So, it’s that time of year again! That event on our
calendars when even the most introverted of co-workers might decide to show a
totally different side by taking on the look and actions of a famous person,
fictional character, or just something TOTALLY out there. Of course what I’m
referring to is Halloween in the workplace.
Some companies go all out during this time by having costume
and decoration contests; while others might keep it all on the down-low and
just accept the craziness as a part of moral boosting.
Anyway… this is a fair warning to those who might decide to
dress up – be sure NOT to get pulled over by the authorities on the way to that
costume contest, for it might not only be embarrassing but a bit awkward as
well. Let me share.
A few years back, I decided to dress up as Stevie Wonder.
And though I was a white, bald guy, I felt it a decent possibility of being
able to pull it off by gathering up the right materials.
Of course before going further with my plan, I contacted
Human Resources to make sure that by going from one race to another that it
wouldn’t come across as offensive to any person or group. And after discussing any sincere concerns or
ramifications that would come from my becoming Stevie for the upcoming costume
contest, it was deemed acceptable – giving me the green light to continue. So when the day/event finally came around, I
WAS Stevie – actions, appearance, and even tried to the do his voice – and
everyone really enjoyed it.
Well, everyone except for the police officer who pulled me
over a few hours beforehand!
You see, on the way to work that day – dressed from head to
toe in Stevie – I was in such a hurry to get to the office, that I happened to
roll through a stop sign, and not totally stop at it. Well, lucky me, a
motorcycle officer happened to be watching that same intersection and caught me
doing the illegal act. Hence, he then pulled me over.
Now whether I was being profiled or not, I couldn’t answer.
However once I pulled over and stopped the vehicle, he motioned me to step out.
So, there I was during morning rush hour, at a busy intersection, now stepping
out of the vehicle dressed like Stevie Wonder. You should have seen the looks!
Anyway, it was when looking toward this fine
officer-of-the-law that I noticed he just happened to be of the same race that
I was presenting myself to be. In other words, he was Black American. And to
say that he was surprised to discover that under the Stevie garb stood before
him a middle aged, white guy – well, if he was, he wasn’t expressing it; nor
did he seem very amused.
I apologized for my lack of concern for the stop sign, and
then explained in great detail why I was dressed the way that I was – and
handed him my license while apologizing profusely for my appearance. Straight-faced, he handed it back and told me
to be more careful next time. No smile; no nothing. He then returned to his
bike and drove off.
So folks… just wanted to share this little experience. That
while you prepare yourself for that annual company Halloween costume contest –
or even if you are on your way to a party of sorts – remind yourself when
driving to the event to be sure to follow the rules-of-the-road closely, and
stay out of any situation that might require you to get out of your vehicle.
You never know what might happen or whom you may meet.
As for the Stevie Wonder costume? Well, I came in second.
Had fun doing it though! And yes, at the end of the day I did find myself with
a bit of a smile on my face. For you see, I couldn’t help but to think of when
the officer returned to the Department and filled out his report on the
incident. I just knew that somewhere
within his writings it had to have read: ‘Pulled over ‘Stevie Wonder’ for not
seeing a stop sign.’
Happy Halloween, folks!
