People were highly offended when Ray Rice Halloween costumes for children came out this year, because of the charges of domestic abuse that have been leveled at the sports star. We asked BYU students to give us the scoop on how they feel about these costume and Rice’s bad media reputation.
“Making a joke out of abusive relationships doesn’t seem that funny to me, so it could risk being offensive to anyone who knows someone who has experienced abuse.” — Sam Folsey, Advertising, Fargo, North Dakota
“Honestly its’ not something I have strong feelings for, but I didn’t even know who he was and wouldn’t know who he was if someone did wear that costume.” — Kaela Hansen, Exercise and wellness, Provo
“I think it’s everyone’s personal decision if they want to dress like that or let their kids dress like that, but I wouldn’t want to promote that.” — Nancy Eyre, Art history, Vancouver, Washington
“They can make them if they want, even if I don’t agree; if people want to wear his jersey then it’s their choice.” — Johnny Welker, Business management, Glendora, California
“I don’t think it’s okay that they are making costumes with him on it because he was a participant in domestic violence, and children should not look at that as an example.” — Jessica Gardner, Human development, Astoria, Oregon
“I think it’s quite silly that they have that kind of costume because it sends a message to society about what is acceptable, and that’s the kind of role model they’re putting out, and it’s not okay.” — Emily Lewis, Sociology, Gresham, Oregon
“From a public relations standpoint that isn’t a very smart move on their part, but the judgement should come down to the parent if they want to allow their kid to wear that type of thing.” — Bronson Gardner, Pre-management, Astoria, Oregon
“I think it’s offensive simply because of what the media is portraying him as, like someone abusive and then having children wearing the costume of someone abusive and kind of supporting the wrong idea.” — Brett Schiller, Finance, St. George
“I wouldn’t say I’m offended by it, but I don’t think it puts out a good image, and I wouldn’t really encourage it because I feel like it’s inappropriate on their part to encourage it.” — Lynette Lewis, Business management, Springfield, Oregon
