HALLOWEEN MATTERS

It's the day before Halloween and, of course, I'm still fiddling with the details of my costume!  (I still need to style the wig this evening, but that's about it.)

(As outlined in a previous entry)  I had originally thought to do  this year's Halloween costume based on the Indian goddess Kali, thinking "Oh, a Kali costume would be wicked halloween cool."  Then, I considered that perhaps I could pull off a Kali figure with a lighter vibe. Do something more like an Indian  devi version of the  bright colored cheerful Day of the Dead calaveras, rather than gory warrior goddess. Perhaps with some Halloween imagery thrown in as well.. But the more I researched and thought about things, the less sure I was about such a cultural mash-up. (considering, among other things, the response to celebrity Heidi Klum's Kali costume)..

After reading articles such as the following, I really worked myself up into a tizzy of PC anxiety over this year’s Halloween costume. I also got to wondering what about Historical costuming, such as reenactments and Costume-Con Historical Masqerades? (I'm a previous member of International Costumer's Guild) Or what about tribal bellydance troupes and their garb? Even if not stereotypically offensive, could these examples still be appropriation from a place of cultural/white priviege?

http://groupthink.jezebel.com/collegehumors-is-your-halloween-costume-racist-flow-1454155488
http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2009/10/29/racist-halloween-costumes/
http://www.annarbor.com/passions-pursuits/adventures-in-multicultural-livingode-to-halloween-costumes-plus-warning/
http://thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com/2011/08/07/some-thoughts-on-cultural-appropriation/
http://129.121.107.232/~costumer/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Squeals_Public_201410.pdf
http://www.gamer-xp.com/cosplaying-in-our-cultural-contexts-whats-appropriation/

 But this article really helped with a balanced perspective:http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2014/10/nine-steps-for-avoiding-racist-costumes.html#ixzz3GSM3xuev ( thanks to my friend Mel for the link!)

Ultimately I did decide to leave any representation of a Hindu deity out of it.  Besides, the anarkali dress I have (which is really gorgeous and which I bought from an online Indian retailer) reallly isn't consistent with traditional depictions of Kali. It wouldn't have been right anyway, even visually. So, I've reframed my costuming intent as a character costume of  the legendary "Anarkali". Or to say, a Moghul dancer ala Bollywood, based on film depictions of the character. Costuming as a character, not a race.  I’m more comfortable with that persona, but I was still worried about  it being an ethnic costume.

Here are a few links about the historical (? ) Anarkali and the 1950's Bollywood classic film about her:
http://creative.sulekha.com/what-is-the-truth-about-anarkali_460884_blog
http://theaerogram.com/the-women-of-mughal-e-azam/
http://www.lahorebeat.com/anarkali.html
(I've also done internet and book research on Indian culture, arts and fashion; maybe I'll pull those links together later. And, by the by, have also been reading some Indian authors, and watching Indian films recently as well.)

I have a coworker here at the library who is Indian, and (after much dithering around) I finally just asked her how she'd feel about me wearing Indian garb. I also asked the curator of a current exhibit of Hindustan art at the local arts center the same query. Neither of them had any issue with  me wearing Indian attire as a Halloween costume (or as fashion wear). In fact, my coworker even brought in some bangles and bindis for me! So, I'm feeling relieved about my costume ethics and choices; I just want to be mindful and respectful.

My personal opinion (and hopful conclusion)  is that if a costumer treats the garments with the same care, thorough research, and respect as its Western counterparts, most will see it for what it is: an interest and appreciation for beautiful and interesting clothes. This can apply to Halloween dress up as well as in cosplay/fandoms or even historical costuming.

Personally; I just love costuming.  Halloween has always been a time to be "whoever you want to be", to imagine yourself as someone or something different,  a time for fantasy let's-pretend and dress up. I can remember, in particular, childhood costumes as a black cat and a Dutch girl (with wooden shoes and plastic tulips). I recall my older sister dressing up as Mary or some robed and veiled saint for Catholic school events. As an adult, besides Halloween, I've done costuming for Renaissance Faires,  Mardi Gras,  and for various fandom conventions (Science Fiction, Furry, and Anime), oh and not to forget participating in local Zombie Walks!

I am not dressing up to mock a culture or further a stereotype, rather out of  imagination, interest and appreciation.  I hope that comes through in the completed costume. (Pics to be posted tomorrow, of course)

Collage of Anarkali related images: (I love the one of Rekha in blue!)


This year's  Anarkali costume is not my most elaborate Halloween creation (and does rely a lot on purchased rather than personally sewn and created items), but I have had fun with the creation process and the related research. I ALWAYS get heavily involved with  research for my arts projects--it's priobably more than half the enjoyment for me. And all in all, this project has indeed been a learning experience for me.

fyi: I also created a homemade Oogie Boogie (character from the film  NightmareBeforeChristmas) for my grandson Desmond this year.  lol..without worrying about the appropriateness of a cartoon monster.  Halloween is for dress up fun in all it's possibilities and various forms.  :)

And, finally,  yes, I am aware I tend to get obsessive and way overthink things.   *shrug*

Oggie Boogie!

Did I mention I made Desmond an OOGIE BOOGIE costume for Halloween? :)