For many in the US, Halloween is a time to dress-up as a character from a movie, a politician, a witch, vampire, and
I once protested the costumes worn by kids at the PTA Harvest Festival . There had been a discussion because some kids were wearing those Freddy Krueger costumes which I thought was a bit over the top also. He was a child molester , a heinous serial killer , etc.
I of course was attacked on the freedom of speech issue by the more progressive crowd . But the next year they had a dress code .
How people are so willing to show hatred is a good question . What do you think is why?
Because of the stereotype of Mexican illegals, Latinos take anything about illegals somewhat personally. So I don't agree with use of any humor on this topic because, this article being a case in point, not everyone is laughing.
But you're right; illegal immigration is wrong.
When you have a bucket of water that's starting to slosh, do you try to correct the water's tilt by tilting the bucket? Set the bucket down and the water will settle.
We finally got over the hump with racism. Now we have racists still going at it, but the white ones are in hiding. They still have power, yes. But the water will settle, if we don't keep tilting the bucket.
The trolls I referred to above are the racist cores that want everyone to keep fighting. Some of them get money off of it, maybe some of them get entertainment.
But we need to adopt a second priority: If a statement seems racist but probably won't aggravate matters, leave it alone. We only need to mention the important ones, although I suppose that's a subjective category.
Finally, Jess, would you mind being specific about that hatred you see? Maybe the source would like to explain or apologize. Just screaming "Hatred!" only makes matters worse.
FWIW, the "space alien" is not supposed to (or at least does not obviously) correspond to any particular human skin color. Would it be better if it was green?
Now, the "illegal alien" is a humorous play on words, IMHO. Yes, it is true that immigrants are technically refered to as "aliens," and that many immigrants wish that it were otherwise. Let's hope that part changes. But to argue that the space alien costume somehow is pandering to xenophobic elements is unpersuasive.
There is a big difference between condoning illegal immigration, and welcoming legal immigrants who follow the rules.
Then again, I can see how it could offend someone who lives here illegally. While living here illegally is wrong, I just wouldn't want to risk offending someone at the cost of a joke and it in the interest of helping them in the long run.
I know some illegal families, so I would use discretion in wearing this in a community consisting of several illegal immigrants.
Plus I could get jumped. ;-P
I think people are missing the obvious humor of this costume. I think the whole correlation between people who are living here illegally and this alien costume ("costume" emphasized) are taking this way too seriously. They are making something out of it, that it really isn't.
And while I empathize with immigrants being a first US-born on my dad's side, one should not enter this country illegally. It does not mean that people feel "illegal aliens" are less human.
Again, I think people are taking this way too seriously.
Respectfully,
Aaron
I believe there are two contexts for these discussions. If a personal friend makes a statement that seems racist, address it; that's what friends are for. However, in the political arena I think we only have two priorities: making sure racism doesn't spread and allowing everyone's hurt feelings to heal.
"Alien" is a political status; it's also a science-fiction creature. If someone uses it without derogatory connotation I see no problem. However, see my agreement above that this usage is over the top.
"Illegal" and "immigrant" are milder terms that I have absolutely no problem with. I defy anyone to give me a good reason for these to be offensive. And no, the behavior of colonists isn't a good reason; I'm not that old.
The problem with attacking anything and everything that seems racist is that you don't know the speaker. Maybe they didn't intend the comment that way? Maybe they don't think a stranger has any right to make that judgment? It's kind of the same reason you don't shout at a guy that his fly's unzipped.
I see your point about sloshing water. And that would make sense, if people were molecules of water, only motivated by gravity. Although there is some sense to letting the small stuff slide in order to foster peace, I don't think that problems are solved by pretending they aren't there until they go away. Racism should be discussed whenever it arises. I would argue that this is a broader representation of xenophobia than racism, but the end result is the same: language used as a weapon of hatred. Anytime a word is chosen for its dehumanizing properties it demonstrates hatred. That's why we use those words. It's harder to hate another person, but once you start separating that person from you with words like alien, it's easier to hate, easier to attack, easier to hurt, easier to kill. Use of those terms only spreads their power. In this country we have seen many examples of people being killed because of a label, be that a racist, homophobic, gender-based, or religious label. It's only by putting aside labels and looking at each person as a human being that we can begin to put aside hatred. And you can't put aside the label without addressing it when it arises.
I agree that we shouldn't "attack anything and everything that seems racist to you," but I don't think that addressing that a product mass produced for public consumption carries a racist and hate-filled statement in such a benign forum as a blog post can fit the definition of attacking. (Perhaps what you refer to as an attack is my use of the word hatred, but I stand firm that the use of hate-filled language is a demonstration of hatred.)
As for "alien" not being a term that is necessarily derogatory, I can agree with that. But I can also agree that other labels aren't necessarily always hateful, but in some connotations can hardly help it. In this case, the label is used in conjunction with the costume to marginalize and mock and therefore, is hate-filled. I would also argue that any term can be offensive according to the time/place/attitude/culture. The term chick, while not necessarily offensive, can be used in a hate-filled manner by sexists. Does that mean that these words should be struck from the common vocabulary? No. But it does mean that we should use caution when we find ourselves reducing a person to a label.
I did not intend to say that we should attack racist statements however they be made. We should address racism and other forms of hatred with the same love that we hope to see them replaced with. But, we should address them. Through one on one encounters with friends (as you said) but also through blogs or letters to the editor or any way you can.
For my part, I am sorry if my post came off as an attack. I did not see it or mean it that way and I hope that I did not offend you or anyone else. I was offended by people defending the costume, but I did not mean that those commenters were showing hatred, but those who would produce, sell and purchase this costume.
"It implies that an immigrant to the US is not a human being who deserves human rights, but rather some space alien-monster that should strike fear in the heart of white America and so should be eliminated at any cost."
Actually, the "space alien" in the costume looks very much like the aliens in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", who in the Steven Spielberg film met up with some mostly white Americans at the foot of Devils Tower. As I recall aliens and mostly white Americans got along fairly well although they did play their music kind of loud.
LV
How about a blog topic of "Halloween Costumes Cash in on Pagan Stereotypes?" or "Trick or treating on Halloween teaches children to trick people if they don't get something for nothing?"
The "Trick or treat" expression sounds like an indirect threat.
The mask doesn't even resemble a human being in the 1st place.
FWIW, the "space alien" is not supposed to (or at least does not obviously) correspond to any particular human skin color. Would it be better if it was green?
Now, the "illegal alien" is a humorous play on words, IMHO. Yes, it is true that immigrants are technically refered to as "aliens," and that many immigrants wish that it were otherwise. Let's hope that part changes. But to argue that the space alien costume somehow is pandering to xenophobic elements is unpersuasive.
There is a big difference between condoning illegal immigration, and welcoming legal immigrants who follow the rules.
I believe there are two contexts for these discussions. If a personal friend makes a statement that seems racist, address it; that's what friends are for. However, in the political arena I think we only have two priorities: making sure racism doesn't spread and allowing everyone's hurt feelings to heal.
"Alien" is a political status; it's also a science-fiction creature. If someone uses it without derogatory connotation I see no problem. However, see my agreement above that this usage is over the top.
"Illegal" and "immigrant" are milder terms that I have absolutely no problem with. I defy anyone to give me a good reason for these to be offensive. And no, the behavior of colonists isn't a good reason; I'm not that old.
The problem with attacking anything and everything that seems racist is that you don't know the speaker. Maybe they didn't intend the comment that way? Maybe they don't think a stranger has any right to make that judgment? It's kind of the same reason you don't shout at a guy that his fly's unzipped.
Yes, that's an attack on the statement but I would join you if it's not frivolous. Businesses would be in the same context as personal friends because they (should) want to hear from you and fix any problems. I dunno whether I would support a lawsuit for something on the package, though. For not serving or not hiring, sure, but boycotting may be more appropriate if it's not a personal right that's infringed.
*surprise* Yeah, I did think you sounded indignant at one of us:
I thought I was sickened by the costume, then I read the comments defending it. How can people be so willing to show hatred.
It sounds like there's something even more offensive in the comments than in the costume. For the life of me, I couldn't guess at it.
So what were you getting at about the comments? Just that you read them?
I agree that we shouldn't "attack anything and everything that seems racist to you," but I don't think that addressing that a product mass produced for public consumption carries a racist and hate-filled statement in such a benign forum as a blog post can fit the definition of attacking. (Perhaps what you refer to as an attack is my use of the word hatred, but I stand firm that the use of hate-filled language is a demonstration of hatred.)
As for "alien" not being a term that is necessarily derogatory, I can agree with that. But I can also agree that other labels aren't necessarily always hateful, but in some connotations can hardly help it. In this case, the label is used in conjunction with the costume to marginalize and mock and therefore, is hate-filled. I would also argue that any term can be offensive according to the time/place/attitude/culture. The term chick, while not necessarily offensive, can be used in a hate-filled manner by sexists. Does that mean that these words should be struck from the common vocabulary? No. But it does mean that we should use caution when we find ourselves reducing a person to a label.
I did not intend to say that we should attack racist statements however they be made. We should address racism and other forms of hatred with the same love that we hope to see them replaced with. But, we should address them. Through one on one encounters with friends (as you said) but also through blogs or letters to the editor or any way you can.
For my part, I am sorry if my post came off as an attack. I did not see it or mean it that way and I hope that I did not offend you or anyone else. I was offended by people defending the costume, but I did not mean that those commenters were showing hatred, but those who would produce, sell and purchase this costume.
"It implies that an immigrant to the US is not a human being who deserves human rights, but rather some space alien-monster that should strike fear in the heart of white America and so should be eliminated at any cost."
Actually, the "space alien" in the costume looks very much like the aliens in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", who in the Steven Spielberg film met up with some mostly white Americans at the foot of Devils Tower. As I recall aliens and mostly white Americans got along fairly well although they did play their music kind of loud.
LV
How about a blog topic of "Halloween Costumes Cash in on Pagan Stereotypes?" or "Trick or treating on Halloween teaches children to trick people if they don't get something for nothing?"
The "Trick or treat" expression sounds like an indirect threat.
The mask doesn't even resemble a human being in the 1st place.
Actually that's not true. Christians are way too quick to give credit for things to the pagans. To be sure, All Saints Day was set by the Church on Nov. 1 to counter a pagan holiday. But the origin of dressing up in grotesque costumes on "All Hallows Eve" was to make fun of the Devil, whose power had been vanquished by Christ. The same mentality led medieval Christians to carve equally grotesque gargoyles on their buildings.
Am I the only one who noticed that an "illegal" alien would be one who does NOT have a green card? I could almost see this costume as funny except for this very obvious attempt to mock anybody who isn't a citizen, and to imply that there is something inherently wrong about having a green card.
I think that it would be better for us to avoid both "illegal immigrant" and "illegal alien" and adopt the "person first" language now preferred by people with disabilities (who used to be called "the handicapped" or "the disabled.") They are people who entered illegally or people who immigrated--and often did it legally, too.
One of the isidious effects of the current immigration debate is that now we tend to assume that all "aliens" are illegal unless we catch ourselves.
You know, maybe I am being thick-headed, but I saw this costume as poking fun at the concept of illegal alien, not at actual illegal aliens. Maybe it is the community I live in (in the Bronx where at least 75% of residents are immigrants - documented or otherwise), but when I see this costume I see a joke at the people who think the hard-working people I live around are actually criminal. The disconnect between immigrants and violent criminals is so big; we don't send people to jail for being here illegally, for instance, and so I honestly thought this costume was making fun of that.
I also thought the alien mask was poking fun of the conception a lot of people have of aliens. Like, we think they look so different, but I for one can usually hardly tell the difference between aliens and non-aliens; unless you think all hispanic individuals or whatever are aliens. (Some have been here for generations, legally.
I am sure if I were to wear a costume in my neighborhood I'd get that reaction. I kind of think the way people would read it would depend a lot on the people viewing it.
Yes, that's an attack on the statement but I would join you if it's not frivolous. Businesses would be in the same context as personal friends because they (should) want to hear from you and fix any problems. I dunno whether I would support a lawsuit for something on the package, though. For not serving or not hiring, sure, but boycotting may be more appropriate if it's not a personal right that's infringed.
*surprise* Yeah, I did think you sounded indignant at one of us:
I thought I was sickened by the costume, then I read the comments defending it. How can people be so willing to show hatred.
It sounds like there's something even more offensive in the comments than in the costume. For the life of me, I couldn't guess at it.
So what were you getting at about the comments? Just that you read them?
when I was a kid growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community, they'd conflate Halloween and All Saint's Day. Halloween was evil, of course, so we'd celebrate All Saints Day by having to dress up like Bible characters. Brian Hanson and I borrowed our sisters' red leotards and went as the devil. Despite our protestations that the devil shows up rather early in the Biblical narrative, they kicked us out and sent us home. Darn fundies!
Actually that's not true. Christians are way too quick to give credit for things to the pagans. To be sure, All Saints Day was set by the Church on Nov. 1 to counter a pagan holiday. But the origin of dressing up in grotesque costumes on "All Hallows Eve" was to make fun of the Devil, whose power had been vanquished by Christ. The same mentality led medieval Christians to carve equally grotesque gargoyles on their buildings.
Am I the only one who noticed that an "illegal" alien would be one who does NOT have a green card? I could almost see this costume as funny except for this very obvious attempt to mock anybody who isn't a citizen, and to imply that there is something inherently wrong about having a green card.
I think that it would be better for us to avoid both "illegal immigrant" and "illegal alien" and adopt the "person first" language now preferred by people with disabilities (who used to be called "the handicapped" or "the disabled.") They are people who entered illegally or people who immigrated--and often did it legally, too.
