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People are not happy about this Disney's 'Moana' Halloween costume

The costume includes an "island-style skirt" made of fabric leaves, rope necklace and fabric brown skin with tattoos.

Andrea Romano

on September 19, 2016

Many people are excited for Disney's upcoming feature, Moana, but a Halloween costume currently offered on the company's website is causing controversy.

The children's costume is inspired by the character Maui, a Polynesian god voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the film. The costume includes an "island-style skirt" made of fabric leaves, rope necklace and fabric brown skin with tattoos.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In addition, the arms and legs come padded to simulate Maui's muscle-bound physique and "photorealistic teeth art appliqués."

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Many people online have raised concerns that the costume caricatures Polynesian culture, particularly by turning Maui's brown skin into a costume piece.

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Critiques of the costume echo the same sentiments of the We Are A Culture, Not A Costume poster campaign that circulates around Halloween over the last few years.

Many people still expressed still wanting to support the film even though they were shocked and angered by the costume.

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Other people argued that the costume was harmless since it is inspired by a Disney character, rather than the Hawaiian culture as a whole.

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However, it's important to note that the character, Maui, is a great hero and god in Polynesian myth, not an original character by Disney, and therefore is seen as an important cultural figure in Hawaii.

H/T: Buzzfeed

Topics Disney Racial Justice

Andrea Romano

Andrea Romano -- comedy writer, craft enthusiast, lady -- was a Watercooler Reporter. She worked as an intern at Mashable beginning in January 2014. Andrea recently completed her Masters degree in Media Studies and Film from The New School and writes sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theatre. She once watched three Paul Rudd movies in a row on a bicoastal flight and didn't realize it until she landed. She does things like that a lot. Twitter: @theandrearomano