|
Costume wearer
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Injuries?
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.
]
The helper will probably help with this now that you have one... they can keep people far enough away from you so you don't get hurt. another thing you could do is stand where you can be seen but not come up to... like stand on a roof or other non-accesible area and wave to the customers instead. <3
]
More Questions: |