Dressing as Dahmer - Should Certain Halloween Costumes be Banned?

What’s the story?

Costumes of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer are being removed by eBay and other online outlets. Interest in the cannibal - who killed more than 17 people, including children - has been reignited in the wake of Netflix's hit series "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story."

Netflix appears to have a knack for inspiring questionable Halloween apparel: last year, costumes based on “Squid Game” were banned at three elementary schools in New York state, arguing the show glorified violence and would be “inappropriate.” 

What are people saying?

Olympian Simone Biles tweeted on Oct. 18 that Dahmer costumes should be put "back in the closet."

im just gon go head and say it, put the jeffrey dahmer costumes back in the closet. we ain’t having it!!!!!!

— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) October 19, 2022

eBay banned the sale of Dahmer "costumes" and associated accessories this week. Per a spokesperson:

"These items are banned on eBay and are being removed under our ‘Violence and Violent Criminal Policy.'  These items have been prohibited under the policy — this was not a new or recent decision."

Should Halloween costumes that might be associated with violent messaging be banned? For everyone or only certain ages?

-Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: Instagram per @Fuel4TheBody)