If you think fake blood and maniacal clown masks are terrifying, wait until you see these costumes.
Halloween is a time to show off your creativity -- not your insensitivity. And for some celebrities and trick-or-treaters, it seems particularly difficult to distinguish the difference between clever and just plain offensive. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of "Latino" costumes that should have never been made, much less worn.
Latinos already have to see themselves depicted as criminals, hyper-sexualized trophy wives and mustachioed villains in Hollywood -- which means the last place we want to run into those stereotypes is at our friends' annual Halloween bash, while we're trying to have a good time. So, please take note:
"Men's Ranchero Costume Mexican Poncho"
Mexican Rancheros =/= gun-toting mustachioed, sombrero and poncho wearing men. Truth is Mexican ranchers probably don't dress very differently from U.S. ranchers.
"Rubie's Costume Saucy Senorita" Costume
Hypersexualizing Latina women and calling them "saucy" isn't nearly as flattering as some seem to believe. Latinas are doctors, teachers, astronauts, writers, athletes and so much more.
"Unisex Taco"
1. As a general rule, avoid being person-sized food. Trust us on this.
2. Tacos are from Mexico but they're generally not served with a sombrero on top.
2. Tacos are from Mexico but they're generally not served with a sombrero on top.
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"Hey Amigo Donkey Costume"
Adding the word amigo to the title doesn't make this costume any more Latino friendly.
Latinos' roots come from a variety of cultures and countries. Yes, there are donkeys. Yes, there are ponchos. But that's not the case everywhere or for everyone -- not by a long shot.
Want to look cool this halloween? Don't perpetuate Latino stereotypes.
Latinos' roots come from a variety of cultures and countries. Yes, there are donkeys. Yes, there are ponchos. But that's not the case everywhere or for everyone -- not by a long shot.
Want to look cool this halloween? Don't perpetuate Latino stereotypes.
"Little Mexican Amigo" Toddler Costume
It's important for parents to set a good example for their children, but it's even more important that they don't dress them up in a stereotypical Halloween costume.
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"Latina Puerto Rican Pride Costume"
Hey sexyyy...flag?
Unless you're Puerto Rican and planning on attending a Puerto Rican Day Parade, we highly advise against this getup.
Via Amazon
Unless you're Puerto Rican and planning on attending a Puerto Rican Day Parade, we highly advise against this getup.
Via Amazon
"Mayan Costume Adult Aztec Queen Indian Mexican Halloween Fancy Dress"
Hmmm, so which one is it: Mayan or Aztec? They're two different Mesoamerican civilizations. The Maya empire, for example, was a pre-Columbian civilization who settled beyond present day Mexico and into Guatemala, El Salvador and more.
But hey, let's belittle these two impressively advanced ancient civilizations.
Via Ebay
But hey, let's belittle these two impressively advanced ancient civilizations.
Via Ebay
"Mayan King Costume Adult Aztec Indian Warrior Mexican Halloween Fancy Dress"
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"Mexican Hot Tamale" Adult Costume
Amazon
Latinas aren't "spicy," "saucy," "hot tamales," or any other food-related adjective that people often use while describing Latin women.
We're people, not your dinner.
Via Amazon
We're people, not your dinner.
Via Amazon
"Mexican Fiesta Adult Costume"
Let's reduce a rich and vibrant culture to mustaches, margaritas, sombreros and... Hawaiian shirts? Oh well, it's red and "spicy" looking. ¡¡Arrrribbbaaa!!
Seriously, let's reconsider whether "adult costume" is a proper way of describing this ensemble.
Via Costume Craze
Seriously, let's reconsider whether "adult costume" is a proper way of describing this ensemble.
Via Costume Craze
"Illegal Alien Costume"
If you think you're clever by wearing a costume that compares undocumented human beings to criminally convicted extraterrestrials -- please think again.
And we're not the only ones who cringed when we saw this this costume. In 2009, the costume was discontinued on Target and Amazon after complaints. But apparently Newegg.com missed the memo and put it back on the market.
Via Newegg.com
And we're not the only ones who cringed when we saw this this costume. In 2009, the costume was discontinued on Target and Amazon after complaints. But apparently Newegg.com missed the memo and put it back on the market.
Via Newegg.com
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"Latin Dancer Costume"
Nailed it! This is exactly what Latinos wear when they go out dancing.
Sure this ensemble might've been popularized by Brazilian singer and dancer Carmen Miranda in the 1930s and 1940s. But even Miranda was once criticized for appropriating the look from the Afro-Brazilian Bahianas.
Via Led Christmas Lighting
Sure this ensemble might've been popularized by Brazilian singer and dancer Carmen Miranda in the 1930s and 1940s. But even Miranda was once criticized for appropriating the look from the Afro-Brazilian Bahianas.
Via Led Christmas Lighting
"Bandita Costume Adult Mexican Shot Girl Western Cinco de Mayo Fancy Dress"
This sexy bandit is ready to shoot you... with tequila.
While the creators of this costume could've stopped at making criminals sexy -- adding "Mexican" accessories like a sombrero, a colorful scarf and tequila bottles is the real crime here.
Via Ebay
While the creators of this costume could've stopped at making criminals sexy -- adding "Mexican" accessories like a sombrero, a colorful scarf and tequila bottles is the real crime here.
Via Ebay
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"Mexican Serape Costume"
Good job using "serape" instead of "poncho," if only you had left your crazy eyes, maracas, sombrero, and mustache at home.
The Mexican culture is not a caricature to poke fun at. Please stop.
Via Pure Costumes
The Mexican culture is not a caricature to poke fun at. Please stop.
Via Pure Costumes
"Fidel Castro"
It should go without saying (but we'll say it anyways) that dressing up as a dictator is a big no, no.
Other figures to avoid: Drug Lord Pablo Escobar (or any cartel member for that matter), Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet and so on.
Via Halloween Costumes
Other figures to avoid: Drug Lord Pablo Escobar (or any cartel member for that matter), Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet and so on.
Via Halloween Costumes
Want to wear Latino costumes that won't get you BOOed? Check these out:
