People are now suddenly offended by Border Patrol-inspired Halloween costumes now that Donald Trump is president.
According to Cosmopolitan, “People are pissed” that Spirit Halloween is selling Border Patrol-themed Halloween costumes. Author Tess Koman appears to have now been aware of the “Border Babe” costume’s existence due to an article in Gothamist, which rails against other Immigration and Customs Enforcement-inspired costumes, such as an “AGENT WALL” shirt on sale at Spirit Halloween locations across New York City.
(Image source: Spirit Halloween)
The problem with the outrage is that the costumes are nothing new and are now just garnering attention because of the hysteria surrounding Trump’s potential immigration policies.
While Koman writes, “It’s unclear how long Spirit Halloween stores have been selling both of these costumes,” the reviews for “Border Babe” clearly show the costume has been around from at least 2009. The commenter from 2009 mentions she wore the costume two years prior, placing its existence at approximately 2007 (although it is possible the costume was available from before 2007). Other reviews are also from before Trump came into office. That’s a full decade of no one talking about how “pissed” they are, despite former President Barack Obama's record deportation numbers.
Steven Choi, director of the New York Immigration Coalition, issued a statement to Gothamist condemning the border and ICE-related costumes.
“It takes a vast amount of privilege to find humor in a uniform that represents terror and fear for millions of New Yorkers,” he said. “We hope people will exercise better judgement and choose not to spend their money at these stores, and that universities will update their Halloween guidance to include the immigrant experience.”
In a statement to Gothamist, Spirit Halloween defended the costumes despite the outrage:
Spirit Halloween offers a full range of Halloween costumes that celebrate and appreciate all cultures, occupations and figures, both real and imaginary. With that, we playfully acknowledge topical themes - and building the wall is certainly a trending conversation in today’s political climate. We believe this costume carries similar sentiments akin to that of a police officer, military costumes, firefighter, doctor and more. As the president continues to drive the headlines and hashtags, we have costumes for everyone to join in on the fun, including: piggybacking on Mr. President, a host of masks that illustrate Trump’s many personas and a presidential BFF Putin mask. We’ve respectfully developed these costumes knowing that Halloween is a time for humor and fun, and due to the overwhelming popularity of these items last year, we think it’ll be a huge hit with our shoppers again!
The “Border Babe” costume, which is only available online, is currently sold out.
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