Right guys, let's get this straight.
Before you choose a costume for Halloween, or any fancy dress party - if you're a white person - ask yourself this question: "do I need to black myself up for this?"
If the answer is yes, just don't do it. That's why one Missouri based nurse has lost her job. She dressed up as Beyoncé and Jay Z with her husband.
Seriously, it's not on. And it's not just a case of 'everyone is offended by everything' or 'political correctness gone mad' it's just not cool. So, stop it.
Anyway, on this occasion Shelbi Elliot-Heenan uploaded the picture to Facebook to tell the world that she was making a really dumb decision. Good going.
I mean, that's not to say that you couldn't go to a party as Beyoncé if you so desired. The woman has many iconic looks that you could recreate without putting shoe polish on your face and pissing people off.
Elliott-Heenan wore a black sweatshirt, black leggings, black boots, and a pair of sequined shorts. That is NOT a Beyoncé costume, even if you black your face (don't).
Let's get straight to her husband as well, let's not forget that this is a two-person shocker. He's got more resemblance to Jay Z in terms of the get-up, but then loses ALL of his points for indulging in some even more racist blackface.
Anyway, the nurse who had formerly worked at St Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, was sacked once she posted the photo to social media and discovered that a lot of people didn't think that her costume was in great taste.
The hospital released a statement in which they condemned her actions and said that 'an investigation was initiated immediately'.
The statement said that it was not usually a hospital policy to discuss individual personnel circumstances. However, they made an exception and said that Elliott-Heenan was no longer employed there.
They added that: "Saint Luke's is deeply committed to our culture of diversity and inclusion,
"It is fundamental to who we are as an organization and we vigorously protect it on behalf of all our patients and employees and expect those who represent us to do the same."
Seriously though, think on. If your costume is offensive to someone, don't wear it anyway because you think that you should be allowed to offend people.
Or maybe do, just don't be surprised when your employer doesn't see it that way.
Featured Image Credit: FacebookTopics: Racist, Jay Z, Beyonce, US News, halloween, Costume
