18 Racist Costumes That Spirit Halloween Decided To Get Rid Of, As Shared By An Employee On Twitter
When you hear Halloween, you’re probably thinking of spooks, trick or treating, and some good old-fashioned cosplay. A lot of fun to be had.
But you gotta be mindful your costume doesn’t trigger anyone, especially on a racial, cultural, social, or other [insert word ending in -al] level.
And while some costume stores still sell costumes of questionable reputation, some employees were having none of it and decided to simply refuse to sell costumes they deemed inappropriate.
One such employee, @RiverRobby on Twitter, shared a list of costumes he and his colleagues decided to skip out on this Halloween season.
More Info: Twitter
Costumes are a key part of Halloween, but you still gotta be mindful of what costume to wear
Image credits: Mike Mozart
So, Twitter user @RiverRobby recently went to the internet to share a day in his life as a Spirit Halloween costume store employee. As Halloween is fast approaching, costume stores get a rise in patronage asking for all sorts of costumes for Halloween.
However, this year, his team decided to do away with costumes that raise more questions than they answer. Not just to save someone from becoming a victim, but also so as to not perpetuate racism.
This guy and his colleagues decided to filter some of the racist costumes in their store so that people couldn’t buy them and made a list
Image credits: riverrobby
In response to this, they decided to simply refuse to sell certain costumes or their accessories, which included everything from afros and bamboo hats to taco costumes and Native American attire. In other words, anything that can be racially suggestive.
Whether it was something tied to Native Americans, African Americans, Mexicans, Jewish—doesn’t matter, it was excluded. And so, Robby compiled a neat little list with pictures on Twitter.
Everything related to Native and African Americans, Latinos, Jewish and other nationalities was out
Image credits: riverrobby
Soon afterwards, the post started gaining some attention, currently standing at a modest 5,800 likes with a tad bit over 1,000 retweets. When the post started going viral, he also blocked Spirit Halloween’s Twitter account so as to not pop up on their social media radar.
People had mixed feelings about it. While some seemed relieved that someone is taking a stand and not perpetuating racist stereotypes by means of Halloween costumes, others didn’t understand how some of these, like the taco or Day of the Dead costumes, can be racist in the first place.
And yes, this also included things like taco costumes and random accessories
Image credits: riverrobby
Yet others pointed out that the list should have also included other nationality costumes and accessories, like those of Jamaican, Hawaiian, and Egyptian cultures.
Image credits: riverrobby
Not too long ago, this very same issue surfaced online in the form of a TikTok video by @courtwashere who began pointing out all of the “cultural appropriation” costumes she managed to find in her local Spirit Halloween store.
Here’s how people online reacted to this
Image credits: chloe_praxis
Image credits: marowakbone
Image credits: MsTwineheart
Image credits: JayOwenF13
Image credits: withswivelchair
Image credits: CanonHolyLand
You can check out the full Twitter thread and all of the comments here. But before you go, tell us what are your thoughts on this? What costumes do you think should have made the list? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Some of these are hilarious to make the "ban" list. the taco/sombrero I get being offensive, but someone is a dumb-dumb to not realize there is a difference between the western style "flapper" turban and well, a religious/ethnic turban. And to not realize white people can (and have had) naturally have afros...and dreads.
Exactly. Some are not nice, like it would be doing a blackface. But the turban from the 20s or the afro from the 70s have nothing to do with racism. Peoppe mean well but they go so overboard that it geta ridiculous
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there wasn't a problem with the sheriff one until someone imagined one.
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The "turban" headdress pictured is a typical western fashion acessory out of the 1920s that carries no ethnic connotation and is derived not from oriental style turbans but from european headscarf styles. Also the sheriff costume is maybe a bit cliché, but neither racist nor culturally insensitive.
People are so fking sensitive about every little thing. They just wake up to look for reasons to become a victim. Not one thing on this post is racist. And no i am not white! Now go find a costume that doesn’t offend ANYONE! None exist.
my 2yo son goes as a strawberry this year :-) can't imagine that this offends anyone
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Sorry...I'd skip the hat, but would totally go for the taco. I freakin love tacos.
So dressing my Chihuahuas up for Halloween as tacos would be racist?
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I love how racist the "woke" guy tweeting was. Holds up a sugar skull cane and says "not for white people"....ok so I guess my co-worker who's family moved from the states into Mexico in the 60's and has been a couple generations deep isn't allowed to participate? He white as white can be but also speaks perfect Spanish, can cook the best mole I have ever had, and has lived in Mexico most his youth. But to just say not for white peoples is sad and racist.
The whole thing is hypocritical because skin color has little to do with ethnicity
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Not so sure about the Day of the dead "not for white people" comment. I'm very white looking, my family is a Mexican ( Great grandmother's side ) and Spanish ( great grandfather's side) mix. Some of us look white, but we all grew up heavily inundated in both cultures which are very similar, because it IS our culture. So because I look white and am not brown I can't celebrate my culture or enjoy aspects of my holidays?
Because racism toward white people is not offensive, apparently?
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Dear USA, I'd like to offer you poor for choice American our traditional clothing and parafernalia. Please wear wooden shoes, put a tulip somewhere, wear dreadlocks made from carrots and make a big spliff. Feel free to sit near the water and put your finger in a dike. Perhaps you can put windmill blades on your back. Make a red light district on your block. Cut off an ear and be an Artist. I will not be offended, will not cancel you, but cheer you on. Have fun, have a great party, laugh a lot, but cancel cancel culture. Regards, a Dutchie.
i guess clown costumes with afros are out too then? and you can't dress as an animal because PETA would have a meltdown. Better just dress as some character from a horror/superhero flick but make sure you and the character are the same ethnicity and gender.
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A ghost is white. Racist. A Halloween cat is black. Racist. A maid costume is classist. EVERYTHING is offensive to SOMEBODY
When you live in a 1st world country and don't have any real problems, so you invent your own.
So tell me what is wrong with a Dia De Los Muertos costume? Some of this crap is ridiculous. People have gotten way too overly sensitive. More focus seems to be placed on “how can I get attention by acting offended”.
I would want the straw hat because I want to do a Monkey D Luffy costume. Can't do that without a hat!
Wear the bloody hat, it's not racist. It's just a hat. Imagine telling everyone not to wear a french cap / alpino. It's ludicrous.
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So please don't wear any Bavarian outfit (lederhosen, Dirndl). Unless you are German and a Bavarian of course. Don't bother wearing it to Oktoberfest! *sarcasm*
As a bavarian that owns and wears Dirndl to all kinds of special occasions and loves the tradition I couldn't care less. Buy a dirndl, wear it to a party and enjoy yourself. 😉
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So… you’re only allowed to dress up as someone from your own culture? What’s the fun in that?
No even from your own culture. Several Mexican commenters here have pointed out that he's attacking them for even looking too white.
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So a black person who wants to dress up as a person or character with an afro has to style their own hair because the wigs aren't available?
Unless they are being used in a Racist way these costumes themselves are NOT racist. Just because it's a different culture does not make it racist. If anything it's keeping that culture alive. So these people are full of S**T
A taco?? Because it's Mexican food?? if that's the case, I'm Mexican and I don't find that offensive. It's food. FOOD. Plus it's not even a real Mexican taco lol Also day of the dead??? I can see the sexy costumes being inappropriate, but the masks and accessories??? I think more and more people are learning about what the day of the dead tradition is and I love it! Because it's simply a way to remember those who passed. I don't mind non Hispanics joining in those celebrations. On the contrary, that's what it is all about, sharing our cultures and letting others in and enjoy them as well as long as people are respectful. Key word, respectful. I don't like where this whole culture "appropriation" is going. Soon I won't be able to eat pizza because I'm not Italian. Or curry because I'm Mexican. O_o
Because you're alive, duh. It's not Day Of The Living now, is it? If you're not a zombie you're not welcome. ;P
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So I dress as a Rabbi and I'm racist, but I dress as a Priest and I'm not? I'm glad to see that the vast majority of these comments are grounded in common sense.
