Please Avoid These 15 Inappropriate Halloween Costumes

October 31 may be all about tricks and treats, but it's just as important to treat others with respect on Halloween as it is on any other day of the year. Though it may have once been acceptable to run around dressed up in headdresses, sombreros, afros, and grass skirts, it's now 2021, and knowing the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is more essential than ever. Whether they make inappropriate references to history or other people's cultures, or they're overtly provocative or sexualizing children, there are certain inappropriate Halloween costumes that no one should be wearing, much less kids. Luckily, it's easy to avoid disrespectful costumes if you just give it a little bit of thought.

Offensive costumes go beyond those that utilize blackface (though, of course, blackface is never acceptance under any circumstances). It's also important to remember that nationalities and subcultures you don't belong to aren't a costume, and "borrowing" someone's way of life for a costume — even if you don't think you're reinforcing a negative stereotype — isn't respectful. Make sure you avoid these stereotypical, sexualized, and offensive kids costumes this year (and if you're looking for some fun and family-friendly outfits, check out these easy-to-make kid costume ideas and these creative family getups instead).