Why Are there NO Halloween Call-Out Stories?

     

We have all become familiar with the stories that flood social media, water cooler talk, and more during the winter holiday season.  You know...when white people LOVE to tell us how they told off their problematic relatives over seasonless cuisine while surrounded by overpriced (seasonal) decor.  Yet, you ever notice that there are no tales attached to Halloween? Have you taken note of there NOT being a spooky season VOID of racist or sexualized appropriated costumes?

      Are you getting your racism out before pretending to be an ally for Christmas?

      That isn't the gift that any member of the BIPOC community has asked for.  If you are TRULY anti-racist and working on unlearning problematic behaviors and thought patterns, engage in the following:

• STOP breaking bread with those WILLINGLY practicing racism
• STOP being seasonally anti-racist
• STOP broadcasting about doing the bare minimum regarding allyship
• STOP excusing cultural appropriation and racially motivated costumes and caricatures
• STOP silencing BIPOC voices in order to center yourself 

      Now that you have a beginner checklist, let us revisit the topic at hand....why do racist costumes still exist? Why are they still produced and sold? Why are they so freely worn to private and public parties? why are there sooooooooooo many pictures of the wearers having a blast at functions? 

     I know that I brought up photographic evidence and it was posted within days of the offense, so I know you will claim that was the call-out.  NEWS FLASH...  IT WAS NOT.  The perpetrators were permitted to have the time of their lives and those that took the photos know their identities and will simply use the photo or video for social media points while protecting their identities.  

     There is NEVER an accompanying story of how the racist was removed from the gathering or shunned or educated as to why their attire is improper.  There is plenty of excuses and claims that it's flattery and the furthest from racist.  There is a bevy of "it's Halloween, you can be what you want."  The only tales of confrontation (primarily) are those from the communities being hurt by the behavior.  

     Then, MIRACULOUSLY, by the time pumpkin spice ushers in November, it's a plethora of performative anti-racism.  Don't worry, it dissipates by the time we are to gather to usher in a new year.  By then, the privilege returns to host bodies and the advocacy goes back to being contingent upon comfort and profit. yes, you read that line correctly.