Would you consider 'blacking up' as Mr T from the A Team for a stag night costume racist/offensive?

Question

Would you consider 'blacking up' as Mr T from the A Team for a stag night costume racist/offensive?

Answer 1

some PC types might be offended but who cares its not racist... thats what he looks like

4 white guys in the A-team... thats just dumb

Answer 2

Not at all. Would you consider it racist if a black guy whitened up to play a white character?The guy is coloured so how else can you portray him.

Answer 3

Like any other form of fancy dress, whether or not it is offensive obviously depends on two things: the intention with which it is done, and the reaction of any observer.

I can (if I wish) disguise myself as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Henry VIII or Horatio Nelson without much risk of upsetting anyone. If, with similarly innocent intentions, I disguise myself as Barack Obama or Louis Armstrong there is a risk that some thin-skinned person might be upset.

They would, of course, be childishly in the wrong either to take or offence or to make a public issue of it. However it is only courteous to take note of and defer to the sensitivities of others. Like the rest of us, I have my own childish illogicalities and am grateful when my own feelings are spared.

It is right to extend to others the same kindness we are happy to enjoy ourselves. So, I wouldn't risk blacking up, however innocent my motives.

Answer 4

do it - i've seen it done before - its funny people dig it

:)

Answer 5

Well yes. You might get in trouble if black people who were also out were to take offense.

Answer 6

I wouldn't , but then again.....

I was never offended by Gollywogs on marmalade jars

and I still write on a BLACKboard.

PC stands for....Pickie C*nts

Answer 7

Dressing up as anybody is now deemed offensive.

Answer 8

Yeah I would. How is it racist though? It is Mousist to dress as Mickey Mouse, or Doggist to dress as Pluto? Would it be considered Gingerist to dress as Mick Hucknall?

Go for it maan!

Answer 9

No I wouldn't...but there are black racists that probably would make a big deal out of it...

Answer 10

As far as your average 'Joe' is concerned knock yourself out, why shouldn't you its only a bit of fun, but with society as it is with your apparent minorities (more like majorities now) that find it offencive when its only a bit of fun and that's the way it is intended?!

Seriously i mean we can't even teach our kids 'Ba Ba Black Sheep' anymore how screwed is society now?!

Answer 11

a bit off subject but i heard a story of a guy who dressed up as Jesus for a fancy dress do and someone took offense and an arguement ensued at the end of which Jesus shouted - ' My Dad could totally beat up your Dad '

Answer 12

No because you are trying to be a specific person and you can't be MR.T and be white.It wouldn't work.

If someone who was black was dressing up as say George Bush which would require 'whitening up' I wouldn't be offended,would you?

It's when the action is taken in an uncomplimentary or fun poking manner that it offends.

Answer 13

in my humble opinion people these days make alot of things that shouldnt be, about race.  i think its ridiculous. people are of different color. if he was a black dude, your just getting dressed up. its not racist, he WAS black, how the h**l else are you supposed to portray him? thats not being racist. but some people might not see it this way, even though their wrong, you probably wont be able to change their mind.  best bet is to get a mask xD

Answer 14

No if your going to dress up like Mr T I would think you would have to blacken up, lets face it people he is black and there is no way to change that.

Answer 15

No. And anybody who says it is is crazy. You can't turn up with the hair and gold chains but with a white face can you?

Quit yo' jibber jabber!

Answer 16

How dare you say "blacking up", your appalling rascist!  

Mr T may not be high yaller, but he's not black - more a very dark brown.

Answer 17

I think you are a crazy fool!!

Answer 18

Good question that.

I reckon that it would be ok for most people as they would take it in the humour for which it was intended but some may be easily offended.

It would not be worth the agro>there would be nothing more ridiculous than seeing a smudged makeup white Mr T in the A & E department of your local hospital

*Comedians such as leigh francis (bo selecta) dress up as Michael jackson, Lionel ritchie and Craig David and I'm sure i saw Justin lee collins dressed as Mr T a few weeks ago(?)

But my advice would be choose another costume mate.:)