One of the isidious effects of the current immigration debate is that now we tend to assume that all "aliens" are illegal unless we catch ourselves.
You know, maybe I am being thick-headed, but I saw this costume as poking fun at the concept of illegal alien, not at actual illegal aliens. Maybe it is the community I live in (in the Bronx where at least 75% of residents are immigrants - documented or otherwise), but when I see this costume I see a joke at the people who think the hard-working people I live around are actually criminal. The disconnect between immigrants and violent criminals is so big; we don't send people to jail for being here illegally, for instance, and so I honestly thought this costume was making fun of that.
I also thought the alien mask was poking fun of the conception a lot of people have of aliens. Like, we think they look so different, but I for one can usually hardly tell the difference between aliens and non-aliens; unless you think all hispanic individuals or whatever are aliens. (Some have been here for generations, legally.
I am sure if I were to wear a costume in my neighborhood I'd get that reaction. I kind of think the way people would read it would depend a lot on the people viewing it.
The term that the Federal immigration authorities use is "undocumented immigrant." I much prefer that term and I normally use it, despite the fact that the media (specifically the Associated Press style guide) requires "illegal immigrant" and that I often get accusations of being "politically correct" (usually dispelled when I point out that it's the term the immirgation enforcement authorities use). To me, it's both more accurate and more descriptive than "illegal immigrant."
I especially dislike the use of "illegal" as a noun. People may engage in illegal acts, but pepole themselves are not illegal.
when I was a kid growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community, they'd conflate Halloween and All Saint's Day. Halloween was evil, of course, so we'd celebrate All Saints Day by having to dress up like Bible characters. Brian Hanson and I borrowed our sisters' red leotards and went as the devil. Despite our protestations that the devil shows up rather early in the Biblical narrative, they kicked us out and sent us home. Darn fundies!
I moved to the US from Mexico when I was 15 yrs. old. And truly this is not offensive as it is depicting Priests and Nuns as Halloween characters, which BTW, has been popular for decades with out much banning from Target or any other of their distributors!.. ...one more comment, there is nothing offensive about the costume at all! In fact it is kind of fun, maybe I'll get it for myself this Halloween!..
The term that the Federal immigration authorities use is "undocumented immigrant." I much prefer that term and I normally use it, despite the fact that the media (specifically the Associated Press style guide) requires "illegal immigrant" and that I often get accusations of being "politically correct" (usually dispelled when I point out that it's the term the immirgation enforcement authorities use). To me, it's both more accurate and more descriptive than "illegal immigrant."
I especially dislike the use of "illegal" as a noun. People may engage in illegal acts, but pepole themselves are not illegal.
Because of the stereotype of Mexican illegals, Latinos take anything about illegals somewhat personally. So I don't agree with use of any humor on this topic because, this article being a case in point, not everyone is laughing.
But you're right; illegal immigration is wrong.
Then again, I can see how it could offend someone who lives here illegally. While living here illegally is wrong, I just wouldn't want to risk offending someone at the cost of a joke and it in the interest of helping them in the long run.
I know some illegal families, so I would use discretion in wearing this in a community consisting of several illegal immigrants.
Plus I could get jumped. ;-P
I think people are missing the obvious humor of this costume. I think the whole correlation between people who are living here illegally and this alien costume ("costume" emphasized) are taking this way too seriously. They are making something out of it, that it really isn't.
And while I empathize with immigrants being a first US-born on my dad's side, one should not enter this country illegally. It does not mean that people feel "illegal aliens" are less human.
Again, I think people are taking this way too seriously.
Respectfully,
Aaron
Illegal alien is not a particular race. There are white illegal aliens, black illegal aliens, Latino illegal aliens, and Asian illegal aliens. Also, there are white Americans, black Americans, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans. So, if an American is opposed to illegal immigration, who is expressing their racism against who?
I've known pregnant women to do it because they think it's a great joke.
For non-pregnant people, it's probably just a recognizable outfit. Others really hated their teachers in Catholic schools. Do I think any of them do it to honor those they dress up as? Of course not.
I moved to the US from Mexico when I was 15 yrs. old. And truly this is not offensive as it is depicting Priests and Nuns as Halloween characters, which BTW, has been popular for decades with out much banning from Target or any other of their distributors!.. ...one more comment, there is nothing offensive about the costume at all! In fact it is kind of fun, maybe I'll get it for myself this Halloween!..
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I once protested the costumes worn by kids at the PTA Harvest Festival . There had been a discussion because some kids were wearing those Freddy Krueger costumes which I thought was a bit over the top also. He was a child molester , a heinous serial killer , etc.
I of course was attacked on the freedom of speech issue by the more progressive crowd . But the next year they had a dress code .
