Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Your School. Your Paper. Since 1936.

The Suffolk Journal

Editor’s word: Oct. 28, 2015

Every Halloween, complaints over outrageous costumes are almost as much of a tradition as the holiday itself. While most people who put on a costume for the night want to have fun and look silly, others use the holiday as an opportunity to degrade others.

Consider the “Call Me Caitlyn” outfit that has made headlines recently — it is currently the most popular costume of the year, according to TMZ. For some, the costume may seem like a jab at Caitlyn Jenner’s and the rest of the Kardashians’ fame and notoriety. For others, it’s funny to see a bunch of men dressed up ironically as the former gold medalist in her new body.

But for transgender people who see “Call Me Caitlyn” on their screen — or even worse, on somebody attending the same party — it directly mocks their identity. Imagine walking into a Halloween party this weekend only to find a group laughing at a farce of the most visible celebrity who shares your identity.

The Caitlyn outfit is only one example. Halloween has no set list of acceptable, politically correct costumes. There shouldn’t be one.

But if you’re dressing up for Halloween this year, consider these questions instead: Why did I pick this costume, to have fun or to make fun of someone? And, could I ruin someone’s night by putting on this costume, by putting him or her in an uncomfortable or unsafe position?

If someone might be truly upset by it, ask yourself this: Is it even worth it to wear it in the first place?

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Editor’s word: Oct. 28, 2015