Halloween Costume Sparks Controversy

Over the past few weeks, I noticed on my Facebook page that many of my friends were posting campaigns to remove a Halloween costume from HalloweenParty2013.com. After further research, I came to learn that the costume featured a skeleton dress with a measuring tape belt and a badge labeled "Anna Rexia." The website went further to create a tagline with the costume stating that, "You can never be too rich or too thin." Below is a video that discusses the costume:                            

In turn, this Halloween costume has faced a vast amount of criticism and illustrates the issue of making light of body image disorders, including anorexia. The video above demonstrates backlash against the costume by including comments from others, including an Independent blogger. Her comment includes, "A skeleton costume is understandable – traditional even – but attempting to turn Anorexia into something sexy by throwing it on a plastic, fake boobed, airbrushed, blonde sex bomb? There are no words." 

I, too, was outraged by this Halloween costume. The idea of making fun of a serious illness that affects nearly 8 million Americans is uncalled for and unnecessary. In addition, I agreed with the blogger's comment that illustrates the issues of identity and appearance through figures that misrepresent the average female. It is important to note how the media is sending the message that the values of girls and women lie in the appearance, because this can cause women to feel worthless and disempowered. 

Throughout my investigation of this Halloween costume, I've realized the incredible role of media and the impact it has on appearance. Without the backlash of bloggers and commentators, or the coverage of mainstream news media, including Huffington Post, the "Anna Rexia" Halloween costume would have been deemed acceptable. While I am disgusted by the creators, manufacturers, and sellers of this costume, I am also proud of the multitude of people that stepped up and acted upon their feelings by speaking out against the costume. 

Through blogging, online campaigns, and other discussions, I hope that people continue to raise their voice and awareness of the dangers of the media, therefore teaching media literacy. So, readers, I challenge you to do the same. Whether you comment on my blog, sign an online petition, or simply speaking to friends and family, my goal is to engage others and teach them to recognize the power of the media in terms of our perspectives on appearance and identity.