Man cited for disorderly conduct for poking "Sesame" character

Associated Press ^ | 08/05/03 | Staff Writer

[b9]

>>>I let him take a swing at me, dodged it, then beat the crap out of him<<<

LOL
What a man... if your wife doesn't know it (pretty sure she must) tell her she's a lucky little peacock.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I wonder if the reason why people attack these characters, is because of the anonymity. They do not know who is inside of the costume, and they truly don't think of them as people, or victims of disrespect or violence.

[Mad Dawgg]

"I say it is time for a new civil rights law to protect Costumed Characters. It should be a Hate Crime to abuse, threaten or harass a Costumed Character, regardless of color, species, animation status, or studio affiliation. Why can't we just all get along?"

OK, I can get behind this along as their is an clause stated very clearly that this law does not cover Mimes!

Mimes should be beaten on a regular basis, until they are wiped from the face of the earth!

[MineralMan]

"I wonder if the reason why people attack these characters, is because of the anonymity. They do not know who is inside of the costume, and they truly don't think of them as people, or victims of disrespect or violence.
"

That's probably part of it. The one thing I noticed, though, in following my costumed wife around, was that it was only inebriated men who assaulted the character. Perhaps the alcohol dimmed their minds more than they were already dimmed and they thought it would be funny to harass the funny character.

It's a real hazard. At some theme parks, costumed characters have an escort with them at all times, particularly if the costume is bulky or awkward. I think it should be a rule, frankly.

I can't speak for all the costumes, but that peacock costume my wife was wearing was heavy, unbearably hot, and extremely awkward. It takes an athlete to wear the large costumes, and it's mostly athletic young women who do the job. I tried it on one time. I was 42 years old at the time, and couldn't stay in it more than 15 minutes in the hot sun. I don't know how my wife managed the 30 minute shifts, to tell you the truth. Women are tough!!!!

[Redcloak]

Which one is the gay muppet with AIDS?

And what's up with a frog dating a pig? That smacks of beastiality. Gonzo chasing chickens is one thing. He's arguably a chicken himself. But a frog and a pig knockin' boots?!? That's SICK!

[b9]

>>>I wonder if the reason...is because of the
anonimity<<<
Good point! (as usual)
Whether it's a rude kid ttreating it like a
Toontown character or just an obnoxious drunk.
Does lack of eye contact induce aggression?
Especially coupled with a mute response.

I get nervous trying to talk to people wearing sunglasses, especially the mirrored ones.

[11th Earl of Mar]

Man cited for disorderly conduct for poking "Sesame" character

THis kind of behavior needs to be stopped now before it escalates into character assasination.

[b9]

>>>character assassination<<<

LOL ... good one!

They say 'character' is what you do when no one is looking.

How about 'when you can't see them looking at YOU'.

[Liberal Classic]

[Sloth]

Today's episode has been brought to you by the letter "P."

[Sloth]

ping

[Xenalyte]

My first day of my first season out at the Festival, in my Xen getup, I was surrounded by five drunk rednecks. To say they were harassing me would be to put it quite mildly. I didn't break character (for which I'm quite proud) - I merely leaned my quarterstaff on one dude's foot, supporting my 150-pound weight, and told them they'd best back off before I divested them of their remaining teeth.

But then, I was allowed to talk.

[Xenalyte]

It's a real hazard. At some theme parks, costumed characters have an escort with them at all times, particularly if the costume is bulky or awkward. I think it should be a rule, frankly.

We only have three characters whose faces are obscured by their costumes - they're giant puppets, about ten feet tall, and they have handlers who accompany them everywhere. (The handlers and the people inside the puppets switch every so often, so they both get a chance to breathe fresh air.)

Drunks are probably 80% of the crap the puppets take, and they take a good deal. The other 20% are smartass kids who like to run their heads into the puppets' crotches, which are actually the wearers' stomachs. Ouch.

[MineralMan]

"I merely leaned my quarterstaff on one dude's foot, supporting my 150-pound weight, and told them they'd best back off before I divested them of their remaining teeth.
"

Hah! I can think of one other place you could have put your quarterstaff....very effective against drunken idiots, too.

BTW, I love the quarterstaff. Back, years ago, when I had to walk daily through a very dangerous part of Los Angeles, I got myself a nice quarterstaff to use as a walking stick. nobody ever bothered me, which is a good thing, since I also took a course in combat with it. Nasty weapon in good hands.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

We truly live in dark times.

What ever happened to Evil Bert? Isn't he at the Episcopalian Bishops' Conference? Or maybe writing John Kerry's speeches...Or directing the construction of LA's cathedral...Or cruising NY bars with Slick Willie...

[Xenalyte]

It's a sweet piece of work - it's dymondwood, and I've wailed away at a tree with it for quite some time and never made a mark on it. The festival director, who used it before me, managed to break his combat partner's toe with it once. Ouch.

I miss it . . . but I think I'll enjoy my hand-to-hand this season. I'm taking on two of my Conquistadors at once.

[MineralMan]

"We only have three characters whose faces are obscured by their costumes - they're giant puppets, about ten feet tall, and they have handlers who accompany them everywhere. (The handlers and the people inside the puppets switch every so often, so they both get a chance to breathe fresh air.)
"

That sounds like a very good plan. I think all large costumed characters need handlers...and someone to switch off with.

So how do you like doing the faires? I've often thought about getting involved, but just haven't taken the time.

[jagrmeister]

People who attack these theme park workers are lowlifes. They should take a branding iron- put a scarlet L on his forehead.