Every Purim brings with it a swoosh of creative energy that suddenly envelops a normally staid community. This year was no different. Mishloach Manos with themes ranging from elegant to hilarious. And of course costumes both common such as firemen and princesses to the ridiculous walking bananas or zombie chassidim.
This year we had the honor of having the Purim Holiday gain national attention after New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind, an outspoken politician representing a largely Orthodox Jewish district, dressed up as a "basketball player type". Hikind, who is outspoken about the slightest anti Israel or Anti Semitic sentiments in politics, dismissed anyone that took offense as being overly sensitive.
This year we had the honor of having the Purim Holiday gain national attention after New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind, an outspoken politician representing a largely Orthodox Jewish district, dressed up as a "basketball player type". Hikind, who is outspoken about the slightest anti Israel or Anti Semitic sentiments in politics, dismissed anyone that took offense as being overly sensitive.
In our own town of Lakewood there were many kids wearing Obama masks or dressed as Rastafarians in Blackface and dreadlocks. I even saw a young boy dressed as a Nazi, swastika armband and all. Were they acting as improper as Mr Hikind?
There are two ways to look at a Purim costume. One is that of emulation, or being something you are obviously not. When a kid dresses as a Rastafarian, or a rap star with gold chains and diamond teeth we can assume that they are portraying a character. But when that character is simply based on the Blackface makeup or acting in a disrespectful manner that is another thing entirely. As Parents we Teach our children that we can only get respect from those that we give respect in return. That lesson does not take a backseat to having fun on Purim. We all know when a costume based on another nationality or race's looks crosses the line. Nobody ever got upset at Disneyland while riding through the' Its a Small World' attraction depicting children from all over the world, many with dark skin.
We all know the difference between a costume and a provocation.
As for Mr. Hikind, his apology/explanation was worse than the costume, which made him look like an Indian with a bad Afro wearing a Hare Krishna outfit.
Oh, and the two twins dressed as the World Trade Center attack?(Above picture). Too soon guys, forever too soon.
HH
There are two ways to look at a Purim costume. One is that of emulation, or being something you are obviously not. When a kid dresses as a Rastafarian, or a rap star with gold chains and diamond teeth we can assume that they are portraying a character. But when that character is simply based on the Blackface makeup or acting in a disrespectful manner that is another thing entirely. As Parents we Teach our children that we can only get respect from those that we give respect in return. That lesson does not take a backseat to having fun on Purim. We all know when a costume based on another nationality or race's looks crosses the line. Nobody ever got upset at Disneyland while riding through the' Its a Small World' attraction depicting children from all over the world, many with dark skin.
We all know the difference between a costume and a provocation.
As for Mr. Hikind, his apology/explanation was worse than the costume, which made him look like an Indian with a bad Afro wearing a Hare Krishna outfit.
Oh, and the two twins dressed as the World Trade Center attack?(Above picture). Too soon guys, forever too soon.
HH
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