Some Halloween costumes controversial, dangerous

Thursday, October 29, 2015
This year's controversial Halloween costumes
One Raleigh store is addressing several costume controversies this Halloween

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Many are taking to social media to talk about some of this year's popular Halloween costumes, calling them controversial and even dangerous.

The "I'm Invisible" children's costume is an all black bodysuit, which includes a black mask and black gloves.

Those raising concerns say the costume makes it harder for drivers to see children crossing the street in the dark, and for those children to see oncoming cars.

Eli Brightbill is the part-owner of Raleigh costume shop Halloween Alley.

"Nighttime and Halloween costumes are always a problem," Brightbill said.

He said children should carry something to make them more visible, like glow sticks, a flashlight, or a bright trick-or-treating bag.

Halloween Alley sells the "I'm Invisible costume." The local shop faced a costume controversy of their own after many complained about a "Dorothea Dix Psych Ward," costume, which has now been pulled off the shelves.

Read More about the "Dorothea Dix Psych Ward" costume here.

Brightbill says avoiding controversy is part of the reason why the store isn't carrying the Caitlyn Jenner costume.

"We didn't feel like it was worth having 20 phone calls a day where people are complaining that it's inappropriate and we shouldn't sell it."

The Caitlyn Jenner costume isn't the only costume being tweeted about. Cultural costumes are also being debated online.

Brightbill says people should be able to wear whatever costume they want.

"I think the problem is that we've gotten to a point where society has decided that it's okay to criticize what people want to wear on Halloween."

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