In debate over offensive Halloween costumes, where's the line?

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/27/living/halloween-ethnic-costumes/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

This article speaks out against controversial Halloween costumes in today's society. Many people wear costumes that play on cultural stereotypes that can be racist, sexist, or just downright offensive. The author cites a campaign called "We're a culture, not a costume" that was created by a student group at Ohio University. The campaign features posters of various racial stereotypes that are often made into insensitive Halloween costumes. The author also points out the over- sexualization of female costumes- the sexy barmaid, the french maid clad in fishnets and garters, cat-woman in skintight spandex,  a scantily-dressed geisha. A woman wearing any of these kinds of costumes is not only objectifying herself, but reinforcing the image of women as sex objects. As a reader, this article made me really think about the deeper meaning behind things that I had previously regarded as cultural norms. Although Halloween is just a silly holiday that should not be taken too seriously,society must think of a bigger picture; if this is how people really see other cultures and genders then perhaps the American ideal of an unprejudiced and accepting society is merely illusory.