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People have used dress-up as a form of self-expression since long ago. Halloween gives us an annual excuse to doLike dreams, experts have found that wearing a costume is a way we subconsciously act out our inner thoughts and fears.
While most scary season costumes Whether it’s divided into two camps – sexy or scary – political satire has also become a popular topic among adult Halloween lovers. Actually, since Donald Trump dominates the political sceneIt seems as if politically motivated clothing has become more common. But why?
According to Dr. Shahzad Jalali, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma therapy, “Political figures often represent powerful cultural symbols.” She explains that figures like Trump and other politicians, or even kings, essentially create idealized appeals. IndependentFor example, they may represent ideals of dominance, excess, or power.
People may dress up as a political figure out of admiration, to signal support, or to express their patriotism, or as a form of “rebellion and criticism,” says Dr. Jalali.
especially, a form of ridicule, criticism“So Trump is a polarizing public figure. His mannerisms, his speech, are easy to imitate because, you know, he’s very specific, so the joke can be a way of processing the power that he essentially commands in society and people’s lack of comfort with that.”
people often trying to make fun of trump Will wear elements that poke fun at his physical appearance and mannerisms. Painting your face orange is a common way to make fun exaggerated skin color of the presidentWhile the combed-over blonde wig is a typical way to mimic her signature hairstyle.
Doing so “could be a way to deal with political conflict.” [a person] The experience can happen at home or with a group of friends,” explains Dr. Janina Steinmetz, a professor of marketing at Bayes Business School with a background in social psychology. Independent“Laughing and joking are really good ways to lighten the mood or make conflict more playful and less scary.”
during Trump ran for president for the first time in 2016Sales of Trump masks reach a peak. “When [Barack] Obama was running, his mask looked really good,” said Howard Baez, an executive at Ruby Costume Co., the world’s largest producer of Halloween masks and accessories. CBS News In 2016. “I would say the Trump line is about double the sales.”
Previous consumer data shows decline in political apparel Popularity during non-election years“Typically, a year after an election, political organizations completely disappear from the radar,” said Anna Serafin Smith, former senior marketing director for the National Retail Federation. vice president In 2017.
This year is no different. Danielle Inman, NRF senior director of media relations, shared Independent Once again, “Political clothing did not make the top 20 this year.” Interestingly, he added, “They did not come forward even last year, even though it was an election year.”
Although it is difficult to say with certainty why there was a stir for political costumes despite a major presidential election last year, Dr. Jalali offers a possible explanation.
“I think it depends on people’s level of comfort with self-expression. To some extent, I think given the fact that it’s such a charged domain, [it] “It’s why people don’t want to be the center of attention,” she says. These days, people avoid stating their political stance because other people may take so much offense to it.
Even if it’s halloween you choose to wear more traditional attireLike a skeleton or a sexy maid, there’s still a psychological explanation for this.
“People have always used dress-up to explore hidden parts of themselves or to cope with scary things,” says Dr. Steinmetz.
For example, dressing up as a skeleton can be a way to “make fun of death a little bit and thus make it less scary,” she shares. On the other hand, she says that a sexy outfit can be worn as a way “to show off to others.” [you would] “Likes to be watched.”
Still, if you’re one of the few outsiders looking to vent some political frustration and anger this year, Dr. Steinmetz cautions that “before you put on political attire, [you] What should we think about? [you] Want to laugh, and have other people be offended.”
“Being a little playful about controversial issues can help,” she admits, “but not if the other side feels ridiculed.”