Posted by
Grace on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 2:08:40 PM
Pop Culture is taking over another part of Americana. Why is it when the “cool kids” decide they want in on the fun, they suck up all the oxygen and objectify the event for the rest of us not so cool kids.
For years and years the folks in Hollywood all came out in their wacky over the top splendor and paraded up and down Hollywood Boulevard showing off their inner kookiness. Those of us returning home from trick or treating with our little ones would watch the evening news and be amused at the silliness.
Now however we find that this weirdness is spreading into the local kids’ costume shops. Girls are offered costumes that look like they are ready for a pole dancing session and boys are offered ax murder costumes. Some of this is the Hollywood influence; some of it is a gang bangers twist on the Day of the Dead celebrations. Kids are getting it drilled into them that they need to be frightening and sexy.
Personally I like creative and funny. How many kids make their costumes with their parents anymore? I miss the kids with the parent who doesn’t know how to sew running around with two rolls of TP wrapped around their body. This is what made Halloween fun, the creativity.
Where are the children spending hours and days before Halloween, mixing up paper Mache to create a space ship costume? Or the others gluing together foam and getting out paint to make a giant Dancing Raisin costume. These were great, they were creative and they taught kids stuff, like building, constructing and painting.
There is absolutely no creativity in going to the costume store and picking out a $40 slutty outfit for your 5 to 18 year old to wear. What's going on in the heads of these parents? What exactly is the message these parents are sending their children? I know that personally I chuckle when my child says to me at the latest Brittany news, “Mom, I remember you not letting us listen to her, because she had a “bad” message.” Hint folks many of today’s costumes are giving that same “bad” message to your kids. As parents, it’s your job to hold the line and say no.
Please think about keeping your money in your wallet or spending it at the local craft store, buying glue, thread and other creative materials. Sure it takes time, but your kids, the Nation’s kids are worth it. Further, it is your responsibility, to spare your child the humiliation of being trotted out like a tramp or an ax murder. But then again, the parents buying these costumes are probably the same parents buying their 11 year old daughters the pajamas that have “hottie” printed across the bottom.
Just for fun if you post please make sure to include your favorite childhood costumes made from scratch.