I hate this time. We all have to tiptoe around almost anything so nobody gets offended. Come on, they are just costumes, they are for fun. Is there really someone who would get offended for someone wearing a stupid afro wig? If so, they must be fun at parties. You can all wear my culture's costumes and laught at them if you want. I dont mind at the slightest. This is gettig ridiculous.
Some of them don't need to be banned but dome of these did.
What's wrong with the sheriff one??? Wouldn't you also argue that it's inclusive because sheriffs are always shown to be white folks?
It just struck me after I posted that those colors are similar to the sci-fi show "Eureka". I'm not sure you could have a less racist town.
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There were a few I wasn't understanding why they'd be deemed racist but the sheriff?? I couldn't figure out at all how that's considered racist.
Load More Replies... Why no picture of the mullet wig? Is it not wrong to make fun of our southern friends?
I think the turban is a sort of "fortune teller" costume part but correct me if I'm wrong
That's what I thought and don't see how that's racist or offensive...unless you say you're a gypsy fortune teller then fair enough that could be offensive.
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Did y'all forget the meaning of "racism"?? "the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another." How does a taco make fun of Mexicans? On the contrary, it says that someone loves tacos so much they wanted to be one lol (I'm Mexican)
I believe this is what people are referring to when they say political correctness gone mad. All costumes are about dressing up as someone or something you're not. That's literally the entire point. Lots of costumes have references to specific cultures... because we all come from lots of different cultures. So we're saying white people can't dress as non white people. I mean obviously black face is insulting and there's a line.... but does this also mean, Asian people can't dress as a white character? A woman can't dress as a male character? A black person cant dress as a white character? A kid can't dress as an old person; this goes on and on forever. It's not every single day, it's one day a year and it's not supposed to be serious. This is exhausting.
I am white. I have red curly hair. If I brush my hair I have huge afro. My boyfriend calls me Sunrise for it :)
So if someone went out on Halloween wearing a bowler hat carrying an umbrella, should us Brits be offended? For goodness sake, think we're becoming obsessed with it all.
I like how an "anti-racist" post includes a "not for white people" recommendation ...
Would like to put it out there that anyone, everyone should just wear a kilt for Halloween next year- drag a fake haggis around while you sip on some whisky - no offence will be caused 'because quite frankly we couldn't care less and it's a bit of fun!
This post on board panda is stupid. I'm mixed race and this is just a dumb post trying to get responses. If I want to dress like a food I'll dress like a food. If I want to wear a headdress from a video game I'll wear one. This list is just dumb.
We have turned into a pathetic, embarrassing society, people. Its Fu*%en Halloween People!!!
This body makeup spray looks scary. It certainly contains chemicals, its written "danger" on it, and it does not even look recyclable. Yet people will pay 10 dollar to put this all over their body, for hours ... Not to mention you have to be careful what you touch, where you sit down ..
Okay what the hell was wrong with the tacos or the SHERIFF COSTUME?? OR ANY OF THE DAY OF THE DEAD STUFF???
Some of these I understand like the Native American ones but some of the others are clearly just employees not trying to make the insanely woke people mad
Some of this I get some of it I really don't. I really don't get what's wrong with the afro as someone with a white as they get brother who naturally has a black afro, is his natural hair somehow racist now? Also the turban is stupid, it is just a style of hat particularly popular in various eras, it isn't an Indian turban, it just shares the same name because it has a slightly similar shape. Black body paint? So its not possible to have a non racist costume that requires a bit of black body paint? How is a sheriff racist? Can someone explain that to me?
Question: what’s wrong with the sheriff & taco costume? For the taco, is it the hat?
i get irritated with these every damn time! There are a few that are just stupid and they don't get to decide. But what irks me is always the day of the dead stuff! Like...for real?!!? I love my culture and i want people to love it too! I really don't give an F what color your skin is...enjoy my culture as much as I do...please?!?!
