As the world of witches continues to capture the imaginations of children and adults alike, it is not uncommon to see individuals embracing the idea of a Parent Witch uniform. Much like other themed attire, the Parent Witch uniform allows parents to embrace their inner magical persona while spending time with their little ones. The Parent Witch uniform typically consists of several key elements that help create the desired look. One of the most iconic pieces is the witch hat. These conical hats come in various shapes and sizes, often featuring different colors or patterns to match the individual's unique style. The hat acts as a symbol of witchcraft and instantly transforms the wearer into a magical being.
I shared my thoughts with Emma Ogley-Oliver, a community psychologist who teaches at Marymount California University in Rancho Palos Verdes. First, she assured me that my son was not headed for a life of gender confusion. “In child development, it’s really quite normal for children to explore different ways of being,” she said.
Rather than buying a ready-made costume, try to interpret the values and the characteristics that you admire courage, freedom, determination, creativity in your own way by creating a DIY costume where you can let your imagination run free and give it your personal touch, Vézina says. Even for the craftiest, most imaginative parents out there, year after year, Halloween brings about the same running list of questions Which costume is the right fit for my child.
The hat acts as a symbol of witchcraft and instantly transforms the wearer into a magical being. In addition to the hat, the Parent Witch uniform often includes a cloak or robe. These long, flowing garments are typically dark in color and add an air of mystery and elegance to the overall look.
A Parent's Guide to Avoiding Offensive Halloween Costumes
Understanding the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation is key when selecting Halloween costumes for kids and adults of all ages.
By Mekita Rivas Updated on July 28, 2022 Illustration by Sarina Finkelstein; Alamy (4); Getty Images (1)Even for the craftiest, most imaginative parents out there, year after year, Halloween brings about the same running list of questions: Which costume is the right fit for my child? If they're old enough to express it, which costume do they want to wear? Is it a costume I can purchase at the store, or do I have to make it? How long will it take to make? What materials do I need to have on hand? Before you know it, a one-day celebration has morphed into a month-long marathon—the joys of parenting, right?
Once plans are in place, it's just as vital to take a minute and reflect on the costume you—and maybe your kids—have selected: Could it be construed as culturally appropriative? As traditionally marginalized communities have become more vocal—and rightfully so—about their cultures being taken from without proper credit or acknowledgment, understanding your role in broaching the topic of cultural appropriation within your household is as critical as ever. Halloween is the perfect time to do just that.
"Cultural appropriation is important to consider during Halloween because this is the time of year when we are most likely to dress up in a costume that is representative of another culture," says Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of journalism, public relations, and new media in Baylor University's College of Arts & Sciences. "Common cultural appropriation missteps include darkening one's face, wearing ethnic garb, and/or dressing up to provoke laughter rather than show respect for a group or person."
Dr. Moody-Ramirez is a nationally recognized expert on mass media representations of minorities, women, and other underrepresented groups, and has co-authored the book From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender.
Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting your child's (or your own) Halloween costume.
1. Broadly speaking, tribal markings, headdresses, and turbans are inappropriate Halloween costume attire.
This is because they are tied to a specific ceremony or religious meaning. And while it may be tempting to dressing up a child up as Coco from the Disney movie because it would be "so cute" for an Instagram post, if the child has no Mexican and/or Indigenous ancestry, that decision should be reconsidered.
"In general, when considering a costume, think of whether it would show honor or disrespect for a group or person," advises Dr. Moody-Ramirez. "If you or your child doesn't know the meaning of her culture and the ethnic attire under consideration for a Halloween costume, it's not a good idea to wear it." She adds that imitating Coco, or wearing a sugar skull costume, can be offensive since Día de Los Muertos is an important holiday in Mexico. It's used as a time for reflection, prayer, and honoring the deceased.
The same line of critical thinking should be applied to other popular Disney characters like Pocahontas, Mulan, and Moana. There is, however, a fine line between appropriation and appreciation. Teaching kids the difference between these two concepts as early as possible will only benefit them in the future. Perhaps the most valuable lesson? Within one culture, there can be conflicting opinions about what's considered appropriative versus appreciative.
"As a Native Hawaiian, I am not personally offended by children dressing up as Moana, not only because I think the values the character demonstrates are a positive representation of Pacific Islanders and our wayfinding history, but also because she portrays positive attributes of bravery, curiosity, strength, creativity, and Aloha (love, compassion, grace)," explains Jalene Kanani Bell, a Native Hawaiian artist and product designer. "[These are] traits I think we would like all our children to have. I also think it is an opportunity for our island kids to see other ethnicities appreciating our cultures, normalizing our languages, and honoring our values." She uses the word "personally" to account for the various different cultures and opinions present throughout Polynesia.
