It seems Walmart has taken a rather misguided step into the realm of Halloween humor. This year, their Halloween store has listed a rather distasteful item: a latex prosthetic piece dubbed “Razor Blade Suicide Scar Wound Latex Costume Make Up,” courtesy of a third-party seller. The promotional image shows not just faux wounds but also a hand holding a razor blade — yes, because nothing screams “party” like glorifying self-harm.
A customer review, which has since been taken down, voiced the outrage many feel: “I am disgusted that you would think to make this a costume. Suicide is not a joke.” Absolutely right! With suicide being the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34, it’s alarming that anyone would think such a topic is appropriate for a costume. The CDC reported that in 2014 alone, 42,773 Americans lost their lives to suicide, which translates to a staggering number of attempts, far beyond the actual statistics.
Every day, roughly 117 suicides occur in the U.S., leaving heartbreak and confusion among families and friends. It’s not just a statistic; these are real people affected by profound pain. So, while it might be amusing to dress as a zombie or wield a fake chainsaw, pretending to enact the tragedy of suicide is simply in bad taste. It diminishes the experiences of those who have faced mental illness or have lost loved ones to suicide.
Speaking of mental health, it’s worth noting that about 26.2% of adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year, and over 90% of suicide cases are linked to such conditions. I should know; I’m part of that statistic. I’ve battled with suicidal thoughts and even self-harm, leaving me with scars that tell a story of struggle and survival, not one of Halloween fun. The idea that Walmart thinks this is an appropriate “party occasion” costume is both offensive and upsetting.
For just $3.99 plus shipping, you can get this appalling mock-up, but honestly, who would want to? How many of these did they have in stock, and who would actually buy such an insensitive item? It’s hard to believe that a family-friendly retailer would stoop so low.
Walmart should reconsider their product offerings and demonstrate compassion for individuals affected by mental illness and suicide. If they truly care about families, they need to remove this item and apologize for the harm it has caused.
Update: After the backlash, Walmart’s media relations team stated that this costume was unacceptable and violated their policies, leading to its removal. Little too late, huh?
So, if you’re interested in topics that matter, check out our discussion on home insemination kits or dive into Healthline’s pregnancy resources for more insightful information. And while we’re on the subject of family, if you’re considering starting one, Make a Mom has some great insights as well.
In summary, Walmart has crossed a significant line by offering a costume that trivializes suicide. This isn’t a lighthearted joke; it’s a serious issue affecting millions. The company needs to take responsibility and ensure that their products align with the values of compassion and understanding.