How people are so willing to show hatred is a good question . What do you think is why?
I once protested the costumes worn by kids at the PTA Harvest Festival . There had been a discussion because some kids were wearing those Freddy Krueger costumes which I thought was a bit over the top also. He was a child molester , a heinous serial killer , etc.
I of course was attacked on the freedom of speech issue by the more progressive crowd . But the next year they had a dress code .
How people are so willing to show hatred is a good question . What do you think is why?
When you have a bucket of water that's starting to slosh, do you try to correct the water's tilt by tilting the bucket? Set the bucket down and the water will settle.
We finally got over the hump with racism. Now we have racists still going at it, but the white ones are in hiding. They still have power, yes. But the water will settle, if we don't keep tilting the bucket.
The trolls I referred to above are the racist cores that want everyone to keep fighting. Some of them get money off of it, maybe some of them get entertainment.
But we need to adopt a second priority: If a statement seems racist but probably won't aggravate matters, leave it alone. We only need to mention the important ones, although I suppose that's a subjective category.
Finally, Jess, would you mind being specific about that hatred you see? Maybe the source would like to explain or apologize. Just screaming "Hatred!" only makes matters worse.
When you have a bucket of water that's starting to slosh, do you try to correct the water's tilt by tilting the bucket? Set the bucket down and the water will settle.
We finally got over the hump with racism. Now we have racists still going at it, but the white ones are in hiding. They still have power, yes. But the water will settle, if we don't keep tilting the bucket.
The trolls I referred to above are the racist cores that want everyone to keep fighting. Some of them get money off of it, maybe some of them get entertainment.
But we need to adopt a second priority: If a statement seems racist but probably won't aggravate matters, leave it alone. We only need to mention the important ones, although I suppose that's a subjective category.
Finally, Jess, would you mind being specific about that hatred you see? Maybe the source would like to explain or apologize. Just screaming "Hatred!" only makes matters worse.
I see your point about sloshing water. And that would make sense, if people were molecules of water, only motivated by gravity. Although there is some sense to letting the small stuff slide in order to foster peace, I don't think that problems are solved by pretending they aren't there until they go away. Racism should be discussed whenever it arises. I would argue that this is a broader representation of xenophobia than racism, but the end result is the same: language used as a weapon of hatred. Anytime a word is chosen for its dehumanizing properties it demonstrates hatred. That's why we use those words. It's harder to hate another person, but once you start separating that person from you with words like alien, it's easier to hate, easier to attack, easier to hurt, easier to kill. Use of those terms only spreads their power. In this country we have seen many examples of people being killed because of a label, be that a racist, homophobic, gender-based, or religious label. It's only by putting aside labels and looking at each person as a human being that we can begin to put aside hatred. And you can't put aside the label without addressing it when it arises.
I see your point about sloshing water. And that would make sense, if people were molecules of water, only motivated by gravity. Although there is some sense to letting the small stuff slide in order to foster peace, I don't think that problems are solved by pretending they aren't there until they go away. Racism should be discussed whenever it arises. I would argue that this is a broader representation of xenophobia than racism, but the end result is the same: language used as a weapon of hatred. Anytime a word is chosen for its dehumanizing properties it demonstrates hatred. That's why we use those words. It's harder to hate another person, but once you start separating that person from you with words like alien, it's easier to hate, easier to attack, easier to hurt, easier to kill. Use of those terms only spreads their power. In this country we have seen many examples of people being killed because of a label, be that a racist, homophobic, gender-based, or religious label. It's only by putting aside labels and looking at each person as a human being that we can begin to put aside hatred. And you can't put aside the label without addressing it when it arises.
FWIW, the "space alien" is not supposed to (or at least does not obviously) correspond to any particular human skin color. Would it be better if it was green?
Now, the "illegal alien" is a humorous play on words, IMHO. Yes, it is true that immigrants are technically refered to as "aliens," and that many immigrants wish that it were otherwise. Let's hope that part changes. But to argue that the space alien costume somehow is pandering to xenophobic elements is unpersuasive.
There is a big difference between condoning illegal immigration, and welcoming legal immigrants who follow the rules.
FWIW, the "space alien" is not supposed to (or at least does not obviously) correspond to any particular human skin color. Would it be better if it was green?
Now, the "illegal alien" is a humorous play on words, IMHO. Yes, it is true that immigrants are technically refered to as "aliens," and that many immigrants wish that it were otherwise. Let's hope that part changes. But to argue that the space alien costume somehow is pandering to xenophobic elements is unpersuasive.
There is a big difference between condoning illegal immigration, and welcoming legal immigrants who follow the rules.
