Keeping Halloween Duquesne-able

Whoever created the term less is more probably wasn’t referring to overdone (or in this case underdone) Halloween costumes. But, it might by the best advice one can give to have a judgment-free, happy and secure evening. When it comes to this animated holiday, the golden rule has always been dress at your own risk. For college students across the board there are a few minor details to keep in mind when piecing together what you might think will be the king (or queen) of all costumes.  

Rule 1: Halloween is not debatable.

One of the best costumes this year would be your pal Obama or Romney (or any political character from the last election for that matter). With the election just weeks away, it’s wise to avoid all potential conflicts. Whether you’re a strict conservative or a libertarian, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll run into someone with a different opinion about the politician you’re sporting. And let’s face it, when it comes to politics, middle ground doesn’t exist. I know it’s a bit of bummer to surpass the easy route - put on a suit and tie (or tailored pant suit for the ladies), pin on an obnoxious button for your party, grab your $15 rubber mask and begin screaming, “trick or treat!” My advice would be save the dough and spare yourself a lecture, because on Halloween there’s no mediator and who knows how ugly a debate is going to end between you and your fellow Halloweeners.

Rule 2: You are not what you eat.

Imagination is not a V8-Juice engine. Food belongs in two places - your plate or your tummy.  Dressing as a hotdog or taco might seem like a fun idea in theory but in reality it’s probably not. Let’s be frank (no pun intended), it’s really a sweat box that speaks nothing of your personality … except that your imagination consists of the food pyramid and your mind revolves around hunger. Don’t be too surprised when people around you start quoting the Taco Bell mascot or scream “Go Meat” in your protein-filled face. And don’t forget to neglect other food groups as well because the same rules apply to fruits - save it for the guys advertising boxer briefs and tag-less tees. Avoid all edibles and it’s safe to say you won’t be the butt (or bun) of someone’s jokes.  

Rule 3: Leave the tiaras to the toddlers.

When Walt Disney imagined a lineup of princesses, none of them were wearing fishnets and thigh length get-ups (although some did show a daring amount of cleavage. Jasmine, we’re looking at you). On the contrary these characters were meant to portray innocence and strong will. But there is nothing strong willed about an abbreviated version of your favorite Disney heroine. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen the Little Mermaid with a way too little pair of sea shells or Snow White showing her apples a little too much. It’s just plain wrong to over-sexualize the characters you once idolized in your childhood. If you’re going to dress like royalty you should act as such.  
 
When it comes to Halloween in college, or any age past candy-corn collecting, it’s dress at your own risk. But please, be cautionary this year when planning for a winning ensemble. We all want Halloween to be memorable, but not because we all looked like clowns when not dressing as the Ringling Brothers.  I think it’s fair to say nobody wants to be misjudged and you want others to laugh with you not at you. Halloween is an opportunity to be whimsical, inventive, and let your wildest fantasy take flight (well, not too wild).  
   

 
Jacqui Hatch is a senior integrated marketing communications and print journalism major and can be reached at hatchj@duq.edu.