Poverty is not a laughing matter. I think The Spectrum lost sight of that when it published the Life Desk's "Last minute Halloween costume ideas" (Oct. 30). The article recommends that costumes "make 'em laugh and have fun." I agree, however two of the ideas struck me as classist and insensitive.
First, the suggestion of a "redneck" costume includes tattered clothing and a beer can. I don't see humor or tact in making light of alcoholism, or the inability to afford new clothing. Second, according to the article a "homeless person" should wear a "scummy hat," and carry a "tin can for spare change" along with a sign. When I think about the fact that millions of people are forced to live on the streets and beg for money it doesn't "make me laugh" or "have fun."
I won't say that The Spectrum is alone in its inadvertent insensitivity. Many students like to hold parties with a "redneck" theme where they wear tattered or dirty clothing. It is all in fun, but I refuse to attend parties with such a theme because it is simply wrong to enforce these stereotypes about a culture and joke about poverty in general.
My roommates and I hosted a costume party on Saturday. Two white students apparently came as "black people." Most would agree that this was insensitive and racist. Had I known they were there I would have asked them to leave immediately. In my eyes, what they did was no worse than dressing as a "redneck" or "homeless person."
What you publish in your paper is often times viewed as the norm, or "what everyone is doing." Because of this, it is your responsibility to be more considerate and thoughtful about what you print and what it really means.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
