Is it racist?

**Tdre977** · 10-04-2011, 11:36 PM

So, with Halloween fast approaching I've been trying to figure out a costume for a party. I've been growing in my hair and a pretty robust beard. A guy at work tells me I look like General Hood, a Confederate General. Inspiration hits me for a costume, but wifey tells me I shouldn't because it's racist and I'll get punched in the face.

What does everyone think?

**craig** · 10-05-2011, 01:17 AM

You live with your wife ...

**WinstonSpencer** · 10-05-2011, 06:15 AM

Don't use words like "black" and "slavery" and you are good to go IMO. I like costumes that not everyone could pull off. Now, dressing in white sheets with a nice pointed hat...different story.

**Paddy** · 10-05-2011, 06:35 AM

As long as you don't rub Kiwi on your face, I think your good to go.

**Eville** · 10-05-2011, 06:51 AM

I'd say you're good. Will anyone even realize who you are?

ETA:

**uhfishyuhnahdoh** · 10-05-2011, 08:02 AM

I think you'll be fine... (P.S. - Great costume idea!)

**Mizicke5273** · 10-05-2011, 08:27 AM

Bullshit, it is a part of our history! I don't see how it could be considered racist....I mean slavery wasn't the only reason the Confederacy succeeded from the Union. It was more so that they didn't want to be governed by people that didn't care about the South's interest. If the first and only thing that comes to mind about the Confederacy, is slavery, then there is something wrong.

**badwhale** · 10-05-2011, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Eville

<snip>Will anyone even realize who you are?<snip>

This.

**Tdre977** · 10-05-2011, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Eville

I'd say you're good. Will anyone even realize who you are?

That's exactly what I thought.

**Tdre977** · 10-05-2011, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mizicke5273

Bullshit, it is a part of our history! I don't see how it could be considered racist....I mean slavery wasn't the only reason the Confederacy succeeded from the Union. It was more so that they didn't want to be governed by people that didn't care about the South's interest. If the first and only thing that comes to mind about the Confederacy, is slavery, then there is something wrong.

Exactly how I feel as well. I personally love reading about history, particularly American Military history. But these days most peoples knowledge of historical events is limited to whatever crappy high school course they were told, and probably didn't want to hear anyway.

**ggiese** · 10-05-2011, 09:30 AM

To be racist depends on what you carry in your heart, not what you wear on your body.

...though I would not suggest wearing the outfit to a hip-hop concert for fear you might become the party Pinata.

**ggiese** · 10-05-2011, 09:40 AM

Do it up right, though - don't skimp. I wanna see you looking like this:

Click image for larger version.

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If you can pull that look off, you oughta consider doing the Civil War reenactment thing. Some local groups do it here in Illinois and I think it could be interesting, educational and good clean fun.

**Mizicke5273** · 10-05-2011, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Tdre977

Exactly how I feel as well. I personally love reading about history, particularly American Military history. But these days most peoples knowledge of historical events is limited to whatever crappy high school course they were told, and probably didn't want to hear anyway.

My dad is a big Civil War buff, been to almost all the battlefields on the east coast here, some great family vacations! We used to go to Gettysburg every year in the fall. I loved it out there, I think it is one place every American should visit at least once in their life.

**JiveTurkey** · 10-05-2011, 12:35 PM

Keep in mind that it doesn't have to meet the academic definition of racist to still get punched in the face.

**Devil Doc** · 10-05-2011, 02:22 PM

No, I don't think it is. Dressing up in black face and cake-waking down the street while trick or treating, however would be.

Doc.

**cigarsarge** · 10-05-2011, 03:30 PM

Being from the south I am proud of my heritage. Southern history is a rich one with good people as well as ignorant evil people. My ancestors never owned slaves. In fact they were poor farmers that struggled to make a living. My grandfather was the first of my family to make it. He bought and sold mules. I am proud of that south.

I personally would not wear it...But the costume itself is not racist. Enjoy wearing it. It did not happen without pics.

**Paddy** · 10-05-2011, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Devil Doc

No, I don't think it is. Dressing up in black face and cake-waking down the street while trick or treating, however would be.

Doc.

I'd pay good money to see that !

**b.read** · 10-05-2011, 09:04 PM

I agree with Sarge...I personally wouldn't wear it either. Not because it's racist, which it's not- I would just get tired of answering "who are you supposed to be?" all night.