The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: spooky

  • Commercial Costumes Can Be Problematic

    Commercial Costumes Can Be Problematic

    Many costumes portray culture and lifestyle in an insensitive manner

    Humboldt State students hurry last minute to piece their Halloween costumes together but find no comfort in commercial Halloween stores as the stores will often have sections full of costumes that are ignorant or insensitive.

    Sierra Cosper, a forestry major, expressed her discontent in the commercial Halloween store, Spirit Halloween.

    “I went through Spirit Halloween and they had a whole aisle of Pocahontas and it’s not cool,” Cosper said. “It’s 2019, can we move on from that now?”

    Students agreed that Pocahontas and Native American themed costumes were disrespectful and unacceptable to wear. Haley Fedalizo, a liberal studies elementary education major, found another commercial Halloween store, Party City, to be disrespectful toward culture and body weight.

    “Obviously the [costumes] that are in your face like the Native American one is not okay,” Fedalizo said. “I was literally at Party City yesterday and I saw a “fat costume” and that’s not cool.”

    Jose Moreno, a social work major, also found fault in the commercial chain Party City. Moreno practices an ironically ‘fun’ tradition at the store every year. Often losing count of the inappropriate costumes.

    “I went through Spirit Halloween and they had a whole aisle of Pocahontas and it’s not cool. It’s 2019, can we move on from that now?”

    Sierra Cosper

    “When I go to Party City or anything like that, I count how many cultural appropriation outfits there are,” Moreno said. “I’m like ‘there’s one right there, and right there! I lost track.”

    Beyond the recognizable commercial chains, the internet continues to advertise culturally insensitive and inappropriate Halloween costumes and accessories.

    HSU student Gabrielle Sturm, an environmental studies major, went online to browse for the Halloween season and couldn’t believe what was advertised.

    “I was looking up costumes online and I was a little surprised to see how many [inappropriate costumes] there still are,” Sturm says. “I think they’re bad but a lot of people still do it.”

    While cultural appropriation continues to popularize social media with cultural awareness movements, HSU promotes a safe and respectful Halloween season. Of course, the message on campus has no influence on commercial chains.

  • Get Your Spooky On with These 6 Snacks

    Get Your Spooky On with These 6 Snacks

    Heading to a party or just chilling at home, try these six snacks to get into the ‘spooky szn’ mood

    Munching on a snack is a must when watching a movie but since it’s spooky season, having a spooky snack while watching a Halloween movie is even more festive. There are many seasonal snacks in your local grocery store but not many people know what snacks to grab. Here are the top snacks to remember to get in the Halloween mood:

    1. Bags of Bones Flamin’ Hot Chips/White Cheddar

      If you are sick and tired of pumpkin spice flavored everything, these snacks are the perfect thing for you. If you like cheesy or maybe just a bit of a kick, make sure to grab these when you’re at the store later.

    2. Oreos “BOO” Edition!

      These are sure to get you into a festive mood with an October take on the classic Oreo. The filling of the Oreos is colored orange and acts as something sweet and spooky!

    3. Pillsbury Sugar Cookies (but the Halloween editions, of course)

      If you aren’t in a rush to eat some grab and go snacks and you’re down with waiting for fresh baked goods, these warm treats are just right for you. They’re sweet, festive and perfect for cuddling up and watching a Halloween movie.

    4. Spooky Cereals (Boo Berry, Count Chocula, and Franken Berry)

      Morning after Halloween got you down? These are less of snack and more of a breakfast treat. Just because it’s November doesn’t mean spooky season needs to end!

    5. Spooky Veggie Chips

      If you want a cute and semi-healthy treat, these will satisfy your salt craving and your taste buds. These bat and ghost shaped chips are almost too cute to eat, but I’m sure you’ll come around.

    6. All the Candy!

      Reese’s Eyeballs, M&M’s Cookies & Scream, Butterfinger Cup Skulls, and any of the large array of gummies shaped like brains, guts and ghouls! Just like you’re never too old to trick or treat, you’re never too old to munch on some themed candy.

    Honorable Mentions:

    Pumpkin Spice Any and Everything

    While personally I am not a fan of pumpkin spice, I feel like I had to put this in here just in case. The fall and spooky seasons bring all the pumpkin spice to the scene. Pumpkin Spice Oreos, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice bagels, pumpkin spice pop tarts, etc. If pumpkin spice is your thing, make sure to grab a few of these themed favorites before they’re off the shelves.

    Candy Corn

    Although I’ve never been too fond of the little orange and white cone-shaped candies, I appreciate them for existing. And I’d be a fool, or shall I say ghoul, not to mention the classics.