First it is important to understand what schema and stereotype mean. Schema is cognitive structures that represent knowledge about objects, people, or situations. They help: organize knowledge, assist recall, guide behavior, and predict behavior of others. A stereotype is schema for understanding a group of people.
"We're a Culture Not a Costume"
Ohio State University took it into their hands to stop this Halloween fashion faux pas. In 2011, the group STARS (Student Teaching About Racism in Society) initiated the campaign "We are a culture not a costume" campaign to raise awareness on insensitive stereotypical Halloween costumes. Below are a couple posters from the original campaign.
"The purpose of S.T.A.R.S. is to facilitate discussion about diversity and all isms (sexism, classism, heterosexism, ethnocentrism etc.) with an emphasis on racial issues. We aim to raise awareness about social justice, and promote racial harmony. Our job is to create a safe, non-threatening environment to allow participants to feel comfortable to express their feelings. Our guiding principle is based on the principle "Each One Teach One."
The campaign continued over 2012 and 2013. In 2012 all campaign posters featured the saying "You wear the costume for one night. I wear the stigma for life."
So what? The most important thing this campaign is doing is starting a conversation. Halloween costumes should not make minorities uncomfortable or offend them. This is not a matter of being politically correct. It is a matter of making a conscious choice to not offend anyone. STARS president Sarah Williams says, "During Halloween, we see offensive costumes. We don't like it, we don't appreciate it...The best way to get rid of stereotypes and racism is to have a discussion and raise awareness, which is what we want to do with this campaign." The campaign has gone viral and captured the nations attention. With Halloween right around the corner, let's make wise choices and make sure our cultural couture is appropriate.