Episode 7: Culture Isn’t A Costume
It’s spooky season—but what’s really scary is how cultural appropriation is disguised as “just a costume”, callous to the impact that it has on cultures being caricatured.
In this heartfelt Halloween episode, Andrea and Hostion dive into the tangled web between cultural appreciation and appropriation. From haunted houses and dead sailors to Princess Peach and bloody dentists, they share personal stories, cultural insights, and a few laugh-out-loud moments along the way.
Learn why empathy and curiosity are your best costume accessories—and how to celebrate Halloween without perpetuating harm. Because culture isn’t a costume, and play shouldn’t perpetuate pain.
Episode Sources
Culture NOT Costume - Western University
Cultural Mindfulness & Halloween - Janklin Consulting
Influence of ethnicity, perceived power of appropriator’s ethnic group, and SDO on White observers’ perceptions and reactions towards acts of cultural appropriation - Université de Montréal
Quiz Sources
Minions, Deadpool and Joker top Halloween costumes for 2024: search data - CTV News
From Labubus to Stitch: Here are Canada’s most Googled Halloween costumes this year - Now Toronto