Retailers criticized for offensive costumes, again

Walmart stopped the sale of an “Israeli soldier costume for kids” and “Sheik Fagin Nose” this week after facing a litany of criticism from rights groups and online commenters.

Earlier this month, Amazon and eBay came under fire for a controversial “Lady Boy” Halloween costume that many deemed insensitive to the transgender community.

There's been no shortage of tasteless options, including ex-Subway spokesman Jared Fogel, Meghan Kelly's tampon and the dentist who killed Cecil the lion.

And although people should steer clear of cultural or racial stereotypes, offensive costumes keep popping up--and it is unlikely to change anytime soon, according to Lou Manza, a professor & chair of psychology at Lebanon Valley College.

"This year it's Caitlyn Jenner, the Walmart costumes, and Cecil the Lion's killer, next year it could be anything," Manza told USA TODAY Network. “People become offended when it’s no longer imaginary but mimicking someone who is real."

On social media, many questioned why Walmart would sell an Israeli soldier costume amid an uptick in violence in the Middle East.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee called on Walmart to pull the costumes from its shelves on Tuesday. “The Israeli forces are a symbol of violence and fear for Palestinians living under occupation,” the committee said in a statement. “A symbol of fear, violence and a long history of dispossession should not be used for entertainment purposes.”

Likewise, the committee said the sale of the hooked prosthetic “sheik” nose promoted “anti-Arab racism” in America.

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And while some may argue that "it's only a Halloween costume," in the age of social media and viral videos, costumes have the potential to offend a larger audience than ever before, Manza said.

“Some of theses costumes are worn as a joke, and it becomes a 'ha, ha look at this,'” he said. “But for whatever group the costume is imitating, it becomes the question of ‘what’s funny about me being me?'” Manza said.

While the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee applauded Walmart's decision to remove the costumes, not everyone was happy.

The Israel Project, a non-profit based in Washington, D.C., condemned Walmart's choice in a Facebook post on Wednesday. 

“Israeli soldiers are heroes,” the group said. “But Walmart removed an Israeli army costume from their website. Why? They surrendered to a vicious hate campaign -- a campaign to demonize Israel.”

In the past, public service announcements have urged people to think carefully before picking a costume. In 2011, students in an Ohio University group launched a campaign with the message: "We're a culture, not a costume," CNN reported. 

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So, before grabbing a "sexy Native American" costume or throwing on a "Geisha" get-up, think about how others might view the costume, Maza said.

"A lot of people don’t think logically or simply aren’t aware their costume is offensive,” he said.

Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter.