writer: hannan mohamud

How Racist Will Your Halloween Not Be?

BY HANNAN MOHAMUD & CAT CRANDELL

Some people don’t understand cultural appropriation exists and once someone who is a minority explains it, suddenly they’re not friends with you. These cultural appropriators don’t understand that it’s not our fault they like to steal other cultures and expect us to understand and be okay with a whole becoming a joke to them. Now that Halloween’s coming up, we have these cultural appropriators coming to steal the spirit of Halloween once again. I mean if you can pretend to be a part of a minority group for a day, clearly you can have the acting skills to be fake woke too.

To those of you who are acting fake woke, this is for you:

First of all, to those thinking that a costume being online already means people of that group approved of it need to be stopped. Just because you can buy a kidney online, you don’t see the Canadian National Medical Association saying it’s morally acceptable. Cultural appropriation can be confirmed in three steps:

1. Do you know the meaning behind the article of clothing you are wearing?

2. Did you buy it from the group in question?

3. Are you wearing it to act as or mimic a group for a holiday meant for scary or ridiculous attire?

So now, for all you cultural appropriators out there who say they just love *insert culture here* so much, what is your criteria for how you pick and choose what part of the culture you appreciate? Why are you here for the stereotypes and imitations, but not when *ahem* racist stereotypes play out *ahem* discussions of slavery offend you, or (my favourite) when reverse racism is an issue. I mean if something offends you, we are willing to listen, but are you will to do the same? Especially when it comes to My Whole Culture? Your feelings may be hurt, but my ancestry and life is being impacted by your intention to celebrate a holiday meant for us all. I mean, if you’re really inclusive let’s celebrate together, not offend each other.  

We know you don’t wake up to be that asshole, but let’s face it, your intent to have fun doesn’t equate to the impact of minorities not having fun. So for this Halloween we got some quick tips for your next costume. You could go as a Kitkat because your friends deserve a break; maybe that moth meme so you can find the light; or even as a playstation so you can keep playing those games.

So the next time you are stacking cups in the cafeteria and you hear someone say something like “I might dress up like I’m going to a lua out for halloween”, you can use your handy three-step tips we gave and not only educate, but pop off if necessary. Now go forth, and pop off with purpose, ‘cause everyone deserves an ally during these trying times of cultural appropriation.  

The “Ray of Light” Continues to Shine at Augustana

by HANNAN MOHAMUD

A naming ceremony was held at the Learning Commons on September 27th to honour Rashmi Bale, an Augustana graduate who tragically passed away due to a motor vehicle accident in Calgary last summer. Rashmi had earned a Management degree at Augustana and then went on to earn a Law degree from the University of Leicester. The Bale family, Ravi and Rajni, and the Augustana community came together to create this wonderful space that will always have a ‘ray of light’.

Rashmi’s Memorial Plaque
Rashmi’s Family with the Dean and Faculty.

Sarah Laflamme

The word Rashmi is a Sanskrit word which means ‘ray of light’, as brought up Professor Varghese Manaloor. Professor Varghese had not only taught Rashmi at the time she was here, but had also lent her a helping hand when she organized dosa and Diwali parties on campus. At the opening ceremony, Jaynita Maru’s (Rashmi’s good friend during her time here) statements were read out by Geordie Nelson, “The Learning Commons captures Rashmi’s spirit perfectly; it is the balance between serious studying and a little bit of chit chat”. Nelson highlighted not only Rashmi’s impact on the campus, but also her impact on himself as well. Campus administration taking notice of the need for student spaces on campus and investing time in revamping “old cubicle spaces” to create the Learning Commons is not only beneficial for students at Augustana but for staff and faculty as well.