I Am Not a Costume!

[ElieM]

SWTXBelle, I'm pretty sure that's exactly how my Dutch father described it

[AOII Angel]

I'm not sure why dressing up as President Obama would be automatically offensive. Presidential Halloween masks have been sold for decades. They've also predicted outcomes of elections based on sales of candidate masks. The fact that President Obama is black should not make wearing his mask offensive. Now, I would agree with you if someone dressed in a suit and put on blackface with a sign that said "Obama" otherwise, why is it offensive?

[SWTXBelle]

Originally Posted by ElieM

SWTXBelle, I'm pretty sure that's exactly how my Dutch father described it

I use this as an example for my classes as to how cultural customs which make perfect sense to those who grow up with them might appear odd/strange/weird to those who do not. I also love David Sedaris past reason. His delivery of this reading from his book always makes me laugh until I hurt.

[*winter*]

I wouldn't call a woman a slut for wearing a hooker-inspired Halloween costume. I do feel some of them go above and beyond what is appropriate, but if they aren't showing it at the local Trick or Treat, it's their life...

Apologize fore the hijack...The bigger issue to me is, when did everyone start idolizing hookers and strippers? Most of these girls may not BE a H/S but in the end, that's what the costume looks like. 364 days of the year you are someone else, and the ONE DAY, as a modern, multi-dimensional, educated woman she can be ANYTHING else...it has to be a sex worker? I don't understand the entire glamorization of the sex industry in modern culture. Being a pimp is "awesome" and there's a whole You Go Girl! attitude towards strippers and even porn stars. The reality is the industry is a web of despair, empty lives, drug use, alcoholism and jail terms. Plus in a world where sexual slavery is a reality (and the girls get younger every year) it's just that much more asanine, this adoration/acceptance of the sex industry. We have Miley Cyrus on a pole on the Disney Channel, and her sister looked like an escort in that "costume" she had in photos, and what is she- 9? It introduces children- babies!- to the idea that looking really sexy- pleather stripper boots, netted stockings- is something to aspire to- when they don't even know what "really sexy" truly means.

The thing with the President- I don't know. He is such a hugely controversial person (IMO, through no fault of his own) that I couldn't imagine going out dressed as him, I rarely even bring him up in conversation because I want to shoot myself if the other person starts on some Nobama rant (and that's common around here, unfortunately.) He is being attacked on a level that is really unparalleled in political history, for personal, political, heck- they even went after his wife for not being "thin enough" to promote Let's Move! So on the basis of that, and the fact that many of the "attackers" are closeted racists, an Obama costume doesn't really hold the same appeal as a Clinton mask.

Oh...and how could I forget...a SUICIDE BOMBER? That's a Halloween costume? Point proven- Halloween has become more about being a tacky mother effer than being a holiday for fun. That's got to be so comforting for our returning vets to see, especially those who were involved in IED explosions where people were injured or even killed. I hope anyone who wears such a costume has the opportunity to meet up with some of our veterans and hear their side of the story on why it's inappropriate. They might be eating some concrete while it's being explained to them though!

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

*Wearing a short skirt or a low-cut top/body suit does not (alone) make a woman a slut. I don't think it's the best choice in clothing but hey some women like showing their sexual side or showing off parts of their body of which they are proud. I'm beginning to wonder if calling them slutty for that is part of the reason many women are comfortable doing that only on a day when they aren't supposed to be themselves.
/hijack

Look, I'm proud of my boobs, and while I think my ass could be slightly better than it is, I think it's pretty damn hot, especially in a cute pair of jeans. But I'm not going to show everything off to the world. I like the idea that when a guy talks to me, it's not because my chest is difficult to stop staring at, or because he thinks he can easily feel me up in the elevator.

I like being someone else on Halloween, but that someone else isn't Little Bo Peep, the town whore.

Originally Posted by *winter*

It introduces children- babies!- to the idea that looking really sexy- pleather stripper boots, netted stockings- is something to aspire to- when they don't even know what "really sexy" truly means.

This! The problem is what we're teaching to everyone as being "truly sexy".. and truly sexy doesn't = mini skirts and boobs falling out of your shirt

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

I just wish that wasn't the ONLY choice out there. I tend to have to work really hard to find something that's not slut-o-rama...even something as simple as "Greek Goddess" sometimes only has short costumes at the stores. I end up making my costumes or having them made because I just don't like dressing up like that.

