FREE KINDLE FOR PC

FREE KINDLE FOR PC
So you can read my books

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

ARE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES BECOMING MORE OFFENSIVE?


A few decades ago, the limits of outrage were grotesque masks of politicians. Nixon and Reagan were favorites.

 The question of what’s edgy vs. what’s offensive can be tricky.

 Among this year’s most outrageous costumes are the “Foxy Megyn Bloody Tampon”

 (based on Donald Trump alleging that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly

 had “blood coming out of her wherever” after the first Republican presidential debate) 

and the “Lion Killer Dentist Halloween Costume” 

(a bloody dentist’s smock and plush severed lion’s head).

 When it comes to distasteful, last year’s do-it-yourself “Robin Williams” costume, 

with belt hung around your neck, tops the list. (Williams killed himself in August 2014.)

Of course, there is the current controversy over the Caitlin Costume based on the Vogue cover.

 There have certainly been viral moments this year that deserve some wink-and-nudging.

 But that doesn’t mean you have to dress up as the awful ones, 

especially if your costume involves 

cultural appropriation, mocking real people who are in distress like the Syrian refugees, or plain old racism. 

What do you think?

18 comments:

  1. Sigh is what I think.
    Sometimes I am ashamed of our species. Often I am ashamed.
    And then I hear about someone who is impressive from the other end of the scale...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The news media tells us of the negative extreme cases, ignoring the majority of folks who, day by day, raise their children in love, work hard, and help when they can. At least I tell myself that. :-)

      Delete
  2. These costumes are sickening. When I was a child I remember having a Tweety bird costume. When I was older I dressed as a baseball player and other harmless things.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've dressed as Batman, Darth Vader, and a vampire -- but I've always tried to stay inoffensive to any visitor. It is sad what we find amusing these days, ;-(

      Delete
  3. Some of those are horrid and in poor taste. Especially the Robin Williams one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had a hard time believing people would be so callous about the suicide of a beloved comedian like Robin Williams, too.

      Delete
    2. My exact sentiments on Robin. I got so tired of hearing "Robins Soul is going to hell, because he committed suicide."

      For one, I don't see anything Biblical on this subject, but have found plenty of evidence how the Vatican made Suicide a Sin, since so many Priests were expediting their meeting with God, during the times of the Bubonic Plaque.

      besides, Robin was not himself, depression like he had, turns one into someone else, and the God I believe in is much more understanding of Life, beyond human's ability to comprehend; in many very complex settings, and situations. IMHO.

      Delete
  4. I was the white ghost for halloween. Dumb I know but what can I say? I confess - I'm Guilty, it was me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about going as Space Ghost this year? It would fit your avatar. :-)

      Delete
  5. I really question so many people's judgment these days. Yes, they can be tasteless, cruel and thoughtless, and whenever this happens they should be publicly shamed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They have to be capable of shame before they can be shamed. SIgh.

      Delete
  6. Many go for shock value, and don't care who they offend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In this era of the Selfie all many care about is themselves. Sad.

      Delete
  7. Notoriety is confused as fame.

    Go figure as to the reason. The inability or lack of life experiences to empathize.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe intense self-focus evaporates empathy. We have a whole family whose only claim to fame is taking Selfies in skimpy outfits. :-(

      Delete
  8. I was shocked by the idea that someone had created one based around the tragic death of Robin Williams. You can't help, but wonder what this world is coming too. The problem is that we don't just have to worry about the costumes that are out there this year, but the actual safety of our children there are so many stories going around now about people dropping deadly items into the kids treat bags and worse they are items that have been made to look like perfectly innocent sweets.
    On my facebook newsfeed I have already seen posts warning of gummy bears, that have left children brain damaged and in some cases resulted in there death and flintstone candies that are really Ecstacy tablets in disguise.

    We are forgoing trickle treating at strangers houses this year and just visiting friends and family. It will mean quite a lot of driving, from place to place but it is worth it in order to ensure my sons safety.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Roland!!!

    Gone are the years of incredibly creative costumes. Now everything is grotesque ... And not in a good way.


    When I lived in las Vegss, many moons ago, one of my best friends was an Emmy winning choreographer. Each year we went to the mid Smazing Hallween parties and I can't begin to describe the costumes I beheld... Amazing talent!


    I miss that time.


    Happy Halloween my friend! I am sure you have seen incredible costume in New Orleans for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I could have gone to one of those Halloween parties with you and your friend. Yes, grotesque seems the word for what amuses folks any more. :-(

      The costumes tend to be a bit risque in New Orleans! And what little there are to them are at least colorful! :-) I am so glad to see you here again, I need to run to work but I just had to say HI to an old friend.

      Delete