Halloween is a time for attending costume parties and participating in other festivities. It the only time of year that you could dress up and be anything you want to be.
This should not be limiting on anyone. Everyone should be able to dress the way they want without being put down. The project "Not Asking For It" does a great job at promoting the idea that women can wear whatever they want and there is no room for harassment, assault, or unwanted commentary. What they need to do, however, is remind everyone of this as the Halloween season rolls around. Every year countless number of women dress up in not-so-modest costumes, but it in no way should elicit a response in which they are called "sluts," "whores," or "looking to get laid."
For years there has been a double standard when it comes to the way in which women and men dress. The first example that comes to mind is public school dress codes, but in reality this double standard stretches much further than the classroom. Whether we are aware of it or not, the double standard exists when it comes to Halloween costumes. Men could wear costumes where they wear no shirt and show off their body.
When they do this, they are perceived as "attractive," "hot," or "dreamy." All of which creates a more positive body image environment. Women on the other hand could wear costumes where the slightest bit of side boob could show and they are immediately called "whores," "sluts," or "doing it for the attention." This creates a negative, put-down body image environment. No one should have to fear creating a negative environment or receive unwanted commentary all due to their choice in costume.
Believe it or not, there are numerous reasons women might dress more "provocative." Some women take advantage of this holiday and show off their bodies. There is no shame in that. It takes a lot for a woman to build up confidence and self-love, and if she wants to show that through her Halloween costume, then she should be able to do so. Another idea is that women with boyfriends should dress modest in their costume choices. Women aren't controlled by men, and if they don't want to dress modest, they don't have to.
Honestly, a lot of boyfriends are OK with their girlfriends showing more skin. They know that their girlfriend is not dressing up to impress other guys; their girlfriend is dressing up solely because she wants to. Finally, a lot of women simply scroll through Pinterest days before Halloween and choose a costume because it looks cute. When women choose outfits that look cute, they feel good. Therefore, women do not chose their costume to impress men, but rather to show off their bodies and to feel good about themselves.
This Halloween let's not judge a person by their costume, but rather get to know them for who they are. Have fun dressing up, show off your body, and enjoy the spookiness of the holiday.
