StFX BLACC Society Takes on Cultural Appropriation at Walmart
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Photo by Allanique Hunter.
In early October, the StFX BLACC Society Collective made it their goal to tackle culturally appropriated costumes at the Antigonish Walmart. It all started when Allanique Hunter, a member of the collective, stumbled across a costume while shopping. The costume featured a dashiki - a traditional piece of West African clothing - paired with an afro style wig, and labelled “Hippie.” Kamy Roberge Carrington and Tiana Felix, also on the collective, sat down with me this week to chat about what happened next.
“...it’s taking parts of our identity and labelling it as a costume … as a joke...”
After finding the costume, Allanique sent a photo of to the collective’s group chat. Upon seeing it, the group was rightfully upset — “it’s taking parts of our identity and labelling it as a costume … as a joke,” said Tiana. So, they decided to take action. They took the photo to Kelsey Jones, StFX Coordinator of African Descent Student Affairs, who took it to the manager of Walmart in Antigonish. The manager was prompt in responding to the group’s concerns — immediately removing the product from shelves in Antigonish, and forwarding the concern to Walmart headquarters. Soon, the costume was taken down nationally, as well.
This was all a great success, but the group soon became aware of a number of other appropriated costumes on the Walmart website. So, they reached out to headquarters again, this time with a much longer list: indigenous maid costumes, costumes depicting culturally appropriated black hairstyles, appropriating rastafarianism, and enforcing problematic stereotypes. Once again, they got the results they were hoping for! Walmart headquarters reached out late last week with news that the entire list of costumes had been taken down nationally.
“Don’t be afraid to go up against large corporations, because even David defeated Goliath … even a small student society can make a difference.”
The group’s success can teach us a valuable lesson about activism. In the words of Kelsey Jones, “don’t be afraid to go up against large corporations, because even David defeated Goliath … even a small student society can make a difference.”
For students planning on dressing up for Halloween this year, Kamy has some important advice: “dressing up, no matter what culture it as, as someone else … is not okay. A lot of people don’t realize that.” The BLACC Society Collective suggests that before looking for a costume, you take the time to educate yourself, and do your research. Before buying a costume, even taking a few minutes to google “is this appropriate” can be really informative, and keep you from making a scary decision this Halloween.
Still not sure about the costume you’re planning? Check out this article we published last year about what not to wear on Halloween.
