Halloween has come and gone and in the wake of seeing so many costumes, a thought has stuck in my mind. What’s appropriate to wear and what’s not? I began thinking about this long before the season approached when I learned of the racism involved with the term “gypsy” (a slur that is used as an umbrella term that includes, but is not limited to: Roma, Sinti, Pavee, Irish Travelers, Scottish Travellers, Romanichal, Calo and Kaale ). I would describe my style using the word gypsy and I would read books about “gypsy magick,” never realizing how offensive this is to many cultures who are constantly thrown out of different countries because of their heritage.
Beyond that, the idea of “gypsy magick” itself is that this form of energy work isn’t rooted in Romani traditions or any authentic tradition in itself. Authors like Raymond Buckland claimed their Romani heritage in an attempt write about this form of “magick” as a feeble attempt of gaining some monetary outcome. When I realized how wrong this sort of racism was, I threw out my books on gypsy magick and quickly stopped using this word to describe a style that wasn’t really “gypsy” at all. Well, fast forward to Halloween and all the “gypsy” costumes: offensive takes on a style of dress that’s more on par with Hunchback of Notre Dame than any sort of historical background of the cultures that fall under the slur of gypsy itself. Well, many are ignorant to the fact that this is incredibly offensive, but does that make it okay? Is ignorance an excuse entitling you to wear whatever the hell you want, even if it means discriminating against cultures who are still struggling to find acceptance?
What about wearing a “sexy sari” style: a take on the classic Indian sari? According to old Indian tradition, the navel of the Supreme Being is the source of creativity and life, which is why the stomach is typically bare while wearing a sari. Is it socially acceptable to take a typical style of cultural garb and make it sexy to be worn as a costume? Does the line draw at if something’s a racial slur or not? If it’s not a racial slur, and not truly offensive, it’s okay to dress up as? What about Native American style costumes? Is it okay to dress up as a shaman queen without knowing the cultural background of the Iroquois, Navajo, Cherokee or whatever tribe you’re imitating? Highlight, bold and underline the word imitate. If you’re not part of said culture, is it considered mocking if you dress up as a member of said culture just to look sexy for one night? Is it cultural appropriation? Where does the line stop?
I don’t believe we will ever have the answer; many people have opinions that swing both ways. Some are not offended by others imitating their costume because they believe they are representing them in a good light, bringing a positive perspective to the piece being worn. Although I don’t believe this controversy will ever be resolved, I can’t help but think how offended I would be if I saw a boy or girl dressed in a kippah and tallit, with a fake bear imitating a practicing Jew (which is my ancestry and background). Well, you know what they say— imitation is the most sincere form of flattery after all.