Offensive Halloween Costume

[Menorahman]

There is a topic floating around here about someone (half black / half white) encountering a racist while eating. He got all mad and said he wanted to beat him up...but why? The person is obviously an idiot, you should feel sorry for him and laugh at how sad he is. Getting mad or offended just empowers real racism.

 

[Sixgunn]

I'm Jewish and I encourage Jew-jokes because they are funny and they don't actually matter. Nothing matters, the world is one big caricature.

If you can't laugh at yourself then don't go outside.

This +1,000,000. I live with the same mantra!!

 

[GBassNorth]

Seems to me, given virtually any situation, if one looks hard enough one can always find someone who will be offended. The golden rule for performers is - know your audience and the venue!

If you think your actions will cause a fair number of people in the audience to be uncomfortable then rethink what you're doing. If you think your actions could easily be taken out of context and shared with a broader audience who might take exception with your actions (i.e. youtube, facebook...) then rethink it.

Personally I don't see an issue with creating a fun non threatening environment as part of the show. Dress as Mariachis, do your best to play some good traditional Mexican tunes and by all means, have a huge piñata over the dance floor full of candy and coins for the patrons to take a swing at between sets.

Just understand that there's a very fine line between creating a fun environment and making fun of others. Things like Cheech and Chong accents and ethnic jokes would probably cross that line for most people. Also understand that if the venue is a bar, there will likely be drinking and the possibility that one or more patrons could get out of hand and make some very off color comments. This could easily put a damper on the entire show so be prepared to deal with it in a way that shows respect for the Latino community otherwise your bands intentions will become very suspect.

Good luck.

BTW - in before the lock down!

 

[Schlyder]

For Halloween... I am going dressed as a wailing, teeth gnashing, flesh rending, perpetually offended, social justice warrior, upset at all the cultural appropriation going on.

 

[micque]

In today's PC world, you could go dressed as yourself & offend someone.

Yep ! just being in the same room as some people can offend them,

 

[Sixgunn]

BTW - in before the lock down!

Lol! Me too

 

[Pork_Chop]

So a black friend of mine and his band recently played a gig dressed up in Lederhosen and blond wigs. They mockingly attempted to dance like they were Germans. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Are they racist? They stereotyped an entire culture, and utilized stereotypical props and dance moves. Am I racist for laughing?

 

[hopsbb]

I think it is an absolutely great idea and anybody that would get offended by it can go pound sand. Tired of crybabies,crybabing about everything.

 

[Menorahman]

Should say modern feminism*

 

[GBassNorth]

Hey, I'm all for social justice - as long as I'm the judge!

 

[cfsporn]

So a black friend of mine and his band recently played a gig dressed up in Lederhosen and blond wigs. They mockingly attempted to dance like they were Germans. It was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Are they racist? They stereotyped an entire culture, and utilized stereotypical props and dance moves. Am I racist for laughing?

Since Germans aren't a race; (insert Nazi joke of your choice here) it isn't racist and since Germany is a first world powerhouse in 2015, I can't really see it as malignant.

 

[Sixgunn]

Wouldn't it be racist to say that only Mexicans can dress up as mariachis?

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Will I be politically incorrect if I ask for carrots in the voting poll?

 

[Facu.DSR]

i don't think the costuming would be offensive in and of itself given the holiday. context is important. i've never seen a mariachi band carry pinatas around, and yes i've seen a lifetime's worth of mariachi bands. also, not all mariachis have mustaches...is the desired effect to ridicule? will there be any offensive comments, accents, or skits lobbed from the stage? etc.

I support this comment. I am not a mexican, I am an Argentinian, but I don't find the costume offensive per se, although I'd be careful about those kind of comments and attitudes that might be misunderstood as degradant or offensive. To sum up, as long as you demostrate you are just wearing a costume because of the holiday and not trying to bully anyone you'll be fine !

 

[Menorahman]

Hey, I'm all for social justice - as long as I'm the judge!

Exactly.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Social justice and feminism are two very misguided (and ironically selfish) movements. They should largely be ignored.

With so much disparity between both races and gender this is extremely ignorant to say.

 

[Sixgunn]

For a party this past weekend my girlfriend and I dressed as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

I just watched "Frida" again. Great movie!! I've seen an exhibit of her work too. What a fascinating woman.

 

[cfsporn]

Hey, I'm all for social justice - as long as I'm the judge!

I like to say that I am a fascist provided I get to be the leader.

 

[GBassNorth]

Will I be politically incorrect if I ask for carrots in the voting poll?

Yes, apparently according to some on this thread you can specify Carrots but you might need to stay away from pepper or avocado selections. Wouldn't want to offend anyone.

 

[wmhill]

hahahahaha- I can't believe this is still open! Please continue as I have not had this much fun since the great "guitard " war a few months back!
Nobody would loves this.....