[amIblue?]

DrPhil - What would you think about a nonBlack person who dressed up as a famous Black person (i.e., Michael Jackson) sans black face? In your view, is that problematic or acceptable? Back in the day I knew a bunch of kids who dressed up as Michael a la the Thriller era. It was all about being a fan, not a mockery or stereotype. (You know, red jacket, glove, sunglasses.)

Personally, I think you'd have to be pretty darn unimaginative to come up with "sexy thug," etc. Then again, what do I know about being imaginative...my dad was a football coach, so when I was growing up, I was a football player more often than not because it was easy and all the stuff was readily available.

Clearly, dressing up as a stereotype is offensive, but what if it is intended as a tribute for someone you look up to?