Samantha Hedin/ Winonan

Halloween is a time to dress as someone or something unique and unusual.  A wide array of costumes can be seen each year, ranging from classics like zombies to a more unique approach of dressing up as pop culture icons.

It has become common for individuals to take a character from a show or a movie for the basis of their costume. The trend to take innocent characters, often from children’s media and making them much more adult, has been a reoccurring statement for costumes for years. While some may be in favor of the idea of provocative costumes, others are not.

Douglas Westerman, a mass communications professor at Winona State University explained his view on the scandalous Halloween costumes.

“I think it’s the one time of year people can take the liberty to make a character ‘unique’. Unfortunately, some people go a little too far,” he said.

In contrast, Alexandria Carter, a freshman at Winona State, said she believes our culture makes this behavior completely acceptable.

“I think it’s a social norm to dress ‘skanky’ for Halloween,” she said. “You can get away with it on Halloween, everyone is dressing up.”

People often choose to mature children’s characters, Carter said, “Girls want to look innocent, but not. I think maybe it justifies looking so provocative, because it’s an innocent character.”

Steph Peterson, leader of Chi Alpha, a Christian campus ministry and pastor in Winona. When asked about her take on inappropriate Halloween costumes, she had a strong opinion on the subject.

“The bait you use reflects the man you’ll get,” Peterson said. “These girls want to be loved and cherished and valued. But because of our culture, this is how they know to get attention. With these revealing costumes, they’re attracting men who won’t cherish them through the end of the night.”

Peterson continued and shared her experiences concerning her thoughts.

“I once saw Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz in very minimal clothing. People pervert little kid characters.”

As a mother to a young sixth grade girl, Peterson said she hopes to never see her daughter in such costumes.

“They’re not sending a message that you are to be valued and what you are showing them isn’t necessarily the real you. That’s the message they’re sending on Halloween and it breaks my heart,” Peterson said.

Whatever the motive may be behind a costume choice, the idea of being someone entirely different for a night appeals to many.