Its a Uniform not a Costume
Is wearing military uniforms as Halloween costumes offensive?
Ben Harley
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Opinion
"Yeah, where did you serve?"
"Take that uniform off!"
This were the words being screamed at a pedestrian attending Austin Texas' downtown Halloween celebration. The man had chosen to attend the event dressed as soldier. Many in the crowd were not pleased. It seemed that the man was making light of the wars the country is in. Some even seemed to think that the man was mocking the soldiers themselves.
I agree with these people. The simple army costume - especially if the camo pattern resembles current issue uniforms - is offensive. It fantasizes a very real problem that affects all Americans.
Of course I will make exceptions for children, that's not mockery, that's emulation.
I went to AllMilitary.com, a website designed specifically to be used by military members, where they were discussing the same topic. While most agreed with my standpoint there were a few other comments that were interesting.
One person, by the handle 88bdeNYG is a member of the New York Guard. He said, "It is a UNIFORM, not a costume. Men (and women) have bled and died in that uniform, I will not see it disrespected by adults who want to portray something they are not."
I agree. Wearing a soldier's uniform as a costume is disrespectful.
It is also against the law.
United States Code Title 18 Part I Chapter 33 Sec. 702 says, "Whoever, in any place within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the Canal Zone, without authority, wears the uniform or a distinctive part thereof or anything similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the armed forces of the United States, Public Health Service or any auxiliary of such, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."
If you want to mock the military, and break the law, go ahead. As a freedom of speech absolutist, I think that everything is acceptable in a free society. But know that you are mocking the soldiers when you do it. Don't tell me that you are wearing their uniform as a costume out of respect or that it's not a big deal. It is - so defend your position or take it off.
"Take that uniform off!"
This were the words being screamed at a pedestrian attending Austin Texas' downtown Halloween celebration. The man had chosen to attend the event dressed as soldier. Many in the crowd were not pleased. It seemed that the man was making light of the wars the country is in. Some even seemed to think that the man was mocking the soldiers themselves.
I agree with these people. The simple army costume - especially if the camo pattern resembles current issue uniforms - is offensive. It fantasizes a very real problem that affects all Americans.
Of course I will make exceptions for children, that's not mockery, that's emulation.
I went to AllMilitary.com, a website designed specifically to be used by military members, where they were discussing the same topic. While most agreed with my standpoint there were a few other comments that were interesting.
One person, by the handle 88bdeNYG is a member of the New York Guard. He said, "It is a UNIFORM, not a costume. Men (and women) have bled and died in that uniform, I will not see it disrespected by adults who want to portray something they are not."
I agree. Wearing a soldier's uniform as a costume is disrespectful.
It is also against the law.
United States Code Title 18 Part I Chapter 33 Sec. 702 says, "Whoever, in any place within the jurisdiction of the United States or in the Canal Zone, without authority, wears the uniform or a distinctive part thereof or anything similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the armed forces of the United States, Public Health Service or any auxiliary of such, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both."
If you want to mock the military, and break the law, go ahead. As a freedom of speech absolutist, I think that everything is acceptable in a free society. But know that you are mocking the soldiers when you do it. Don't tell me that you are wearing their uniform as a costume out of respect or that it's not a big deal. It is - so defend your position or take it off.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Terrence S. Kiolbassa
posted 11/03/09 @ 5:32 PM CST
This former Sp4 U. S. Army Korea has something to say.
More respect for college students
They are going to pay tommorrows bills.
Terrence S. Kiolbassa
4550 N. (Continued…)
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