Students at Appalachian State University are being told not to wear Halloween costumes that are “culturally appropriative” - or offensive to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The event listing for “What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume” on the university-funded Appalachian Popular Programming Society's webpage states, “Don't know what to wear for Halloween this year? Come to 'What Not to Wear' to learn about Halloween costumes that everyone can enjoy. Did we mention its FREE??”
According to the event information, “What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume” will visualize “the concept of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation.”
“The concept of this event is to stimulate self-reflection, raise awareness to the topic of cultural appropriation, and also be educational,” the event listing reads.
Proponents of cultural appropriation theory believe an individual “appropriates” a culture by “borrowing” an artifact or a custom from another culture “without permission.”
Jana Vise, the associate director for student programs at Appalachian State, clarified the topics that will be covered in the “What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume” event in a statement to MRCTV.
“The event is an awareness program that will demonstrate how certain types of costumes may have an negative impact on some people,” Vise said.
“Representatives from student groups will present various scenarios followed by explanation via multimedia or a skit why the costume may come across as offensive,” Vise continued.
Vise told MRCTV the scenarios that will be covered include “Sexualization of Women Professionals, African Culture, Latino Culture, Native American Culture, and Black Lives Matter.”
Costumes that are allegedly “offensive” to Black Lives Matter supporters, according to Cosmopolitan’s Helin Jung, include “joking references to Black Lives Matter/police brutality.”
“Like so many have already said, police violence and victims of police brutality shouldn't be rendered humorous,” Jung claims.
Vise told MRCTV Appalachian State’s Cultural Awareness and Student Engagement Council (CASE) is hosting the “What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume” event.
CASE allegedly “strives to increase diversity awareness and student involvement” “through the programming of multicultural and educational events.”
Earlier this month, CASE hosted a Hispanic heritage festival dedicated to “celebrating Hispanic Heritage.” The open-to-the-public event included “food, live performances, dance lessons, craft tables, and much more!”
It is unclear whether the multicultural events hosted by CASE constitute cultural appropriation.
Appalachian State’s “What Not to Wear: Culture vs. Costume” is scheduled for Oct. 19.