Quote:
Originally Posted by octothorp
The ethical lines between acceptable and non-acceptable are pretty obvious to anyone with a sense of empathy, IMO. Is it a context in which you can comfortably adopt an item of religious significance infront of members of that community and both you and they would feel comfortable with you doing so? (Such as, for example, when Sikhs sometimes have a booth set up on Canada Day where they show you how to tie and wear a turban and will discuss its significance in their culture and religion with you.)
Would this person in the parade do so if there were Sikhs who are prominent members of his community? Would he be comfortable doing this outside a Sikh temple in Calgary and interacting with Sikhs who see him there? Would Sikhs, after hearing his explanation for dressing up in this way, accept that explanation? If the answer to any of those questions are no, then it's not okay.
I'm not saying that it should be viewed as a hate crime or be made illegal to do so, but I am saying that being socially castigated for doing so is a valid and deserved outcome.
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Thanks, this is a great answer and I agree with your take on the situation. Seeing the imbecilic comments from the organizer makes me think that there was a mean-spirited racial undertone to this that is not acceptable.
Also, thanks for communicating your answer without resorting to personal insults. This is how a discussion forum should function!