I believe there are two contexts for these discussions. If a personal friend makes a statement that seems racist, address it; that's what friends are for. However, in the political arena I think we only have two priorities: making sure racism doesn't spread and allowing everyone's hurt feelings to heal.
"Alien" is a political status; it's also a science-fiction creature. If someone uses it without derogatory connotation I see no problem. However, see my agreement above that this usage is over the top.
"Illegal" and "immigrant" are milder terms that I have absolutely no problem with. I defy anyone to give me a good reason for these to be offensive. And no, the behavior of colonists isn't a good reason; I'm not that old.
The problem with attacking anything and everything that seems racist is that you don't know the speaker. Maybe they didn't intend the comment that way? Maybe they don't think a stranger has any right to make that judgment? It's kind of the same reason you don't shout at a guy that his fly's unzipped.
I believe there are two contexts for these discussions. If a personal friend makes a statement that seems racist, address it; that's what friends are for. However, in the political arena I think we only have two priorities: making sure racism doesn't spread and allowing everyone's hurt feelings to heal.
"Alien" is a political status; it's also a science-fiction creature. If someone uses it without derogatory connotation I see no problem. However, see my agreement above that this usage is over the top.
"Illegal" and "immigrant" are milder terms that I have absolutely no problem with. I defy anyone to give me a good reason for these to be offensive. And no, the behavior of colonists isn't a good reason; I'm not that old.
The problem with attacking anything and everything that seems racist is that you don't know the speaker. Maybe they didn't intend the comment that way? Maybe they don't think a stranger has any right to make that judgment? It's kind of the same reason you don't shout at a guy that his fly's unzipped.
I agree that we shouldn't "attack anything and everything that seems racist to you," but I don't think that addressing that a product mass produced for public consumption carries a racist and hate-filled statement in such a benign forum as a blog post can fit the definition of attacking. (Perhaps what you refer to as an attack is my use of the word hatred, but I stand firm that the use of hate-filled language is a demonstration of hatred.)
As for "alien" not being a term that is necessarily derogatory, I can agree with that. But I can also agree that other labels aren't necessarily always hateful, but in some connotations can hardly help it. In this case, the label is used in conjunction with the costume to marginalize and mock and therefore, is hate-filled. I would also argue that any term can be offensive according to the time/place/attitude/culture. The term chick, while not necessarily offensive, can be used in a hate-filled manner by sexists. Does that mean that these words should be struck from the common vocabulary? No. But it does mean that we should use caution when we find ourselves reducing a person to a label.
I did not intend to say that we should attack racist statements however they be made. We should address racism and other forms of hatred with the same love that we hope to see them replaced with. But, we should address them. Through one on one encounters with friends (as you said) but also through blogs or letters to the editor or any way you can.
For my part, I am sorry if my post came off as an attack. I did not see it or mean it that way and I hope that I did not offend you or anyone else. I was offended by people defending the costume, but I did not mean that those commenters were showing hatred, but those who would produce, sell and purchase this costume.
I agree that we shouldn't "attack anything and everything that seems racist to you," but I don't think that addressing that a product mass produced for public consumption carries a racist and hate-filled statement in such a benign forum as a blog post can fit the definition of attacking. (Perhaps what you refer to as an attack is my use of the word hatred, but I stand firm that the use of hate-filled language is a demonstration of hatred.)
As for "alien" not being a term that is necessarily derogatory, I can agree with that. But I can also agree that other labels aren't necessarily always hateful, but in some connotations can hardly help it. In this case, the label is used in conjunction with the costume to marginalize and mock and therefore, is hate-filled. I would also argue that any term can be offensive according to the time/place/attitude/culture. The term chick, while not necessarily offensive, can be used in a hate-filled manner by sexists. Does that mean that these words should be struck from the common vocabulary? No. But it does mean that we should use caution when we find ourselves reducing a person to a label.
I did not intend to say that we should attack racist statements however they be made. We should address racism and other forms of hatred with the same love that we hope to see them replaced with. But, we should address them. Through one on one encounters with friends (as you said) but also through blogs or letters to the editor or any way you can.
For my part, I am sorry if my post came off as an attack. I did not see it or mean it that way and I hope that I did not offend you or anyone else. I was offended by people defending the costume, but I did not mean that those commenters were showing hatred, but those who would produce, sell and purchase this costume.
"It implies that an immigrant to the US is not a human being who deserves human rights, but rather some space alien-monster that should strike fear in the heart of white America and so should be eliminated at any cost."
Actually, the "space alien" in the costume looks very much like the aliens in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", who in the Steven Spielberg film met up with some mostly white Americans at the foot of Devils Tower. As I recall aliens and mostly white Americans got along fairly well although they did play their music kind of loud.
