Dear Martin
Meaning of The Halloween Costumes
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The Halloween costumes are an ironic symbol. Jared intends them to represent the end of stereotypes and prejudice. Instead, they reinforce that very prejudice, proving that stereotypes based on racial inequality continue. While the redneck, yuppie, and surfer costumes remain benign and defunct stereotypes, just as Jared intended, the Klansman costume cannot be dismissed because it remains an icon of hatred and violence. Justyce’s thug outfit cannot be merely a costume because when the photograph circulates in the news media later on, both experts and the public speculate about Justyce’s gang connections and criminal activity.