Gender: Female
Age: 15
Member Since: May 31, 2005
Answers: 233
Last Update: January 23, 2008
Visitors: 11057
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I am a professional costume wearer. By that, I mean I have been an elf, a giraffe, a moose, T-Rex and a character for a major hamburger chain. I am presently a character for a major cereal company. Once I am in costume, I am not allowed to speak.
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Adults and older children think nothing of hitting me, kicking me, pulling at parts of my costume, and trying to knock me down. One 12-year-old even tried to "head butt" me while his father looked on and encouraged him!
I am in costume for about an hour or so before I can take breaks. It gets hot and sweaty inside these costumes. I have a limited field of vision and can't see many of the oncoming attacks. Even if I saw each one, I would not be able to say anything to stop or deflect these random attacks. What I do is have a paid "helper" walk beside me. This is now discouraging such actions by adults and children.
Any advice to get the kids and parents to stop the abuse? (link)
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A] I think you can actually sue people for the abuse. So you could make a sign saying 'do not harm in any way. violators may be fined.' or something along those lines.
B] As someone else mentioned- let people know there is a real person underneath the costume.
C] When someone else is wearing a costume such as your own and you see someone abuse them- walk over & make it a point to say something. Maybe people will begin realizing what it's really like.
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Rating: 4
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Those are some great ideas. Thanks. :}
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