Introduction

The "We're a Culture, Not a Costume" meme originated from a poster ad campaign aimed at raising awareness about culturally insensitive Halloween costumes.

Background

The campaign features students from diverse ethnic backgrounds holding images of individuals wearing Halloween costumes that may be seen as culturally offensive. This initiative not only aimed to educate but also to inspire dialogue on the importance of cultural sensitivity during Halloween.

How It Began

In late October 2011, the student organization "Students Teaching Against Racism in Society" (STARS) at Ohio University initiated a campaign to highlight the issues surrounding racially insensitive Halloween costumes. The campaign gained traction when the organization's president shared awareness posters on her Tumblr blog on October 21.

Internet Reaction

On October 24, the STARS president expressed gratitude for the support received on Tumblr, mentioning the group's small membership and their efforts to protect the campaign's materials legally. Media outlets like Angry Asian Man, The Huffington Post, and Disgrasian reported on the campaign, increasing its visibility. However, some users on platforms like Tumblr and 4chan began to create parody images that mocked the posters, prompting discussions about the campaign's validity. YouTuber Amazing Atheist also published a critical video on October 23. The campaign's controversy caught the attention of CNN on October 26, leading to further discussions, while humor sites like Something Awful and Smosh showcased parody compilations by October 31.