ASK AMY: Costume party idea is rude and racist
Amy Dickinson, Special to Postmedia Network
Published:
November 7, 2019
Updated:
November 7, 2019 6:00 AM EST
(Getty Images file photo)
Dear Amy: We are planning for a costume party at my workplace.
We all decided to dress up as people from an iconic TV show. However, two of my co-workers, who are light skinned, are going over the top to change their skin tone to match the darker-toned cast members.
I personally do not feel comfortable with this and I think it is not only insulting, but very unprofessional.
I’m not sure how to get that across without being rude and my attempts at reconsideration have fallen on deaf ears — it is clearly innocent and meant as a joke in their minds.
I personally do not see it as a joke, and I don’t want to be involved in a group photo with two people doing something I don’t agree with. What can I do?
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— Insulted
Dear Insulted: Artificially changing the colour of your skin in order to use another person’s race as part of a costume is demeaning and racist — no matter who does it.
Iconic TV characters likely have many characteristics aside from the actor’s skin tone that your co-workers could use as part of their impersonation.
Given this rude, ill-considered, potentially career-ending behaviour on the part of your co-workers, why are you worried about being rude?
You should say, “I get that you think this is lighthearted and funny, but I’m not comfortable with it. I think this is racist, and not cool or funny at all.”
Do not, under any circumstances, appear in a photo with these “jokers.”