Apart from Comic-Con, Halloween is the only time when fans of popular culture get to cosplay and honor their favorite characters by dressing up in their likeness. However, there has been some recent controversy, amongst fans and parents alike, on whether or not dressing up like Moana or Maui from the Disney film Moana is considered cultural appropriation.
The Moana and Maui costumes, being sold at retailers such as Target, Amazon, Disney, and Party City, have been one of the more controversial costumes ever since the Disney film was released in 2016. While many believe cosplaying these characters is a way to celebrate their heroes, many minorities view non-Polynesians dressing up as Moana as cultural appropriation.
Seventeen-year-old Auli’i Cravalho, the Hawaiian actress known for voicing the beloved Disney character, recently stated that she believes children of all ages and ethnicities shouldn’t be discouraged from dressing up as her character Moana for Halloween.
In an interview with People magazine, Cravalho explains why she thinks it's appropriate for people from all cultures and backgrounds to celebrate Moana through cosplay:
“I think it’s absolutely appropriate. It’s done in the spirit of love and for Disney and for the little ones who just want to dress up as their favorite heroine, I’m all for it.”
Not only does Cravalho encourage children to dress up as Moana, but she also supports the adults who’d like to honor the Disney princess on Halloween:
“I would encourage anyone who wants to dress up as a wayfinder who journeys beyond her reef to figure out who she truly is, I totally support you. Go for it! Parents can dress up as Moana, too.”
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