Deanna Beaver
People of all ages like to dress up as certain characters. Passing out candy, I realized the vast difference in the costumes of the trick-or-treaters. There were police officers—one even had his own prisoner. I kid you not. Knights, ninjas, and teenage ninja turtles helped protect the neighborhood under the direction of Master Chief.
Robin Hood escorted princesses, ballerinas, and the occasional sloth, as well as other animals. The creativity came out when the unique Minecraft heads made from boxes appeared.
A “Where’s Waldo” couple appeared to be hiding all over the neighborhood. I saw them right away, just saying. They chanted, “Where’s the candy?” in lieu of “Trick or Treat.”
Cheshire Cat and Alice had fantastic makeup. That duo may have been a first for me in all these years. Woody, Jesse, and Buzz Lightyear greeted Christopher Robin and the Hundred-Acre Woods’ friends, Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit, and Eeyore. I’m sure Wise Owl was surveying the neighborhood with a bird’s-eye view.
The Addams Family was a hit for those of us who remembered the characters Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, and Pugsley. My favorites, Uncle Fester, Cousin Itt, Thing, and Lurch must have stayed in the hearse or were passing out bats at the house. Someone has to do it.
Doesn’t every little girl want to be a ballerina? How about every little boy dreaming of being Spider-Man? Maybe tomorrow they’ll want to be a sloth.
What causes such extremes? Is it exposure to various things? Costumes empower little ones. If you can dress like a firefighter, then you most certainly can be a firefighter. What causes us to identify with certain groups?
I have always promoted, “Dress for success.” However, I find it interesting that in certain societies, depending on which part of the world you are visiting, your attire can affect others’ impressions of you. What do the natives expect?
In adulthood, we have many hats, masks, and costumes that we juggle on any given day. Is it wise to judge others by their dress or profession?
I believe positive character traits may be more significant than your costume.
I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on costumes versus identity in the comments below.