LV
"It implies that an immigrant to the US is not a human being who deserves human rights, but rather some space alien-monster that should strike fear in the heart of white America and so should be eliminated at any cost."
Actually, the "space alien" in the costume looks very much like the aliens in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", who in the Steven Spielberg film met up with some mostly white Americans at the foot of Devils Tower. As I recall aliens and mostly white Americans got along fairly well although they did play their music kind of loud.
LV
How about a blog topic of "Halloween Costumes Cash in on Pagan Stereotypes?" or "Trick or treating on Halloween teaches children to trick people if they don't get something for nothing?"
The "Trick or treat" expression sounds like an indirect threat.
The mask doesn't even resemble a human being in the 1st place.
How about a blog topic of "Halloween Costumes Cash in on Pagan Stereotypes?" or "Trick or treating on Halloween teaches children to trick people if they don't get something for nothing?"
The "Trick or treat" expression sounds like an indirect threat.
The mask doesn't even resemble a human being in the 1st place.
Yes, that's an attack on the statement but I would join you if it's not frivolous. Businesses would be in the same context as personal friends because they (should) want to hear from you and fix any problems. I dunno whether I would support a lawsuit for something on the package, though. For not serving or not hiring, sure, but boycotting may be more appropriate if it's not a personal right that's infringed.
*surprise* Yeah, I did think you sounded indignant at one of us:
I thought I was sickened by the costume, then I read the comments defending it. How can people be so willing to show hatred.
It sounds like there's something even more offensive in the comments than in the costume. For the life of me, I couldn't guess at it.
So what were you getting at about the comments? Just that you read them?
Yes, that's an attack on the statement but I would join you if it's not frivolous. Businesses would be in the same context as personal friends because they (should) want to hear from you and fix any problems. I dunno whether I would support a lawsuit for something on the package, though. For not serving or not hiring, sure, but boycotting may be more appropriate if it's not a personal right that's infringed.
*surprise* Yeah, I did think you sounded indignant at one of us:
I thought I was sickened by the costume, then I read the comments defending it. How can people be so willing to show hatred.
It sounds like there's something even more offensive in the comments than in the costume. For the life of me, I couldn't guess at it.
So what were you getting at about the comments? Just that you read them?
Actually that's not true. Christians are way too quick to give credit for things to the pagans. To be sure, All Saints Day was set by the Church on Nov. 1 to counter a pagan holiday. But the origin of dressing up in grotesque costumes on "All Hallows Eve" was to make fun of the Devil, whose power had been vanquished by Christ. The same mentality led medieval Christians to carve equally grotesque gargoyles on their buildings.
Actually that's not true. Christians are way too quick to give credit for things to the pagans. To be sure, All Saints Day was set by the Church on Nov. 1 to counter a pagan holiday. But the origin of dressing up in grotesque costumes on "All Hallows Eve" was to make fun of the Devil, whose power had been vanquished by Christ. The same mentality led medieval Christians to carve equally grotesque gargoyles on their buildings.
Am I the only one who noticed that an "illegal" alien would be one who does NOT have a green card? I could almost see this costume as funny except for this very obvious attempt to mock anybody who isn't a citizen, and to imply that there is something inherently wrong about having a green card.
I think that it would be better for us to avoid both "illegal immigrant" and "illegal alien" and adopt the "person first" language now preferred by people with disabilities (who used to be called "the handicapped" or "the disabled.") They are people who entered illegally or people who immigrated--and often did it legally, too.
One of the isidious effects of the current immigration debate is that now we tend to assume that all "aliens" are illegal unless we catch ourselves.
Am I the only one who noticed that an "illegal" alien would be one who does NOT have a green card? I could almost see this costume as funny except for this very obvious attempt to mock anybody who isn't a citizen, and to imply that there is something inherently wrong about having a green card.
I think that it would be better for us to avoid both "illegal immigrant" and "illegal alien" and adopt the "person first" language now preferred by people with disabilities (who used to be called "the handicapped" or "the disabled.") They are people who entered illegally or people who immigrated--and often did it legally, too.
One of the isidious effects of the current immigration debate is that now we tend to assume that all "aliens" are illegal unless we catch ourselves.
You know, maybe I am being thick-headed, but I saw this costume as poking fun at the concept of illegal alien, not at actual illegal aliens. Maybe it is the community I live in (in the Bronx where at least 75% of residents are immigrants - documented or otherwise), but when I see this costume I see a joke at the people who think the hard-working people I live around are actually criminal. The disconnect between immigrants and violent criminals is so big; we don't send people to jail for being here illegally, for instance, and so I honestly thought this costume was making fun of that.
