Although Halloween was almost two weeks ago, the Barkly Times has decided to come out and say this: due to increasing sensitivity about some Halloween costumes being controversial and even offensive, make sure your costume doesn't offend your dog or someone else's dogs. Dogs have thoughts on this issue too and when they see a person wearing a dog costume, they get offended if it is like the one that Rover is holding in the picture. They feel that it reduces them to a stereotype and not as individuals. Their culture is just about treated like a costume at the expense of the culture it is based on. When they see some guy put on a Rover costume and make a fool of himself, does that man think about how hurtful it is to the culture he is treating like a costume? The obvious answer is no.
He is being insensitive to the feelings of others by wearing that costume and may or may not be considerate of other's feelings or just doesn't care. Is the costume offensive? Yes it is. However we think that he should be educated on the culture he is appropriating through a costume at the expense of that culture. Dogs have had it hard for a long time and the last thing they want to see is someone parading around. They really don't like Boomer the Dog, who appropriates their culture daily and even got on Dr Phil for it. Dogs secretly don't like him that much because of this.
It is important to educate people on cultural sensitivity and why appropriating the culture of a group who has dealt with oppression in the past is wrong and actually further perpetuates the stereotypes of that group. This includes fursuits and dog costumes. If you go out in public like Boomer the Dog does, Rover over there isn't flattered or impressed, even if you think he is, actually that couldn't be any further form the truth. He's actually feeling offended and hurt that you are showing contempt for his culture. You may dress like a dog for a day, but that's Rover's culture and way of life. You get to go back to your usual life and move on after Halloween, Rover does not.
If the costume is based on Goofy, Fleegle, Snoopy, or Wags the Dog, that's fine. They are admired by many dogs around the world for representing those who look like them. If you have a favorite character who is a dog, but I didn't mention, feel free to comment who that is. Or if you want to debate whether or not dog costumes are offensive, that's welcome too. Flame comments and comments that encourage spam or hate will be removed and moderated.
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