IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR. 

Despite any preemptive posts and attempts to address the issue and to avoid the discussions, there are always questions and justifications about what constitutes an appropriate Halloween costume.

The questions and justifications range from statements such as “[m]y child is really into the culture” to “[w]e are honoring the culture” to ”[m]y child has learning, developmental, or behavioral issues and really, really wants to wear this costume” to “I have _____________ (insert appropriate oppressed group) friends and they do not think it is a problem or find it offensive” to “I/we don’t mean to be offensive.”

I have to confess that I am both perplexed and irritated that it is necessary to spend so much time on this subject when there are so many other issues that need to be addressed. I find it hard to worry (or even care) about what costume your child or niece or nephew…