Discuss “Ethnicity-based costumes offend”

In anticipation of one of history’s most influential elections, Pittsburghers emphasized a spirit of politics-based creativity this Halloween. Trick-or-treaters and college party hoppers alike donned beaming Obama masks, lipstick-smeared pig attire, and even pillow-strapped “pregnant teenager” costumes.

Most shocking to me, though, were the “Arabs” running around Oakland. Apparently, when domestic political culture didn’t suffice for some, they posed in foreign attire for the costume parties they hit — but these costumes quickly crossed the line from festive to offensive.

A long, white shirt over baggy trousers, the average Arab man’s national dress is known as the “thoub,” and is often accompanied by red and white checkered...