I don’t see anything wrong with the canes or the tacos like Native American princess or gypsy yeah sure but a cane with a skull or a TACO like really there is nothing wrong with beings he king taco it’s like someone calling me racist for being a pizza or baguette. Like I will dress up as a taco if I like tacos not to be a racist AH
Do folks have to do the "Poor me and my race" cries to make up imaginary racism from Halloween costumes?! Lmao , Folks got nothing better to cry and complain about and get attention from. Most of these costumes aren't racist
Hum... I don't get why these are qualified as "racist". It's fine. Kitsch, but fine.
As long as the taco didn't have a sombrero, there's literally no problem.
Am I the only confused one or am I still too innocent to be clueless
Ooh. Good burn. I read just fine, just accidentally posted my reply to you rather than @bacony cakes. Thanks for the input though, internet overlord Su Ruuu. Good call.
So this store is opposed to anything that suggests a culture but has nothing to say about the 'slutty' she-costumes vs the humorous he-costumes? Yeah no, now you're just trying to score internetpoints.
Wtf! The only problem is that the ones who designed this custumes has no idea about the culture they are trying to represent. The same thing happened with that dish you called tacos lol
This is the most pathetic excuse for wokery I've ever seen. Keep going, youngsters - pretty soon you won't have anything left to 'cancel'.
Some of these are hilarious to make the "ban" list. the taco/sombrero I get being offensive, but someone is a dumb-dumb to not realize there is a difference between the western style "flapper" turban and well, a religious/ethnic turban. And to not realize white people can (and have had) naturally have afros...and dreads.
Exactly. Some are not nice, like it would be doing a blackface. But the turban from the 20s or the afro from the 70s have nothing to do with racism. Peoppe mean well but they go so overboard that it geta ridiculous
Load More Replies... there wasn't a problem with the sheriff one until someone imagined one.
Load More Replies... The "turban" headdress pictured is a typical western fashion acessory out of the 1920s that carries no ethnic connotation and is derived not from oriental style turbans but from european headscarf styles. Also the sheriff costume is maybe a bit cliché, but neither racist nor culturally insensitive.
People are so fking sensitive about every little thing. They just wake up to look for reasons to become a victim. Not one thing on this post is racist. And no i am not white! Now go find a costume that doesn’t offend ANYONE! None exist.
my 2yo son goes as a strawberry this year :-) can't imagine that this offends anyone
Load More Replies... Sorry...I'd skip the hat, but would totally go for the taco. I freakin love tacos.
So dressing my Chihuahuas up for Halloween as tacos would be racist?
Load More Replies... I love how racist the "woke" guy tweeting was. Holds up a sugar skull cane and says "not for white people"....ok so I guess my co-worker who's family moved from the states into Mexico in the 60's and has been a couple generations deep isn't allowed to participate? He white as white can be but also speaks perfect Spanish, can cook the best mole I have ever had, and has lived in Mexico most his youth. But to just say not for white peoples is sad and racist.
The whole thing is hypocritical because skin color has little to do with ethnicity
Load More Replies... Not so sure about the Day of the dead "not for white people" comment. I'm very white looking, my family is a Mexican ( Great grandmother's side ) and Spanish ( great grandfather's side) mix. Some of us look white, but we all grew up heavily inundated in both cultures which are very similar, because it IS our culture. So because I look white and am not brown I can't celebrate my culture or enjoy aspects of my holidays?
Because racism toward white people is not offensive, apparently?
Load More Replies... Dear USA, I'd like to offer you poor for choice American our traditional clothing and parafernalia. Please wear wooden shoes, put a tulip somewhere, wear dreadlocks made from carrots and make a big spliff. Feel free to sit near the water and put your finger in a dike. Perhaps you can put windmill blades on your back. Make a red light district on your block. Cut off an ear and be an Artist. I will not be offended, will not cancel you, but cheer you on. Have fun, have a great party, laugh a lot, but cancel cancel culture. Regards, a Dutchie.
i guess clown costumes with afros are out too then? and you can't dress as an animal because PETA would have a meltdown. Better just dress as some character from a horror/superhero flick but make sure you and the character are the same ethnicity and gender.
