Halloween this year

So I don't usually do much for Halloween and I wasn't really planning on leaving the house, but a friend called and said she was going to a party that was just up the street from me so I decided to head over. I didn't bother with a costume and figured something would come to mind in the five block walk. As I was going up the porch stairs I notice someone with a Native American headband with a single feather, I can't remember what character she was. Maybe something in Peter Pan, but really have no idea. There was another guy who was dressed in I think somewhat traditional Japanese garb but with a hip NE PDX self-awareness to it. He was a character too I think, but didn't really ask. Other folks were dressed pretty interesting as well. There was a 1930's style "hobo" and I think my favorite was "Hermaphrodite" (Aphrodite), just use your imagination.

I was slightly unshaven with a fresh haircut, a newish blue sweater, jeans, and clogs. I was thinking that on Halloween everyone can be whatever they want and they have a special license to take from whatever culture or social group they please. Someone asked me what I was dressed as and the first thing that came out was "white privilege," so I ran with it. The first thing they said, and it was dark and I was still on the porch, "but you don't really look white." My response was that I could be white privilege only on Halloween. It was funny because she wasn't completely offended, but I think I ruined the fun just a little. Everyone there save for a couple of folks were definitely on the lighter side. It was weird that she questioned if I was white because it changed it from an in-joke to an accusation. No one I'm guessing asked if "Hermaphrodite" was really a hermaphrodite, or if the "Hobo" was really just homeless and travelling through, and it was assumed that the Native and Japanese garb were done in the sake of pretend.

It was fun hanging and chatting a little with dressed up folks. I do recommend to people though to not invite me to holiday functions, weddings, or other sort of ceremonies because I have a tendency to resist being caught up in the collective moment. I find that it really reduces people's fun because they are usually doing everything to escape the day-to-day in a light hearted fashion. I think I'm usually pretty fun, but throw scheduled dates and a script to let my hair down or enjoy myself and I become just a little bit toxic.