Since I was a child, I have loved getting to dress up as random characters and people and creatures on Halloween. I was everything from your classic witch to an M&M to a rock star to a princess and many places beyond and between. Last year, a friend at Green Dot Kentuckiana and I decided that Halloween, in addition to being a great excuse to eat candy, was also a great reason to do some proactive green dots. This was kind of a reaction to the fact that proactive green dots can be REALLY hard to do, kind of a reaction to there being lots of Halloween costume-shaming going around on social media, and kind of a reaction to the question, “If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be?” Why hadn’t I thought about this through a Green Dot lens before? I wouldn’t participate in costume-shaming; instead, I would create costumes of characters and actual people who have done things that I admire (that also happen to be shifting norms away from violence and toward respect and inclusion for ALL people).
Unsure what I mean? Here are a few ideas…and approaches to thinking of your own costume!
- Who are some of your real-life heroes who might have made waves in history or who are currently changing the world for the better?
Example #1: Bob Ross – Bob Ross was and continues to be a male role model for many people, spreading positivity and acceptance all over the canvas.
Example #2: Rosie the Riveter – Prevent violence and make safer communities? Rosie the Riveter’s here to say, “Yes, we CAN do it!”
Additional Examples: Kid President, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Jr., Justin Trudeau, Emma Goldman, Ruth Bader Ginsberg
- Who are some of your favorite fictional heroes – those characters who display bravery and compassion, who try to stop violence from happening and stand up for what’s right?
Example #1: Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark – These heroes from The Hunger Games spend a good portion of their adolescence fighting the injustices of The Capitol. They spark a revolution by standing up for what they believe in!
Example #2: Leslie Knope – This “Parks & Recreation” leading lady is kind and loyal not only to her friends but to everyone who lives in Pawnee, Indiana. Even when others might doubt or dislike her, Leslie Knope creates green dots everywhere by working hard to keep her neighbors happy and safe. She’s been known to set differences aside and meet with her rivals over waffles. Plus, she gives the best compliments.
Additional Possibilities: Most members of the Harry Potter cast, Mulan, Merida, Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, Glenn Rhee (<3)
- Who are some every day heroes that we might not normally give a second thought? Find a way to give an interesting perspective on what they do. Don’t forget to dig back into history for this one, either.
Healthcare Professionals – Did you know that people are more likely to talk to a doctor, nurse, or dentist about an abusive relationship than anyone else? This takes saving lives to a whole new level. Yep. Healthcare professionals are pretty cool…and what a comfortable Halloween costume!
Additional Possibilities: Garbage truck operators, first responders, school counselors, teachers, policymakers, lunch ladies and custodial staff who make communities and schools happier spaces
- If the above questions don’t help, there are at least two more possibilities to consider:
- Create your own superhero! What are those skills and talents that you have that could potentially help the people around you? This is your chance to bring those characteristics to life and create your own alter ego!
- Just BE a green dot. On every other day of the year, no one can actually BE a green (or red) dot – those are decisions we make and actions we take. On Halloween, though, those rules don’t apply. Just imagine what kinds of conversations you could start when you look like a giant green dot!
So there are just a few ideas to help you if you want a sweet Halloween costume that might make people do a double-take AND give you the opportunity to talk just a little bit about why taking care of each other is important to you. Please share your ideas and costumes with us @greendotgcky #greendot1031!