2. Do your due diligence to understand what's harmful.
How can parents do a better job of understanding which costumes are offensive and are appropriating from various cultures? Conducting some research is a good place to start.
"See how they came to developing that costume, how is it viewed in real life, what was the inspiration behind patterns, colors, styles? Do they have a connection to the host culture? Is there a lot of controversy?" says Kanani Bell. "Take advantage of this teaching moment with your kids. Then use your best common sense to determine if you are honoring the culture in a respectful manner at the right opportunity."
That being said, dressing up as someone you are not —which is precisely the point of costumes— is certainly not off-limits.
"Halloween is a magical time when children get to be somebody else, but that does not give them a license to cause harm," says Brigitte Vézina, a fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation who has written about curbing cultural appropriation in the fashion industry. "The key is to be mindful and to show respect for the source culture and community."
3. Use caution with historical figures.
That's really where the education component comes into play. When it comes to historical figures, Dr. Moody-Ramirez says context is key. "Many historical figures represent an era during which oppression was common, so it is important to know the history behind these historical figures," she says. "When I searched for historical costumes for boys, suggestions included Ben Franklin, George Washington, Robert E. Lee, a cowboy, a gangster, and a pilgrim. Some of these are less appropriate than others. For instance, I would not want my child to imitate Robert E. Lee."
It's also important to consider if you can separate the real person from the marginalized culture. Instead of dressing your child up as Frida Kahlo, assuming they do not have Mexican heritage, encourage them to dress as a non-descript painter, but then engage in a history lesson about Frida and her life before they go trick-or-treating. Considering the elements of magical realism in Frida's work, another idea is opting for a magical creature like a butterfly or fairy as an alternative costume.
4. Choose costumes that are not tied to one culture or heritage.
Other safe bets? Athletes, musicians, and public figures not directly tied to one culture or heritage. And when in doubt, avoid the costume-in-a-bag route. Many of these are blatantly appropriative and, even worse, do not support or give back to the host culture.
"Rather than buying a ready-made costume, try to interpret the values and the characteristics that you admire—courage, freedom, determination, creativity—in your own way by creating a DIY costume where you can let your imagination run free and give it your personal touch," Vézina says. "Rather than a cheap knock-off, buy an authentic piece of clothing or accessory created by a designer from the source community or from an approved collaboration, thereby encouraging a genuine expression and representation of their culture. Let them be the voices of their own culture."
It's also important to consider if you can separate the real person from the marginalized culture. Instead of dressing your child up as Frida Kahlo, assuming they do not have Mexican heritage, encourage them to dress as a non-descript painter, but then engage in a history lesson about Frida and her life before they go trick-or-treating. Considering the elements of magical realism in Frida's work, another idea is opting for a magical creature like a butterfly or fairy as an alternative costume.
Not only do they help create a striking appearance, but they also serve as functional pieces, providing warmth and comfort during cooler months or outdoor events. Many Parent Witches also choose to incorporate other accessories into their uniform. These can include broomsticks, wands, or even cauldrons. These items serve as fun props that further enhance the magical experience for both the parent and child. They can be used during playtime or for special occasions such as parties or Halloween events. Parents who choose to don a Parent Witch uniform often do so as a way to foster their child's imagination and creativity. By embracing the magical world of witches, they create a unique and memorable experience that children will cherish. Additionally, wearing a uniform can serve as a bonding experience between parents and children as they explore the enchanting world of witchcraft together. While the Parent Witch uniform is not a necessity, it is a fun and lighthearted way for parents to engage with their children's interests and create lasting memories. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to add a touch of magic to everyday life, the Parent Witch uniform allows parents to tap into their inner witch and embark on an enchanting adventure with their little ones..
Reviews for "Parent Witch Uniforms: Blending Magic and Practicality"
1. Sophia - 2/5
I was really disappointed with the "Parent witch uniform." The quality of the material was subpar, and it looked cheaply made. The sizing was also off, and it was not flattering at all. The design itself was lackluster, and it didn't have any of the unique details that were advertised. Overall, I would not recommend this product.
2. Daniel - 1/5
I had high hopes for the "Parent witch uniform," but it ended up being a complete letdown. The fabric felt uncomfortable and scratchy against my skin, and it was not breathable at all. The fit was extremely awkward, and it made me look much larger than I actually am. The worst part was that the seams started to come undone after just one wear. Save your money and look elsewhere for a witch costume.
3. Emily - 2/5
I was really excited to receive the "Parent witch uniform," but it turned out to be a major disappointment. The sizing chart provided by the seller was completely inaccurate, and the costume ended up being too tight. The fabric was thin and flimsy, and it easily frayed. The costume also lacked any kind of shape or structure, making it unflattering to wear. I would not recommend this costume to anyone looking for a quality witch uniform.