Amazon Muslim-Themed Costumes Called ‘Racist,’ ‘Degrading’
We’re not sure how many times “my culture is not your costume” needs to be said for people to get it, but apparently the folks at Amazon are in need of a reminder. The e-tailer has ruffled a few feathers with some of its Halloween costume options, which include “Fun Fashion Sexy Muslim Islamic Women Black Burka Costume” and “Smiffy’s Men’s Arab Costume With Long Tunic and Headdress.” On top of that, the models used for both costumes appear to be white, with the man wearing makeup to darken his face.
Reviews of the “burka” costume, which was removed from the site shortly following widespread outcry, pointed out just how problematic its existence is. “I thought wearing this costume would boil down an entire culture into a racist stereotype. Turns out, I was right! This costume is representing the culture in an inaccurate and very unflattering way! If Amazon cared about more than just money, they would take this product down!” one person wrote. “I’m giving this costume one star because Halloween is all about having fun and enjoying ourselves — but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of cultures, histories and entire traditions,” another critic pointed out.
A spokesperson for Amazon said that the product is no longer available and noted that the product was being sold from a third party, adding that “all Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who don’t will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.”
On the men’s Arab costume, which is still available for purchase, there was similar outrage. “There’s much more wrong with this costume besides the low quality material. It’s racist, degrading, and supporting inaccurate stereotypes. I figured that by 2016 we’d be smarter than to wear and sell offensive costumes like this, but you have clearly proved me wrong. This costume should be taken down!”
It’s not like the information as to why these kinds of costumes are lame isn’t out there: For starters, in 2011, students at Ohio State University started a campaign reminding people “we’re a culture, not a costume,” to raise awareness that culturally or racially based costumes at Halloween are extremely offensive and problematic. One of the images of the campaign featured a young Arab fellow, holding up a photo of a white man dressed in a costume strikingly similar to the one that’s now on Amazon.
The costumes are particularly ill-timed in the face of raging anti-Muslim sentiments: In France, for example, burkinis have been banned in some municipalities; here in the States, Donald Trump has proposed a ban of all Muslims from entering the country. And these types of costumes, while always offensive, add insult to injury.
The costumes are being sold through Amazon’s Marketplace, and as a spokesperson told the Mirror, “All Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines, and those who don’t will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.” While Amazon claims to have taken down the costumes from its U.K. site, they are still available on the U.S. website.
Still confused about why these costumes are so deplorable? Check out how one reviewer brilliantly summed it up regarding an Men’s Arab Sheik Costume: “The best news: I wore the costume on Halloween to be funny. Then the next day I took it off, and I was just me again. Isn’t it awesome that I didn’t have to deal with the racism or oppression some people actually experience on a daily basis? Best Halloween ever!”
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
