Sep 01 2009
‘Ghostbusters’ Halloween Costumes For Men And Women: Sexist Or Sexy?
Ghostbusters Halloween costumes–sounds like a great idea, right? They even have separate costumes for men and women. As a female, I love that idea–store-bought men’s costumes never seem to fit properly, so it’s usually beneficial to have another option.
As a child of the 80s, I love the Ghostbusters. It sparked my early (if comedic) interest in the paranormal which is now socially acceptable enough to mention on a public forum.
Furthermore, what a great group and/or couples costume this would be! The Ghostbusters always go out in a team, so it would work well. I’m sure you could conjure up a Slimer costume for any accompanying children, as well.
After thinking this idea was great, I checked out the costumes:
(Link to purchase male costume and female costume)
Well, the Victoria’s Secret catalog is tamer and offers more clothing for about the same price. They probably don’t have proton packs, though.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have a problem with the female Ghostbusters costume at all if the male equivalent perhaps insinuated the same overtly sexual tones. Until I see a sleeveless, bicep-oriented, tight-around-the behind male Ghostbusters costume…yeah, I have a problem with it.
What do you think?
I’m with you. (Besides, I don’t want to think about all the problems one would have trying to hunt ghosts in that outfit; if it isn’t the heels getting stuck in gratings, it’s ectoplasm down the cleavage, and if it isn’t that… no. Just no.)
It’s a pity these kinds of male/female distinctions are so common in commercial costume design. Ruins a lot of perfectly good costume concepts for those of us who don’t have time to sew our own.