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?

Most members of the Tory party don't even think RIshi is fucking British, never mind English!

Because one guy on YouTube says so?!

Right.

That would have to be before the earth split into different countries. Even in medieval times, propaganda was put around about ethnic minorities to get people to hate them. Then we've got the religions condemning all disabled people. So perhaps there's never been a time when are thinking wasn't influenced.

Id feel uncomfortable about that. Would also resent being told what to wear! Fine to have Mexican themed decoration, food and drink

This is more directed towards white Americans than all white people. There is a long and troubled history regarding the atrocities that the US military did to the Mexicans during the Spanish American war in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and S. California and then when the US annexed those States into the US from Mexico, there was a century of oppression.

Agree @CovertImage , as a black person, I much prefer proper racist white people,

Oh sorry ,I forgot white supremacy doesn't exist in the UK, we are all above all that....

I think you are precious, we've been on a Mexican themed night, nothing remotely offensive. If you are offended don't go but I don't think I'd want to be friends with such an uptight person if I was your friend. Can't you do fancy dress as another country now? Gosh the kids did a French theme and dressed exactly how the stereotype goes. The French as a race (🤣) were highly offended I'm sure. My friend had a fancy dress theme for her wedding we had to go in old traditional English country wear (basically dress as posh people tweed etc!). World's gone mad.

I’m thinking of the Themed nights at hotels we’ve stayed at abroad. One night it was Chinese, then Mexican, Italian, American, French, German, Scandinavian. Polish. The waiting staff dressed in the appropriate costumes. Some of the guests joined in as the notice board gave advance of the dates so they could cobble a costume or find a hat in time.
No one took offence.

Mexicans are probably not viewed by most as an oppressed race within the UK because they are not a significant, large minority group like Asian or Black people are. Nobody is going to have an 'Indian party' because Indian people and it's culture are familiar to us all and we have all experienced racism towards this culture in the UK so are more sensitive to it. However, Mexico is seen as an exotic far away place with little connection to us here.

You know just how stupid your question is, right?

Didn’t say that white supremacy doesn’t exist, just that the piece quoted from Maria Garcia isn’t directed to all white people, but white Americans because they’re the ones that committed atrocities against Mexican people during a bloody war only 200yrs ago in which civilians were targeted and murdered.

No British person has ever oppressed a Mexican person.

World has gone completely mad you are right! Just remembering the French theme dress up at my daughters school when she was about 5. Don't ever remember any offence being taken.

I think this party is likely to offend approximately…no one. Except for a bunch of middle aged women who are trying their very hardest to be woke. Racism is a massive issue, obviously. It’s personally felt by many, inc me. Let’s not minimise it by creating silly little spats within groups of middle class white people about whether a fake moustache is racist. “It’s fine to eat ceviche con limon but not wear a moustache” has honestly got to be a satire!

@Doubtmyself

Who said that it was white people dressing up? Would it be different if the people at the party were not white, or if they just wore the hats but not the moustaches?

Personally I find the enforced dressing up in stereotypes in poor taste, but wouldn't find it racist. I'd wear a hat but not a moustache. I'm not white English if that matters.

I'm from a country that is often used for themes, we have clearly defined food, clothes, music and language. I don't mind people of any colour or background dressing up and having a party themed around my country and heritage.

To respond to the OP why don't you tell your friends you don't feel comfortable with the dressing up and otherwise attend if you're happy to. I'm sure half the attendees won't want to dress up for a number of reasons.

I really couldn't get worked up about this

No British person has ever oppressed a Mexican person.

This is bold statement. But it is true that Britain wasn't the colonial power in Mexico and doesn't share much history with it as a country.

Brits have a very different cultural impression of Mexico ( mostly as an exotic far away country full of all inclusive hotels) than the people in the USA do.

Brits are going to look at this through a very different lense to Americans.

Dont go OP, they will have load of fun without you.

If a friend messaged me to quietly to me I'm racist for wearing a sombrero i'd consider them a fun sponge and want to avoid them in future.
Just me?

We need a thread dedicated to “what might inadvertently offend someone and how to avoid it”. I went to a metal concert last weekend and there was a man dressed in full lederhosen…I’m not even sure he was German!!!

It wouldn't bother me but if it bothers you just don't go.

Not just you

I'm with you both 😁

Notimeforaname

I'm Irish, people all over the world have Paddy's day parties where some dress up with fake pot bellies on, hats with crazy red hair sticking out and alcohol everywhere.
Doesn't offend me in the slightest

Good for you. I'm Irish and find that highly offensive. Also last time I was in Ireland, everyone kicked up a big fuss about negative stereotypes being peddled on UK tv.

We're a culture not a costume <Daily Mail sad face> this is NOT who I am and this is NOT OKAY

It's not a satire, and you have to have the IQ of an avocado to think it is.

There is a huge difference between being personally offended by something and knowing it is in itself offensive.

Wearing a droppy moustache and a sombrero is the same as wearing blackface or a Native American headress. It's not ok, and most people know that. Small children can explain it to you as seem confused.

Eating ceviche is not the same as dressing up as a stereotype of a nationality. Surprised a grown woman would have to be told that.