Since Halloween is fast approaching, obviously, we're bound to have another slew of conversations about Halloween costumes that are off-limits.
Let's start off with kid's Halloween costumes. If you're an adult who is really concerned about kids dressing up as Black Panther, Moana, or Pocahontas because they're not the right color, please kindly shut the fuck up. If you're gonna beat the drum of cultural appropriation, at least know appreciation and celebration when you see it.
Now, historical symbols. Well, first of all, let's understand context. If the guy's clearly dressed up like Colonel Klink or a zombie Nazi, understand that it's making fun of Nazis and let it go. I went to a Halloween party my first year in DC in which one of my liberty-conservative friends put together an impressive Trotsky costume. Pretty sure he's not a commie. One came dressed in a Penn State sweater with a fake kid wrapped around his waist. I'm pretty sure he's not pro-Sandusky. If he really wanted to push people's buttons, he would have dressed like the Pope. That last costume was pretty risky; but, maybe people who genuinely wear paraphernalia which celebrates murdering racists like Stalin, Mao, and Che should get more flack.
Now, cultural appropriation among adults. Again, don't have a conniption until somebody shows some genuine distain. Don't throw hissy fits about a white dude wearing Native American clothing to a Lone Ranger themed party. In that case, you can only be a cowboy, an Indian, or a horse.
But, in general, just remember to lighten up. Halloween, as it's celebrated in our culture, is supposed to be fun. Some people push the envelope more than others. Sometimes, they even go too far for my taste. But, it's still just a damn costume.