Mexican-themed NYE party - racist, right?

[BobLobla]

Just been invited by very good friends to their NYE party which promises to have a Mexican theme and everyone must wear a long droopy moustache and a sombrero. Already I am cringing as I think this is pretty racist. Don't think I’ll go… but do I say something privately to my friends about the fact that this seems really off? Do I just dip out and not say anything to avoid awkwardness?

@vera99 🤣🤣

Not a jot. But I think the 'bad teeth' trope is a bit outdated; English teeth are much better than they used to be.😄😄

Same. I can’t deal with this any more.

That video seemed to consist of white students waiting to see what others around them said before answering, or regurgitating something they'd heard without really understanding it. Purity spirals are like mana from heaven for the ignorant.

On our last holiday to Ireland we had a few too many in a pub and I was sold one of those green hats mentioned upthread with fake ginger hair. The locals egged me on to have a go at an Irish accent, everyone had a great night.

It could be argued that historically Irish people have suffered more due to the English than Mexicans have. So really, everyone in that pub should have been offended/it wasn't ok for me to do that or them to persuade me to?

I wouldn't have any issues with this and I doubt most Mexicans would.

Most ridiculous book ever. HTH.

And we all know you're not logging off really.

@MrsTerryPratchett

Some people ARE unhappy about cultural stereotypes being used to entertain. Just because you can find some who aren't, doesn't make it OK.

As a number of posters have said, how come no-one seems to give a shit about people dressing up as Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Australian, Canadian, Scandinavian etc etc etc? There's a running theme in the 4 people who are on those pics you posted, with the 'I am a culture not a costume' thing. I think you know what it is.

I think it's stupid and doesn't much show respect for Mexican culture to use such stereotypical imagery. I wouldn't go. Imagine a Pakistani-themed party where people dressed in hijabs and fake beards. Would you go? Because I wouldn't.

Don't be stupid- it's just a bit of fun and no Mexicans are going to be offended because I doubt there'll be any there!

Would you be offended by Mexicans having an English themed party and coming dressed as Morris dancers and serving fish and chips or roast beef? I couldn't are less!

Not racist.

So what? Just let your hair down and have a day off from being "that person".

Don't go to the party if it is that offensive to you. It isn't though, is it? You're just enjoying having a chance to be smug, right on and telling people what to do.

Okay, so some people are offended. So what? Everyone’s offended by something.

Video posted above is made by a representative from PragerU, a conservative American Media outlet that is anti-Muslim, anti-science, anti-Gay, anti-immigration at the very least. It has used speakers such as Nigel Farage and Ben Shapiro.

That video is pushing their agenda and should be considered through that lens.

It depends on your world view. As you can see from this thread some posters think you're being the fun police - if that's the sort of people your friends are then the issue is a lot bigger than just this party.

Eh? Why would you be offended? We went to a party like this a few years back with friends who had relatives over from Mexico. Everyone joined in and had a great time. Why would you be offended?

I was going to look for this video to post it!

That's what wednesdays are for, you hardly need to throw a NYE party to use a bottle of tequila!

And it contained actual Mexican people saying they don't find the costume offensive.

Lol the Japanese had their own empire and forced their culture on other Asians, while sucking out resources with slave labour.

Ofc they wouldn’t give a shit about cultural appropriation, only Japanese-Americans who think they have some sort of connection to Japan (they usually can’t even speak the language) who police this stuff.

Same.

Bet if it was an Irish-themed NYE party and everyone had to dress up as ginger leprechauns, saying 'begorrah' and 'top o de mornin to ya' not one single person who's called out this party as stereotyping or tone-deaf would give a toss!

No-one is this thick, are they? Was a few years back the 1950's?

Someone in guadalajara will not have their life impacted by a middle class new years eve party with people wearing sombreros.

Actual paid Mexicans.

Is it that they’re from cultures that have historically been oppressed and ridiculed by white Europeans? Or are you saying something that is absolutely fucking racist about their skin tones?

Okay, so some people are offended. So what? Everyone’s offended by something.

Thats very true. Can't please everyone.