Halloween is a wonderful time for college students. A time to dress up, have fun, and forget about school for a day. Before you begin your Halloween plans, it’s important to keep these things in mind.
First, check your costume. Are you unknowingly appropriating someone’s culture? Cultural appropriation, according to Cambridge Dictionary, is when you take something from a culture that isn’t your own without respecting that culture. That can include dressing and acting like a culture that isn’t your own for Halloween.
Cultural appropriation can really offend and hurt the feelings of the cultures you could be dressing up as. The internet is full of plenty of examples of costumes that can be considered cultural appropriation, and if you think you may have accidentally appropriated someone’s culture, it may be smart to go as something else, just in case.
Secondly, if you plan on drinking, make sure you do it safely. Ensure you have a designated driver, or call utilize ride-share services when your night comes to an end. Never accept drinks from strangers, and if you notice your drink becoming cloudy, your ice sinking, or bubbling more than it should – don’t drink it. If you, or a friend, feel more intoxicated than normal, dizzy, nauseous, or are slurring your words– your drink may have been spiked.
It’s important to get help right away. Even if there isn’t alcohol involved in your Halloween plans, if you’re going out with a group of friends, stick together. It’s the best way to make sure everyone gets home safe.
Remember these things: Tennessee’s Good Samaritan law protects you from getting in trouble if you’re calling to get help for someone doing something they shouldn’t be.
ETSU Public Safety is an important resource, and they can be contacted any time at (423) 439-4480.
Make sure your Halloween is full of treats and fun times–not tricks–by trusting your gut and staying safe.
