World War II Evacuee Costume Shouldn't Be Offensive

Costumes ... they're fun, aren't they? I love the chance to sex things up a little bit when Halloween rolls around. Of course, some people like to opt for the more controversial getups, like Casey Anthony or an Occupy Wall Street protester. But those little gems are nothing compared to the World War II evacuee costume I stumbled upon the other day.

Complete with navy dress, flats, satchel, and beret, this one at first glance seemed like the absolute most wretched thing ever. Is this poking fun at the Holocaust?! I wondered louboutin. As a Jewish woman, I was mortified, to say the least. Then I did my research and realized this costume is totally fine.

Go with me on this one ...

Initially people across the Interwebs (me included) were up in arms about what we thought was a horribly offensive Halloween outfit channeling Anne Frank. But in reality, this costume -- which is only sold across the pond in Britain -- is meant to be a learning tool for schoolchildren.

See, in the U.K., students celebrate something called Evacuee Day. Throughout school halls, kids dress up as those evacuated from the country during WWII after London was bombed. This costume and others like it allow parents to purchase the whole look at once (and save some DIY crafting time), and as blogger Nick Douglas explains it, a way to teach using "empathy" in the classroom. No harm, no foul -- right?

I've got to admit, the whole concept still sketches me out. If an American child were to wear something like this to school, I doubt they'd be treated with kindness. I can try to envision that child being out and about on Halloween night as their parents attempted to explain that the costume was meant to commemorate a moment in history and NOT supposed to be offensive. But honestly, I can't imagine it going well over here.

Nevertheless, the evacuee costume uproar does make me think. Headdresses, kimonos, and other cultural references are everywhere on nights like tonight. Revelers are constantly impersonating people they may know nothing about. The insensitive choices we sometimes make in the spirit of "good fun" often aren't really funny at all. Halloween shouldn't be any exception.

What do you think about the World War II evacuee costume?

Image via online-fancy-dress.co.uk

About the authorEmily Abbate

is a blogger and Editorial Assistant here at The Stir.

More
Article Source: http://www.christianlouboutinukonline.co.uk
About the Author
Welcome to Christian Louboutin UK online, Christian Louboutin Sale while guarantees all the qualities of the Christian Louboutin shoes . Choose Christian Louboutin Shoes here to save money and time.