I also thought the alien mask was poking fun of the conception a lot of people have of aliens. Like, we think they look so different, but I for one can usually hardly tell the difference between aliens and non-aliens; unless you think all hispanic individuals or whatever are aliens. (Some have been here for generations, legally.
I am sure if I were to wear a costume in my neighborhood I'd get that reaction. I kind of think the way people would read it would depend a lot on the people viewing it.
You know, maybe I am being thick-headed, but I saw this costume as poking fun at the concept of illegal alien, not at actual illegal aliens. Maybe it is the community I live in (in the Bronx where at least 75% of residents are immigrants - documented or otherwise), but when I see this costume I see a joke at the people who think the hard-working people I live around are actually criminal. The disconnect between immigrants and violent criminals is so big; we don't send people to jail for being here illegally, for instance, and so I honestly thought this costume was making fun of that.
I also thought the alien mask was poking fun of the conception a lot of people have of aliens. Like, we think they look so different, but I for one can usually hardly tell the difference between aliens and non-aliens; unless you think all hispanic individuals or whatever are aliens. (Some have been here for generations, legally.
I am sure if I were to wear a costume in my neighborhood I'd get that reaction. I kind of think the way people would read it would depend a lot on the people viewing it.
when I was a kid growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community, they'd conflate Halloween and All Saint's Day. Halloween was evil, of course, so we'd celebrate All Saints Day by having to dress up like Bible characters. Brian Hanson and I borrowed our sisters' red leotards and went as the devil. Despite our protestations that the devil shows up rather early in the Biblical narrative, they kicked us out and sent us home. Darn fundies!
when I was a kid growing up in a fundamentalist Christian community, they'd conflate Halloween and All Saint's Day. Halloween was evil, of course, so we'd celebrate All Saints Day by having to dress up like Bible characters. Brian Hanson and I borrowed our sisters' red leotards and went as the devil. Despite our protestations that the devil shows up rather early in the Biblical narrative, they kicked us out and sent us home. Darn fundies!
The term that the Federal immigration authorities use is "undocumented immigrant." I much prefer that term and I normally use it, despite the fact that the media (specifically the Associated Press style guide) requires "illegal immigrant" and that I often get accusations of being "politically correct" (usually dispelled when I point out that it's the term the immirgation enforcement authorities use). To me, it's both more accurate and more descriptive than "illegal immigrant."
I especially dislike the use of "illegal" as a noun. People may engage in illegal acts, but pepole themselves are not illegal.
The term that the Federal immigration authorities use is "undocumented immigrant." I much prefer that term and I normally use it, despite the fact that the media (specifically the Associated Press style guide) requires "illegal immigrant" and that I often get accusations of being "politically correct" (usually dispelled when I point out that it's the term the immirgation enforcement authorities use). To me, it's both more accurate and more descriptive than "illegal immigrant."
I especially dislike the use of "illegal" as a noun. People may engage in illegal acts, but pepole themselves are not illegal.
I moved to the US from Mexico when I was 15 yrs. old. And truly this is not offensive as it is depicting Priests and Nuns as Halloween characters, which BTW, has been popular for decades with out much banning from Target or any other of their distributors!.. ...one more comment, there is nothing offensive about the costume at all! In fact it is kind of fun, maybe I'll get it for myself this Halloween!..
I moved to the US from Mexico when I was 15 yrs. old. And truly this is not offensive as it is depicting Priests and Nuns as Halloween characters, which BTW, has been popular for decades with out much banning from Target or any other of their distributors!.. ...one more comment, there is nothing offensive about the costume at all! In fact it is kind of fun, maybe I'll get it for myself this Halloween!..
We get a lot of that kind of criticism against things that seem frivolous to us. See below; Ngchen gave an explanation for this case and I think Titans1 would agree with it.
I don't agree with the "joke" justification because the costume represents laughing "at" rather than "with." The optional handlebar mustache kind of gives that away.
But why don't Wiccans find green witch costumes offensive? Is it just because this is an emotionally charged topic? Coming at it from this angle, the alien costume violates my rule abound letting wounds heal. But I still wonder whether either costume is somehow more inherently offensive than the other.
We get a lot of that kind of criticism against things that seem frivolous to us. See below; Ngchen gave an explanation for this case and I think Titans1 would agree with it.
I don't agree with the "joke" justification because the costume represents laughing "at" rather than "with." The optional handlebar mustache kind of gives that away.
But why don't Wiccans find green witch costumes offensive? Is it just because this is an emotionally charged topic? Coming at it from this angle, the alien costume violates my rule abound letting wounds heal. But I still wonder whether either costume is somehow more inherently offensive than the other.
