Is this Halloween Costume offensive?

[Shagley]

My friend and I will be attending the MNSSHP, and I had questions whether or not our costumes would offend anyone. We will both be dressed as girl scouts (hat, sashes with fake patches, cargo shorts, etc), and the back of our shirts have a picture of a girl scout cookie and they say "Don't you love my cookies". This of course is referring to the fact that we are posing as Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts sell cookies. We meant the shirt as a joke, but then I started thinking that someone could possibly be offended by that. I really don't want anyone offended, so if most people feel we should not wear them to the MNSSHP, I won't.

What is your opinion, would you be offended by this shirt?

 

[Geyser Gazer]

If you two are middle aged men, there might be issues here.

 

[hopelea]

Nope, not offensive here!! Go, Enjoy!!

 

[cleo]

My opinion is, they would be in poor taste (no pun intended), but I wouldn't be 'offended' by them. I would just think you're a couple of young girls who don't know what sort of message you're sending.

However, I'm guessing there are people who would be offended, mostly because MNSSHP is a family event.

The fact you asked tells me you are a) a very considerate, consciencious person and b) aware it's a bit of a stretch, taste-wise.

 

[beck0321]

Oops, hit the wrong button

 

[beck0321]

Just as long as there's no T&A hanging out, I don't see how that would be offensive. If you were showing off your *ahem* cookies, then I guess it could be considered pretty suggestive.

 

[aztecgoods]

Just make sure you top it all off with really short skirts, thigh high hose and tall stripper heals.

 

[Shagley]

I should add - these are not tight t-shirt, and our costumes are not suggestive in any other way, so we are really not showing anything off(nothing like the Hooters girls). Also, we are both Women in our mid-30's.

I am thinking that I will probably just bring a white t-shirt to wear. The costumes are for other Halloween events that we will be attending (mostly adults). My friend was the one who says that she doesn't think these should be offensive, but since this is a family event, I don't really want to risk offending anyone. Sometimes I can go overboard and be too concerned about what others think, so I wanted to see if I was overreacting about these shirts possibly being offensive. I would rather err on the side of caution than to wear the shirts and then realize that I was right and have offended people.

 

[MissyPrissy]

as someone who was a girl scout for YEARS...(I admit that after Junior Scouts I was slightly forced due to the fact that my aunt was National head of the GS council) I would say that those sorts of shirts are more mocking towards scouts than anything else. It's such a wholesome organization and shirts that have double meanings sort of cheapen that ideal...most everyone who sees and understands your costume will think "naughty scout"...If you are still scouts I'd be surprised that any leader of a troop you are involved in would find that appropriate.

AND as you are going to a family centered event that is focused on children primarily, I'd say find a regular shirt to wear with your girl scout uniforms and be GOOD girl scouts or dress up as something else.

Just my opinion from one Girl Scout to another!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I think it's funny, but it is a stretch. Kind of iffy. Use your best judgement.

 

[Shagley]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I will go with the rest of the costume and just use a plain white shirt for the MNSSHP (or use a vest for all of my fake patches so the back of the shirt can't be seen). The other t-shirts will be funny in a more adult setting, but I won't take the chance of offending anyone at the MNSSHP. I appreciate all of your opinions.

 

[Smooshdog]

No matter what you do, or how careful you are, or where you go, or who you are, someone will be offended. I am not one of those people, so I say wear your costume with pride!

 

[KevinM]

I think the t-shirt is funny. Kids won't get the double-meaning, and adults will get a laugh. It's harmless, really.

I'm sure there is some uptight scoutmaster somewhere that will be offended, but it seems you can't do anything today without offending some people.

Have fun.

 

[cleo]

Notice how it's the guys who are encouraging you to wear them? I think that says it all!

If I saw those shirts on 30 year old women, I'd definitely do a double-take, given it's a family event and you are old enough to 'get' that they're risque. They're meant to be, right? I would certainly not be offended, but I'd think they were in very poor taste for a family event.

However, if I saw them at an adult-oriented event I'd think they were a riot. I'd also probably make sure my husband steered clear of the two of you for the duration of the evening.

 

[AnninIowa]

A lot of Disney stuff is offensive if you really look at it: Snow White as a maid to the dwarfs, the princesses self-worth being totally reliant on finding a price, women with chains around their neck in the POTC ride. I don't think your shirt is any worse than some of the other messages you see. It is what it is: play time and make-believe! Have fun at MNSSHP!!

 

[Micca]

A lot of Disney stuff is offensive ... the princesses self-worth being totally reliant on finding a price

BTW, what was the price?

 

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

Last year when we went to MNSSHP I was 7months pregnant with my DD. I wanted to go as a pregnant nun...lol. When I was talking to people at work, they told me that it would fall into the "offensive" Catagory....

I thought it was pretty funny, needless to say, I didnt dress up. I figured that my very pregnant self was all i needed

 

[dpuck1998]

As a 30 something man I find it hilarious. Of course I love cookies...so...anyway. I'm sure just about anything you wear, someone will be offended. Some people are out looking for things to offend them. Go, have fun..don't worry about it. If someone gets the double entendre then they shouldn't be offended about it.

 

[JenniferAtl]

I think it is hysterical - wear it.

 

[mommaU4]

I think the t-shirt is funny. Kids won't get the double-meaning, and adults will get a laugh. It's harmless, really.

I'm sure there is some uptight scoutmaster somewhere that will be offended, but it seems you can't do anything today without offending some people.

Have fun.

I think this a perfect response.

I say wear them, have fun, and don't worry about it.