Load More Replies... A ghost is white. Racist. A Halloween cat is black. Racist. A maid costume is classist. EVERYTHING is offensive to SOMEBODY
When you live in a 1st world country and don't have any real problems, so you invent your own.
So tell me what is wrong with a Dia De Los Muertos costume? Some of this crap is ridiculous. People have gotten way too overly sensitive. More focus seems to be placed on “how can I get attention by acting offended”.
I would want the straw hat because I want to do a Monkey D Luffy costume. Can't do that without a hat!
Wear the bloody hat, it's not racist. It's just a hat. Imagine telling everyone not to wear a french cap / alpino. It's ludicrous.
Load More Replies... So please don't wear any Bavarian outfit (lederhosen, Dirndl). Unless you are German and a Bavarian of course. Don't bother wearing it to Oktoberfest! *sarcasm*
As a bavarian that owns and wears Dirndl to all kinds of special occasions and loves the tradition I couldn't care less. Buy a dirndl, wear it to a party and enjoy yourself. 😉
Load More Replies... So… you’re only allowed to dress up as someone from your own culture? What’s the fun in that?
No even from your own culture. Several Mexican commenters here have pointed out that he's attacking them for even looking too white.
Load More Replies... So a black person who wants to dress up as a person or character with an afro has to style their own hair because the wigs aren't available?
Unless they are being used in a Racist way these costumes themselves are NOT racist. Just because it's a different culture does not make it racist. If anything it's keeping that culture alive. So these people are full of S**T
A taco?? Because it's Mexican food?? if that's the case, I'm Mexican and I don't find that offensive. It's food. FOOD. Plus it's not even a real Mexican taco lol Also day of the dead??? I can see the sexy costumes being inappropriate, but the masks and accessories??? I think more and more people are learning about what the day of the dead tradition is and I love it! Because it's simply a way to remember those who passed. I don't mind non Hispanics joining in those celebrations. On the contrary, that's what it is all about, sharing our cultures and letting others in and enjoy them as well as long as people are respectful. Key word, respectful. I don't like where this whole culture "appropriation" is going. Soon I won't be able to eat pizza because I'm not Italian. Or curry because I'm Mexican. O_o
Because you're alive, duh. It's not Day Of The Living now, is it? If you're not a zombie you're not welcome. ;P
Load More Replies... So I dress as a Rabbi and I'm racist, but I dress as a Priest and I'm not? I'm glad to see that the vast majority of these comments are grounded in common sense.
I hate this time. We all have to tiptoe around almost anything so nobody gets offended. Come on, they are just costumes, they are for fun. Is there really someone who would get offended for someone wearing a stupid afro wig? If so, they must be fun at parties. You can all wear my culture's costumes and laught at them if you want. I dont mind at the slightest. This is gettig ridiculous.
Some of them don't need to be banned but dome of these did.
What's wrong with the sheriff one??? Wouldn't you also argue that it's inclusive because sheriffs are always shown to be white folks?
It just struck me after I posted that those colors are similar to the sci-fi show "Eureka". I'm not sure you could have a less racist town.
Load More Replies... There were a few I wasn't understanding why they'd be deemed racist but the sheriff?? I couldn't figure out at all how that's considered racist.
Load More Replies... Why no picture of the mullet wig? Is it not wrong to make fun of our southern friends?
I think the turban is a sort of "fortune teller" costume part but correct me if I'm wrong
That's what I thought and don't see how that's racist or offensive...unless you say you're a gypsy fortune teller then fair enough that could be offensive.