!!!!! to the bolded. I think only once or twice in my life have I bought a costume... my parents bought me a Little Mermaid costume when I was younger, and I bought one in college. Other than that, I always make my costumes. I'm very creative, so I always enjoy coming up with something that other people will enjoy (because of the humor of it!)

I remember my favorite costume on someone else was a guy (who was kind of a dork) who walked into a party with ribbons and bows all over him, and he had a big tag around his neck which read,

To: Women
From: God

When I asked him what he was, he said, "God's gift to women!"

[33girl]

Originally Posted by ElieM

For not sexy costumes - http://takebackhalloween.org/

For maximum authenticity w/ the Jean Harlow costume, be sure to run ice over your nipples and skip the underwear. Not so non-slutty, is it? That being said, being Queen Boudicca would be pretty badass.

I really really want to go as Little Edie Bouvier from Grey Gardens, but I need to find a Halloween party full of gay men.

Originally Posted by christiangirl

^^^It doesn't necessarily, which is why I put "offensive" in quotation marks. I just couldn't think of another word to describe a non-Black girl in a suit wearing a dark brown Obama mask (which was pretty caricature-ish with unflattering, embellished features and much darker than his actual skin tone). I guess the mask making him appear darker with a larger nose, lips, and ears than he actually has makes him look silly rather than honoring or accurately imitating the president. I think that's where the "offense" comes in, though no one was personally offended, if that makes sense.

ETA: By all means, all "president" masks I've seen were cartoony. But given this particular president is Black and the embellished features characteristically Black features, it puts a slightly different spin on things.

Some president masks are more cartoony than others. The Nixon ones are WAY worse than any Kennedy mask I've seen...i.e. Kennedy's is actually not bad looking, Nixon's make him look downright monstrous.

[*winter*]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Some president masks are more cartoony than others. The Nixon ones are WAY worse than any Kennedy mask I've seen...i.e. Kennedy's is actually not bad looking, Nixon's make him look downright monstrous.

The Bill Clinton ones were amusing, they really "went there" in terms of the bulbous nose and the roseaca.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

I had to think about that one for a long time...I think she would need the "there's a time for everything" speech. The outfit in my head would likely not get a second glance from me if I knew she were out on the town for ladies' night or coming from a party but recruitment? I wouldn't be formulating thoughts on her based on what she was wearing (that she's loose or whatever), but my first impression would be that she lacks good judgement if she's wearing that to recruitment (or a job interview or a formal) where the situation calls for modest dress no matter what message you might like to send.

Also, I think you often have to take into account: 1) I'm out of mom & dad's house and I can dress however I want 2) I was a geek in HS, now I'm exploring another side of myself. (My first boyfriend thought I was way easier than I was because I wore very short shorts [actually I think it was more a matter of I was outgrowing them than them being purposely short, and because I have long legs]. Ha ha ha, was he wrong!!)

Originally Posted by *winter*

How many girls will say they have no interest in making out with other girls, but do it because "guys love it?" How many really want to be wearing thongs, or watching porn with the BF, or competing in the "Best Rack" contest? Or are they doing these things because they think they "have" to be this other person in order to get and keep men's attention?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you have to make out with another girl to get a guy's attention...you are super duper uber lame and need to get a life. You should only be making out with a girl if you want to make out with a girl, regardless of who's watching. I personally would have no problem with the other two, because I don't mind porn in the least, and because, well, I finally have a rack.

I guess what I'm also trying to say is, don't underestimate women's exhibitionism. There are lots of girls who LOVE showing off and many don't want to admit it, and say "ooooh, I just did it to turn Jason on. I really don't like that sort of thing." My pledge sister said once that her favorite fantasy was to be a Playboy centerfold. I think a lot of women have that same fantasy...they just don't have the guts to admit it...and I loved that she did.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Look, I'm proud of my boobs, and while I think my ass could be slightly better than it is, I think it's pretty damn hot, especially in a cute pair of jeans. But I'm not going to show everything off to the world. I like the idea that when a guy talks to me, it's not because my chest is difficult to stop staring at, or because he thinks he can easily feel me up in the elevator.

