Dear Tell All: I’m from the Cleveland area and am a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan. With the Indians in the World Series (sniff, sniff), I wanted to show hometown pride on Halloween. So I dressed up as Indians mascot Chief Wahoo, with a headdress and team jersey. Believe me, it was discreet, especially compared to what a lot of people do in Cleveland: no red face paint, no white triangles drawn around the eyes, no white grin drawn around the mouth.
That’s right: just a few feathers and a jersey. And it was enough to get me branded a racist at Freakfest and a Halloween after-party at someone’s apartment. Several people I considered friends made insulting comments, and a couple of them actually screamed at me.
I’m no racist. I respect Native Americans. I’m just a mainstream Cleveland Indians fan, for God’s sake — one of millions who own team merchandise and proudly display it.
At Freakfest, I saw other ethnic costumes and took no offense, because clearly none was intended. People wear long beards, exotic wigs or headgear, and clothes representing various nationalities simply because they look different from everyday dress in the United States. That’s what you’re supposed to do on Halloween, right? It doesn’t mean you disrespect anyone; it means you’re pretending to be something else for one day of the year. It’s supposed to be fun.
I find it hard to believe that a mere costume could earn me lasting ill will and cost me friends. But that’s Madison for you — unable to lighten up even on Halloween.
The Mistake by Four Lakes
Dear Mistake: You say you respect Native Americans. But dressing up as a mascot Native Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of is a funny way to show it.
You’re scornful of people who can’t “lighten up” about ethnic caricatures. Did it ever occur to you that being lighthearted about an oppressed group is much easier when you aren’t experiencing oppression yourself?
In this case, it’s not up to you to decide what should or shouldn’t be offensive to Native Americans, Mistake. It’s up to Native Americans themselves. Your former friends understand that. Maybe if you live in Madison long enough, you too will learn something about sensitivity.
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison?
Write Tell All, 100 State St., Madison, WI 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
