and independent agenda that goes against the grain of the gaslit world around her.

The costumes that adorn these two stars, designed by Susan Hilferty, are an art form in their own right. Glinda’s bubble dress is made from as many as 25 different fabrics that are folded back into themselves and sewn together to create the textured fabric of the garment.

Elphaba’s costume is equally as intricate and reflects the character’s development throughout the musical, from her beginnings as an outcast to her full transformation into Glinda. Both costumes demonstrate the importance of empathy and the power of personal connections to transcend societal expectations.

Daphne and Velma

The dynamic duo of Daphne and Velma are the heart of the Scooby-Doo franchise, with a combined total of six movies making over $457 million at the box office. Sarah Jeffery (Descendants & Shades of Blue) and Sarah Gilman (Last Man Standing & I Didn’t Do It) star as the two mystery-solving teenagers.

When the brightest students in school begin to mysteriously disappear, it’s up to Daphne and Velma to solve the case. Their investigation leads them to Ridge Valley High, a tech-savvy institute sponsored by technology billionaire Tobias Bloom. The girls find themselves in the running for a Bloom internship, but Mikayla, a popular social media influencer and friend of Velma’s, has already claimed first place on the school’s “Bloom Bracket” ranking system.

While Halloween is a great time to dress up, it’s important that we all understand what constitutes cultural appropriation. Insisting on a costume that mocks someone’s culture, racial or ethnic identity has real consequences, especially for people who live with trauma every day.

Daria and Jane

Taking the time to get to know people who are different from you—whether that’s through volunteering, visiting a local church or temple, or simply talking to your neighbors —is one of the most meaningful ways to practice inclusion. It can also be fun!

Daria and Jane had that special kind of high school friendship that many aspired to have as teens. They understood each other and respected each other, even when their opinions differed.

They also shared a mutual love for art—Jane pursued it professionally while Daria stayed with her writing. While Daria had a stricter approach to her principles, Jane was more chill and relaxed.

Unfortunately, Halloween can sometimes be a breeding ground for racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive costumes. Costumes that depict marginalized groups as criminals, hyper-sexualized caricatures, or grotesquely distorted caricatures of their real-life identities can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmas. These stereotypes can make members of marginalized communities feel like they don’t belong at all.

Broad City

Halloween can be an intimidating time for children with special needs. Whether they need a costume that fits their mobility device, are fearful of approaching strangers or have a food allergy, it’s important to be aware of their unique needs. One way to help is by joining the Teal Pumpkin Project. This initiative encourages households to provide non-candy treats to trick or treaters with special needs.

In addition, it’s important to avoid costumes that are based on cultural appropriation. This is a practice that can be harmful to marginalized communities and is not appropriate at Halloween. Examples of this wearing lesbian halloween costume that are reminiscent of face, using dreadlocks or plaits for a costume or portraying certain cultures in demeaning ways.

Abbi and Ilana are two gals that won’t conform. Embracing proto-feminist ideals of sex-positive feminism and sexual freedom, they’re trailblazers in their own right. Their friendship and banter is a reminder that no matter who you are, you can make friends and be accepted (Frutkin).

What’s the Difference Between a Baseball Cap and a Trucker Hat?

When it comes to choosing a new hat, there are a lot of styles to consider. From a classic baseball cap vs trucker hat, both offer great sun protection and a unique style that can add a little bit of flair to your outfit. But what distinguishes them from one another? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two popular headwear options.

Trucker hats are typically known for their foam front and mesh back construction, which makes them very breathable and perfect for hot weather and outdoor activities. They can also be worn with the brim facing either the front or the back, which gives them a different style that can complement many types of outfits. While trucker hats are not as common in the fashion industry as baseball caps, they’re still a favorite among many people for their durability and versatility.

A baseball cap is a type of cap that is usually made from cotton or polyester, and it features a curved brim that helps to shade the eyes from the sun. They are designed to fit snugly on the head, so they can easily be adjusted using a plastic or Velcro strap at the back of the cap. Baseball hats are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to express their personal style.

The biggest difference between a baseball cap vs trucker hat is that the former is often designed with bold logos, graphics, or witty phrases on the front panel, allowing the wearer to show off their personality and style. On the other hand, trucker hats are more commonly seen with plain solid colors, which reflect a simpler and more classic aesthetic.