Recently, the Greek system at Tufts University sent a letter that asked students not to wear "costumes that appropriate cultures and reproduce stereotypes". The letter went on to say that "outfits relating to tragedy, controversy, or acts of violence are also inappropriate." This request from Tufts students is an attempt to regulate costumes after complaints of offensive costumes from prior years spurred conversation over what is and isn't appropriate. The dean of student affairs has joined forces with the Greek system, saying that somebody who wears a costume that makes another student uncomfortable will face punishment (although Tufts has stated that the school does not have an official Halloween costume policy). Some offensive costumes mentioned include one that mocks the robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris, an ebola nurse, and a clown mask (in light of the recent clown sightings). Tufts university supports the students' call for banning discriminatory, threatening, and controversial costumes.
This story raises good questions about students' rights and offensive behavior. While it is important to not wear provocatory costumes, we also need to know where to draw the line. What exactly is deemed offensive? Besides the obviously stereotypical costumes that mock cultural, religious, ethnic, and gender groups, what else could make somebody feel threatened? College campuses provide good spaces for discussion and debate, but is the next generation becoming thin skinned? At some point, people are going to have to learn to live with a satirical costume of Kim Kardashian. The real world outside of the college campus bubble is not flowery and kind, and people who get offended so easily are not prepared to survive in it. Clearly, I am not calling for openly offensive costumes, and I think that the discourse over changing our attitude about them is good, but some of the "offensive costumes", like a goldfish, are a bit extreme. I think that it is possible to achieve a good balance between kind and appropriate costumes while maintaining the fun aspect of dressing up for Halloween, we just have to work to get to that point.
The conversation over Halloween costumes can be connected to the women's rights movement in the antebellum era. Amelia Bloomer protested for her rights by wearing short skirts and "bloomers". At the Women's Rights Convention at Seneca Falls, much discussion, debate, and protesting occurred, which eventually led to the Declaration of Sentiments. Today, college campuses, like Tufts, are going through a cultural revolution and reform. While they are no longer protesting for the right to vote, important topics continue to be raised. I think, like with the women's rights reformation, we will continue to see different outcomes from the college millennial movement.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/offensive-halloween-costumes-prompt-warning-tuft-university-students/story?id=43130186
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