Every year, during the time period between labor day and Halloween, companies begin to roll out their annual Halloween-themed products including costumes, makeup and any merchandise that can be molded into the shape of a pumpkin. This Halloween season some of the most popular costumes come straight from the biggest headlines of the year, including the likes of Donald Trump, Caitlyn Jenner and, of course, Walter Palmer.
Those who decided to don the Walter Palmer costume have made some waves within the animal-lover community and for good reason.
Walter Palmer, the man accused of killing Cecil the lion, is facing serious scrutiny for the murder of the 13 year-old lion, the most famous lion in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The murder and beheading of Cecil led to proposals to ban the import of lion trophies to the US and European Union. In addition to this, officials in Zimbabwe suspended the hunting of lions, leopards and elephants for 10 days in response to the killing.
The Walter Palmer costume is meant to mock the outrage of those who were devastated at the loss of Cecil. While it manages to complete its goal, the costume also offends those who believe that Palmer deserved punishment, which he won’t get because Zimbabwean officials are unable to charge him.
The costume also serves to purposely bother animal rights activists and conservationists. Again, it completes its purpose, but it also disturbs a lot of the less-extreme average Joes.
When Ashley Benson, star of “Pretty Little Liars,” posted a picture of herself dressed as a lion claiming to be Cecil, she received a lot of backlash and, in turn, was forced to make a public apology.
The outcry in response to Benson’s actions shows how strongly the public feels about this subject. The costume is disrespectful to Cecil’s memory and that of all of the other wild game killed for sport. Poaching and other forms of hunting animals without a need are widely considered to be wrong, and Cecil’s death was a recent, painful reminder of how often animals are killed unnecessarily. Guys, it’s just too soon.
The costume seems to almost encourage the actions of Palmer and others like him as well. Using the death of Cecil as a joke lessens the severity of Palmer’s actions and shows that those who wear the costume don’t take big game hunting seriously, which is not necessarily the case.
As it may seem obvious to choose a Halloween costume that will be current and widely recognized, it’s best to stay away from costumes that will offend a large amount of people. So, please put away the Walter Palmer and Cecil the Lion costumes and go with something more tasteful.
