Until recently, Halloween was never on my radar, but I think social media has made it a much bigger deal, at least to me. When I was in 8th grade, a friend had a haunted house and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs. A few years ago, I began dressing up Dottie and DiDi, and for the most part, they are good sports, especially when we give them treats for sitting for pictures. G and I have never attended a Halloween party, mostly because his work schedule over the years has always prevented that sort of thing. Another reason I don’t “celebrate” Halloween is because I don’t enjoy being scared. My brothers and sister took me to see “The Shining” years ago and ever since I’ve been leery of scary movies.
Also, I feel that some take the opportunity to use Halloween as an excuse to be unnecessarily hateful, especially when it comes to dressing up in costumes. There have been a number of public figures who have had to apologize over the years because a picture surfaced of them in blackface or making questionable choices. In my mind there’s no reason for anyone to paint their face any color as long as the person you are dressing up as is recognizable. I can think of a few celebrities/characters that people of all colors can be for Halloween without the use of makeup:
Prince (purple jacket, ruffle shirt, a wig and a guitar)
Trump (orange wig, navy suit)
Any man/woman from Bridgerton (corset dress or suit, 18th century wig, etc)
A witch (hat, black lipstick, or any twist you want to add)
For the last few years, my work family has dressed up in costumes for our annual Halloween party, and I have enjoyed looking for positive images to portray. I also have locs, so if I can find a way to integrate that in my costume, I’m all for it. A few years ago I was Stevie Wonder, and all I needed was sunglasses and a dashiki. Last year I was Queen Ramonda from Black Panther, where I channeled my inner Angela Bassett. This year, I intended on being Lady Danbury from Bridgerton, but there was a wardrobe malfunction, so G suggested that I dress as Serena Williams. She was easy because all I needed was a headband and tennis racket. I’m not crafty, so the less I can do is best for me. Having to make Queen Ramonda’s hat almost took me out, but it turned out okay.
I enjoy a good joke, but when people take the opportunity to stoke feelings of fear and resentment, that’s where I’m drawing the line. I hope that I see only positive images this year on my social media feeds as my friends post their Halloween exploits. Let’s enjoy this time being happy that we can be outside again and watching all the little princesses, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and all the other adorable characters I hope to see this year. That way it will truly be a Happy Halloween.
#ksmithsays
ksmithsays 