Things that just crossed my mind?
1. Why does showing pride in your boobs have to automatically equal showing everything to the world? There's nothing in the middle (whether women choose to hit the middle or swing a wide left is another thing)? Would a man not try to get a peek at your boobs if you were wearing a blazer or turtleneck?

2. Why would he assume he can feel you up just because your shirt fits a certain way? When did a neckline become an invitation in this world?

I don't expect an answer to these questions nor am I trying to argue a point. These are just what pop into my mind when I read things like that. These are pretty common assumptions and this thread has gotten me wondering how on earth they got started.

Oh and 3: Phil, I totally stole your thread.

[southernbelle14]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Things that just crossed my mind?
1. Why does showing pride in your boobs have to automatically equal showing everything to the world? There's nothing in the middle (whether women choose to hit the middle or swing a wide left is another thing)? Would a man not try to get a peek at your boobs if you were wearing a blazer or turtleneck?

2. Why would he assume he can feel you up just because your shirt fits a certain way? When did a neckline become an invitation in this world?

I don't expect an answer to these questions nor am I trying to argue a point. These are just what pop into my mind when I read things like that. These are pretty common assumptions and this thread has gotten me wondering how on earth they got started.

Oh and 3: Phil, I totally stole your thread.

I agree with everything you've said on this topic.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Things that just crossed my mind?
1. Why does showing pride in your boobs have to automatically equal showing everything to the world? There's nothing in the middle (whether women choose to hit the middle or swing a wide left is another thing)? Would a man not try to get a peek at your boobs if you were wearing a blazer or turtleneck?

2. Why would he assume he can feel you up just because your shirt fits a certain way? When did a neckline become an invitation in this world?

I don't expect an answer to these questions nor am I trying to argue a point. These are just what pop into my mind when I read things like that. These are pretty common assumptions and this thread has gotten me wondering how on earth they got started.

Because men are men?

Here's a question back at you (again, it doesn't need to be answered), but let's take men out of the equation for a second... Let's say you're at a recruitment event, and a girl who's proud of her boobs and ass and only wants to show the world how proud she is, comes walking into your house in a low-cut shirt and a shorter-than-short skirt. What is your first impression of her?

The girl might not be asking for stares, ridicule, and a night alone when bids are being handed out, but she's opening herself up to it. Class, ladies.. learn it.

[southernbelle14]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Because men are men?

Here's a question back at you (again, it doesn't need to be answered), but let's take men out of the equation for a second... Let's say you're at a recruitment event, and a girl who's proud of her boobs and ass and only wants to show the world how proud she is, comes walking into your house in a low-cut shirt and a shorter-than-short skirt. What is your first impression of her?

The girl might not be asking for stares, ridicule, and a night alone when bids are being handed out, but she's opening herself up to it. Class, ladies.. learn it.

Isn't this thread about halloween costumes? Big difference between dressing "slutty" for halloween and for recruitment.

[christiangirl]

I was having a hard time figuring out what was wrong with the costume because I didn't realize they were costumes. I did briefly wonder why he was grabbing onto that pregnant woman's butt, though. I'm there now.

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Here's a question back at you (again, it doesn't need to be answered), but let's take men out of the equation for a second... Let's say you're at a recruitment event, and a girl who's proud of her boobs and ass and only wants to show the world how proud she is, comes walking into your house in a low-cut shirt and a shorter-than-short skirt. What is your first impression of her?

I had to think about that one for a long time...I think she would need the "there's a time for everything" speech. The outfit in my head would likely not get a second glance from me if I knew she were out on the town for ladies' night or coming from a party but recruitment? I wouldn't be formulating thoughts on her based on what she was wearing (that she's loose or whatever), but my first impression would be that she lacks good judgement if she's wearing that to recruitment (or a job interview or a formal) where the situation calls for modest dress no matter what message you might like to send. There was a girl (bless her heart) who used to dress like this at work--short shorts and tops that left nothing to the imagination. Looking back on that, I remember not being particularly bothered by her wearing it but rather why she was wearing it to work. The fact that she thought wearing those clothes into a professional environment was okay riled me up much more than the clothes themselves--particularly if I had to be uncomfortable in my stiff slacks and non-comfy shoes.