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burnin_vernon · 10-14-2013, 01:36 AM

I want to dress as Mr. T for Halloween. Full mohawk, denim sleeveless vest, and dark brown/black facepaint. I'm relatively new to the term "blackface" and only after doing some googling tonight did I realize this may be seen as extremely offensive.

People's opinions seem to vary wildly. Some say that this wouldn't even be considered blackface, while others suggest any costume with a painted blackface is as bad as the N word.

I am not a racist, before tonight I would never have even thought that such a costume might be considered offensive, and as a kid, I loved the crap out of Mr T, his skin color never being a consideration for myself or my friends as we fought over who got to be B.A. when we played A-Team.

While I think I would be dressing like this for all the right reasons, I wonder if this is a road better avoided.
My girlfriend thinks it ridiculous that I am even considering abandoning the costume.

Is this blackface?
Considering their ugly history, is this more of an issue in the USA than in Canada?
Should I say, "screw it, this is Halloween and I'm just here to have a good time?

10-14-2013, 01:36 AM	#1
burnin_vernon Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver Exp:	Blackface Halloween ? I want to dress as Mr. T for Halloween. Full mohawk, denim sleeveless vest, and dark brown/black facepaint. I'm relatively new to the term "blackface" and only after doing some googling tonight did I realize this may be seen as extremely offensive. People's opinions seem to vary wildly. Some say that this wouldn't even be considered blackface, while others suggest any costume with a painted blackface is as bad as the N word. I am not a racist, before tonight I would never have even thought that such a costume might be considered offensive, and as a kid, I loved the crap out of Mr T, his skin color never being a consideration for myself or my friends as we fought over who got to be B.A. when we played A-Team. While I think I would be dressing like this for all the right reasons, I wonder if this is a road better avoided. My girlfriend thinks it ridiculous that I am even considering abandoning the costume. Is this blackface? Considering their ugly history, is this more of an issue in the USA than in Canada? Should I say, "screw it, this is Halloween and I'm just here to have a good time?