So, you’ve been celebrating Halloween since you were a kid. Fun time, right? Well, did you know you might be offending someone by the costume you wear?

Be aware that there is a stark difference between creative costumes and offensive costumes. The offensive ones are those that attempt to stereotypically mimic or culturally misappropriate aspects of any group regardless of their gender, race, culture, ethnicity, religion, class, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

To help you avoid stereotypes and/or cultural misappropriation, we encourage you to check out the following resources. Oh, and the decision tree graphic at the bottom is for those of you who are party planners, but it can be used by anyone who wants to make better choices.

Videos

• The Origin of Everything: What is Cultural Appropriation?
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

Articles

• #IAmNotACostume
• 15 Offensive Halloween Costumes That Shouldn’t Exist
• A Culture, Not A Costume
• Cultural Appropriation, A Perennial Issue On Halloween
• How To: Costume and Theme Selection Guide
• A Soclmages Collection: Race-Themed College Parties (2001-2016)
• I Was That Girl on Halloween –– Here’s How I Learned My Lesson
• It’s Time We Have a Real Talk About Culture-Based Halloween Costumes
• 3 Ways to Not Be a Culturally Appropriating Jerk This Halloween