Load More Replies... Did y'all forget the meaning of "racism"?? "the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another." How does a taco make fun of Mexicans? On the contrary, it says that someone loves tacos so much they wanted to be one lol (I'm Mexican)
I believe this is what people are referring to when they say political correctness gone mad. All costumes are about dressing up as someone or something you're not. That's literally the entire point. Lots of costumes have references to specific cultures... because we all come from lots of different cultures. So we're saying white people can't dress as non white people. I mean obviously black face is insulting and there's a line.... but does this also mean, Asian people can't dress as a white character? A woman can't dress as a male character? A black person cant dress as a white character? A kid can't dress as an old person; this goes on and on forever. It's not every single day, it's one day a year and it's not supposed to be serious. This is exhausting.
I am white. I have red curly hair. If I brush my hair I have huge afro. My boyfriend calls me Sunrise for it :)
So if someone went out on Halloween wearing a bowler hat carrying an umbrella, should us Brits be offended? For goodness sake, think we're becoming obsessed with it all.
I like how an "anti-racist" post includes a "not for white people" recommendation ...
Would like to put it out there that anyone, everyone should just wear a kilt for Halloween next year- drag a fake haggis around while you sip on some whisky - no offence will be caused 'because quite frankly we couldn't care less and it's a bit of fun!
This post on board panda is stupid. I'm mixed race and this is just a dumb post trying to get responses. If I want to dress like a food I'll dress like a food. If I want to wear a headdress from a video game I'll wear one. This list is just dumb.
We have turned into a pathetic, embarrassing society, people. Its Fu*%en Halloween People!!!
This body makeup spray looks scary. It certainly contains chemicals, its written "danger" on it, and it does not even look recyclable. Yet people will pay 10 dollar to put this all over their body, for hours ... Not to mention you have to be careful what you touch, where you sit down ..
Okay what the hell was wrong with the tacos or the SHERIFF COSTUME?? OR ANY OF THE DAY OF THE DEAD STUFF???
Some of these I understand like the Native American ones but some of the others are clearly just employees not trying to make the insanely woke people mad
Some of this I get some of it I really don't. I really don't get what's wrong with the afro as someone with a white as they get brother who naturally has a black afro, is his natural hair somehow racist now? Also the turban is stupid, it is just a style of hat particularly popular in various eras, it isn't an Indian turban, it just shares the same name because it has a slightly similar shape. Black body paint? So its not possible to have a non racist costume that requires a bit of black body paint? How is a sheriff racist? Can someone explain that to me?
Question: what’s wrong with the sheriff & taco costume? For the taco, is it the hat?
i get irritated with these every damn time! There are a few that are just stupid and they don't get to decide. But what irks me is always the day of the dead stuff! Like...for real?!!? I love my culture and i want people to love it too! I really don't give an F what color your skin is...enjoy my culture as much as I do...please?!?!
I don’t see anything wrong with the canes or the tacos like Native American princess or gypsy yeah sure but a cane with a skull or a TACO like really there is nothing wrong with beings he king taco it’s like someone calling me racist for being a pizza or baguette. Like I will dress up as a taco if I like tacos not to be a racist AH
Do folks have to do the "Poor me and my race" cries to make up imaginary racism from Halloween costumes?! Lmao , Folks got nothing better to cry and complain about and get attention from. Most of these costumes aren't racist
Hum... I don't get why these are qualified as "racist". It's fine. Kitsch, but fine.
As long as the taco didn't have a sombrero, there's literally no problem.
Am I the only confused one or am I still too innocent to be clueless
Ooh. Good burn. I read just fine, just accidentally posted my reply to you rather than @bacony cakes. Thanks for the input though, internet overlord Su Ruuu. Good call.
So this store is opposed to anything that suggests a culture but has nothing to say about the 'slutty' she-costumes vs the humorous he-costumes? Yeah no, now you're just trying to score internetpoints.
Wtf! The only problem is that the ones who designed this custumes has no idea about the culture they are trying to represent. The same thing happened with that dish you called tacos lol
This is the most pathetic excuse for wokery I've ever seen. Keep going, youngsters - pretty soon you won't have anything left to 'cancel'.
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