So what *are* the true crime Halloween costume rules?
the true crime that's worth your time
Photo: Halloween 2015, when my husband and I dressed up like two fictional murderers, which I guess is OK?
We’ve all seen the headlines: eBay, which sells all sorts of questionable stuff, has banned Jeffrey Dahmer-themed Halloween costume sales, saying the getups "promote or glorify violence or violent acts, or are associated with individuals who are notorious for committing violent acts.” It’s a decision that was applauded by many — though demand is reportedly up for the garb due to the success of the eponymous Netflix series, folks reasonably question the tastefulness of dressing up like the guy.
(Matters of taste aside, anyone who has to buy a packaged costume to dress up like Jeffrey Dahmer should probably be banned from society for laziness — it’s a shirt, pants, and glasses, people. Come on, make an effort.)
But a quick spin through eBay shows me Jack the Ripper costumes and Lizzie Borden outfits, which I suspect are far less controversial. Per Buzzfeed, they cap the bans at 100 years, which honestly seems like a nice and round but otherwise arbitrary number — do we really think that in 2045, we’re going to be way more relaxed about a Hitler costume? (Given the events of the past few weeks, though, who knows?)
I think we can do better than eBay in laying out the Halloween true-crime costume rules, when it comes to dressing like suspects and like victims. What’s OK, and what crosses the line? Where do we make exceptions? Are there situational factors (like, is Gacy OK in Santa Fe but too offensive for Chicago)? And does this mean I shouldn’t go as the Zodiac this year? — EB