I Am Not a Costume!

[Low C Sharp]

I need to find a Halloween party full of gay men.

This is generally the case if you want to have a good time, regardless of costume. Luckily, it's not hard to do.

[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.

[southernbelle14]

Originally Posted by 33girl

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.

I really agree with what you said here. There's this crazy idea that women can not want to look and feel sexy for themselves. Why can't we? If I had a great body, you're damn right I'd wear somewhat revealing clothing. Not all the time, just when it's appropriate. Women should be free to admit things like wanting to be a Playboy centerfold, or any sexy/sexual fantasy they may have without being judged as a slut or whore. It's the 21st century yet we are still very stifled in this sense.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by *winter*

Someone- an adult- wearing a tastefully sexy costume in an appropriate situation, that's one thing, but I just wonder if we've sexualized our culture so much that young girls feel they HAVE to wear these sorts of things, that it's not really a choice?

Perfectly possible, if not probable.

Originally Posted by 33girl

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.

Trueness
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. Lol!!!

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.

^^^^I wouldn't go that far but it used to be my secret ambition to be a Hooters girl. It's not anymore but they always looked like they had so much fun. I once asked a friend where I could find that type of self-confidence and without missing a beat, she said "Wal-Mart in the back aisle at $5.99"

[*winter*]

I think I'm just getting old

I've been doing a ton of research on the sex industry lately, seeing if/when I can do something to help young victims of trafficking...so my perspective is very skewed. Than and having picked up Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia at a Goodwill not too long ago!

If they are doing it for themselves, more power to them!

[amIblue?]

http://www.wapt.com/news/29766937/detail.html

Sorority members dress in Cosby Blackface.

The comments attached to the article are simply delightful.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

The comments attached to the article are simply delightful.

Yeah those were fun.

This story is nothing without photos. Where are the photos?

If I went to a 1980s TV party, and wanted to go as Family Ties, I would not wear whiteface. So, if I somehow thought my skin color posed a problem for my portrayal, I would dress up as one of the (relative few) Black 1980s TV show characters. This stuff isn't hard to figure out, Halloween partiers.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Yeah those were fun.

This story is nothing without photos. Where are the photos?

If I went to a 1980s TV party, and wanted to go as Family Ties, I would not wear whiteface. So, if I somehow thought my skin color posed a problem for my portrayal, I would dress up as one of the (relative few) Black 1980s TV show characters. This stuff isn't hard to figure out, Halloween partiers.

There were links to photos Facebook, but it appears they were taken down after the news story was posted.

[MisticLight]

Ok I know this is an old thread so I have a few questions I want to be clear about.
How is this offensive?

From what I see it just looks like a geisha costume is done with a cheap kimomno rather an authentic expensive one. :/ Halloween costumes are known for their cheap quality. I mean sure there are a few nice looking Halloween costumes. I do have a kimono that I wear for sleepwear that is a bit better quality than that one. Now if I was to wear that as a costume would I be mocking that culture in any way? Let's say I did my hair up in a simple bun without the wig. Would I still mocking the Japanese culture?
link
Also on the other hand if I was to go full out and purchase an authentic kimono made, do my hair up in the complex bun or better yet buy a spot on geisha wig, do the make up spot on, get the correct footwear, and practice the graceful walking. After doing all of that would it still be seen as mocking the culture when I try to be authentic as possible? Only thing is I'm not Japanese.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by MisticLight

Ok I know this is an old thread so I have a few questions I want to be clear about.
How is this offensive?

From what I see it just looks like a geisha costume is done with a cheap kimomno rather an authentic expensive one. :/ Halloween costumes are known for their cheap quality. I mean sure there are a few nice looking Halloween costumes. I do have a kimono that I wear for sleepwear that is a bit better quality than that one. Now if I was to wear that as a costume would I be mocking that culture in any way? Let's say I did my hair up in a simple bun without the wig. Would I still mocking the Japanese culture?
link
Also on the other hand if I was to go full out and purchase an authentic kimono made, do my hair up in the complex bun or better yet buy a spot on geisha wig, do the make up spot on, get the correct footwear, and practice the graceful walking. After doing all of that would it still be seen as mocking the culture when I try to be authentic as possible? Only thing is I'm not Japanese.

Did you read the thread?

[PiKA2001]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Did you read the thread?

I read the thread but I also fail to see how dressing up as a geisha could offend someone. How many people do you really think would dress up as one to do it out of mockery of asian culture? I'd think that women that would choose this costume would because of the ability to really go all out in terms of make-up and the fact that the geisha "look" was a costume in and of itself. I think that part of the campaign was just the product of political correctness gone over-board.

[MisticLight]

I did read the thread. I don't see how dressing up as a geisha is seen as negative. Also the article didn't make sense to me as why the opening addressed sexy costumes when that wasn't the topic at hand. Instead of asking if I read the thread, mind explaining why dressing up as a geisha is offensive?

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by PiKA2001

I did read the thread but I also fail to see how dressing up as a geisha could offend someone. How many people do you really think would dress up as one to do it out of mockery of asian culture? I'd think that women that would choose this costume would because of the ability to really go all out in terms of make-up and the fact that the geisha "look" was a costume in and of itself. I think that part of the campaign was just the product of political correctness gone over-board.

This has all been discussed in this thread. Agree or disagree, dressing up as any representation of another race, ethnicity, and culture of people can be considered a mockery just as easily as it can considered a homage. People who still choose to do so are doing so at their own "risk."

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by MisticLight

I did read the thread. I don't see how dressing up as a geisha is seen as negative. Instead of asking if I read the thread, mind explaining why dressing up as a geisha is offensive?

For the same reason the thread discussed it could possibly be offensive.

Not every person of Japanese ethnicity will consider it offensive or care either way. However, if you are not Japanese, it truly does not matter whether or not you understand or find it offensive.

Originally Posted by MisticLight

Also the article didn't make sense to me as why the opening addressed sexy costumes when that wasn't the topic at hand.

You mean, the article at the beginning of this thread that you claim to have read?

[MisticLight]

I love dressing up in costume when I go to conventions but at the same time I don't want to offend anyone. I love showing love for my favorite fictional characters but most of the time I look nothing like them in real life. (such as different skin color or opposite gender)