Homeland Security’s sense of fun

Accused of being a little too similar to President Bush– i.e., having gotten a job she’s unqualified for through a combination of nepotism and cronyism– Julie Myers, head of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division, recently provided a remarkable example of the kind of judgment she brings to her post. At a Homeland Security Halloween party, Myers was one of three judges who awarded the “most original costume” prize to a white man who darkened his skin with makeup, and wore prison stripes and a dreadlock wig. Of course– who doesn’t enjoy the thought of Homeland Security officials delighted by a white man pretending to be an dark-skinned criminal?

A lot of people, it turns out.

Once her idea of fun became public, Myers apologized for her choice, but still sent out an ICE spokesperson to defend it. Explained the spokesperson: “[The winner] was not wearing blackface but makeup that was a darker color than his skin”.

Just a darker color– see, that way the costume could be offensive to both blacks and Latinos. I guess that’s what made it so original.

Tags: blackface, halloween, Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Julie Myers, most original costume