HALLOWEEN SAFETY AND DECISION MAKING
BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES AND RACHEL HALEY (OMICRON, BAKER UNIVERSITY), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HARM REDUCTION
It’s estimated that a person makes on average 35,000 decisions per day, 245,000 decisions a week, and 12,775,000 decisions a year. From choosing what we eat and wear to what we do and say, we are constantly making decisions for ourselves every day that have an impact on others. Making choices for Halloween is no different! We spend weeks thinking of creative costumes ideas and asking ourselves questions like: What will I dress up as this year? Will I go out or stay in?
Halloween is an occasion to celebrate and enjoy with sorority sisters, friends and family. Although it may feel like a lighthearted holiday, the choices you make around alcohol consumption and costumes can have a lasting impact beyond one night of the year. By making responsible choices that represent our values, we can make this Halloween a fun and safe one to remember.
Questions to ask yourself for maintaining your personal safety and making healthy choices on Halloween:
Is there a way for me to charge my phone if the battery runs low?
Will my costume be comfortable for the event I am attending?
What will I eat before the night starts?
If I choose to go out, which friends will go out with me? Who can I check-in with before going home for the evening?
What are ways I can moderate my drinking to stay in control of my consumption?
How will I safely get home if I consume alcohol? Can I schedule my ride in advance?
Here's how we can have a safe and sound Halloween while being mindful of cultural appropriation:
Cultural appropriation is the act of taking elements from another culture without proper recognition or respect, which can harm and affect marginalized communities.
Be mindful of event themes - Avoid participating in events that are widely based on stereotypes of any kind, center on “making fun” of a particular group, are derogatory in nature, or involve cultural appropriation. Instead choose themes that celebrate diversity, and foster inclusivity.Make smart costume choices – Halloween is all about body confidence and having fun! Your costume should be comfortable and reflect your personality. However, it's equally important to ensure that your costume is respectful and considerate. Reflect on ...
Does the costume play into racial stereotypes? (Ex: Geisha Girl Costume)
Does the costume require me to wear cultural makeup or markings (ex: Bindi or tribal tattoos)?
Does the costume require me to wear race-related hair/hairstyles? (Ex: Dreadlocks)
Does the costume require me to wear cultural attire (Ex: Sombrero or Headdress)
- Does this costume represent a culture that is not my own?
If your costume requires any of the above elements, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. From Barbie to Star Wars and everything in between, there are endless costumes to choose from! How will you spotlight your creativity and promote inclusion?
Keep these safety and culturally conscious decision-making tips in mind to help you have a happy Halloween!