Heidi Klum Angers Hindu Leaders With Halloween Costume
Posted on November 03, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed says Heidi Klum has gone too far this year by dressing up as Goddess Kali this Halloween.
What may have seemed like a little fun for the German supermodel has deeply upset Hindu scholars, who feel Klum should make a public apology for posing as a sacred figure.
"Goddess Kali is highly revered in Hinduism and she is meant to be worshipped in temples and not to be used in clubs for publicity stunts or thrown around loosely for dramatic effects.
"Hindus welcome Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse themselves in Hinduism, but they should take it seriously and respectfully, and not just use the religion for decoration or to advance their selfish agenda.
Casual flirting sometimes results in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees."
Zed is not alone in his outrage; various other Hindu leaders, including Jawahar L. Khurana of the Hindu Alliance of India, and Bhavna Shinde of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, have also criticized Klum for posing as Goddess Kali on Halloween.
What do you think? Was it all in good fun? Or was Heidi disrespectful?
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274 thoughts on “Heidi Klum Angers Hindu Leaders With Halloween Costume”:
How dare you call them retarded!~ What is wrong with you? First of all, using “retarded” as an insult is juvenile and insensitve, and insulting people who are upset over someone not showing respect to their religion is not retarded.
It is THEIR RELIGION AND THEIR GODDESS they have a right to be upset if someone casually dresses up as their sacred Goddess and flirts for the camera, etc. It is disrespectful to the image of their Goddess.
Kali is the not the Goddess of evil. She is the Goddes of Death, destruction and motherhood.
She destroys the demons and mothers the good.
It is different. The Hindu culture is totally different and it is ignorant to compare the two.
Are you a Hindu? If not, shut up.
Yes, laugh at people who feel like their Goddess has been mocked for a cheap gimmick. Uh huh, mature.
are you a christian or a buddhist? if not SHUT your PIE HOLE
The ignorance.. it burns
Bloody Mary, how bout if i wore a costume with Mary breast-feeding Jesus, oh wait,is that possible, because isn’t she supposedly a “virgin”…hahahha No she is not.
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
So why can’t the two religons work together? Halloween is all about sending demons back to hell. Thats why we dress up as scary nasty things. So why is dressing up as a demon killer on a demon killing night bad? Get over yourself and study up on the religion and the relgious event that is being held. “It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions.” and you are still ignorant.
“I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn.” Because it is their religion and culture, it is their relgious event.
Stop flameing and get over yourself.
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
How stupid are you?!? The Indian culture and Hindu religion ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM CHRISTIAN RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE.
Completely! The Hindu’s have every right to be offended by some German Super Model making a gross representation of their sacred Goddess.
Just because we have rights doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. People always use the “freedom of expression” or freedom of speech to justify what they’ve done. So you mean to say, if a person says something offensive against a race, gender, or religion, it’s ok, because he/she is just exercising his/her right to expression and speech? That’s ridiculous. Prince Harry dressed up as a Nazi for Halloween a couple of years ago and he was reprimanded for it. It should’ve been okay, since he has rights to freedom of speech and expression too, right? Wrong.
If Heidi can say what she wants, or express herself however she wants to, then don’t the Hindus have a RIGHT to be offended as well? Our rights end where others’ rights begin. You just can’t do whatever you want and expect people to accept it. It sounds so selfish when people use their rights and freedoms and exploit those rights for “fun” at the expense of other people’s values. Heidi’s costume was awesome and we may appreciate it, but others will not.
I read this same comment the first time you posted it a couple of pages ago. Do you have anything specific to say, or are you just cutting and pasting? Oh, and if you’re Hindu, good for you. Your culture is amazing. But calling someone a bitch isn’t going to get anyone to give you any respect.
OK we get it!! You dont have to repeat the same message so many times. We read and understood it…We understand it’s your opinion/belief on the topic and we have the right to have our own opinion.
I completely with you!!! Debating and trying to make other cultures understand what Heidi did was offensive isn’t a bad thing… It’s how you do it. I’m opened to all cultures and religions, but you are forcing it and saying hurtful things to get your point across is doing it the WRONG way.
They’re all retarded! Heidi looks awesome, I love it!!!
maybe if you present yourself with a better argument instead of bashing people, they would listen to you more. Everyone has the right to state their own opinion… If she offended someone or not, you have to respect other people’s opinion.
It’s all for fun but if some people get offended it would be better not to do it at all.
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uhhhhhhhhhhh wow, thanks for your insightful comment, miss annabrigitte! i didn’t know that mobsters were italian gods or that geishas were japanese gods!! what a great analogy!!
OMG LOL LOL LOL LOL so annoying.
I was waiting for this.
I don’t wanna offend anyone, but seriously, hindus have
no freaking sense of humor. They offend me by
even care enough to complain about a CELEBRITY’s halloween
costume. Are they gonna whine at every single private persons
costumes to?
So ridiculous.
wow mary not too offend you but you are a dumb bitch. Any person with any religious conviction would be upset when there god is being made into a fucking halloween costume. I’m not religious at all but i have enough respect for other peoples cultures and beliefs that i would not dress up as a deity. I’m guessing you don’t know any hindu’s but if you can imagine your jesus or who ever the fuck your retarded ass prays too, walking around getting wasted and being a whore than maybe you would be able too understand why dressing up as a religious figure is offensive.
man this is stupid to get upset over!!!! i don’t know how many Jesus’ i saw this year and even a buddah and it wasn’t offensive at all!!!! this is just an awesome costume that was super creative, and people just need something to get their panties in a twist over. if anything it makes more people curious as to who/ what she is and MAYBE it’ll get people to research her a bit….
Oh my god, this comment DOES offend on so many levels:
1) You have obviously never been to a Hindu celebration
2) Humor is a personal issue–not a cultural one. In general, most religious leaders are pretty darn serious about their religion.
3) Most of all, your grammar is deplorable. Egad. If you’re going to make such stupid statements, at least TRY to look smart so you have a leg to stand on.
that’s nice that you weren’t offended – IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. i’m a Hindu and I wasn’t offended either, but apparently this guy was – so f**king what?? he’s entitled to his own opinion and frankly, even though i disagree with him, i can see where he’s coming from. Hindus are so poorly represented in Western culture and because of the vast ignorace and lack of acceptance for other people’s views (as is pretty obvious looking at all the comments for this post), it’s understandable that he would feel that people would start to make assumptions about the Hindu culture.
For starters, all those people saying that the Hindu culture is so “out there” and that “Hindus can’t take a joke” have managed to prove the downright stupidity of people in this country. have you ever been to India?? have you ever read any Hindu scriptures??? if you HAD, then you’d know that Hinduism is one of the most chilled out cultures in the world, in fact MORE SO than mono-theistic religions such as Judaism, Islam, and yes, CHRISTIANITY. so this dude got his panties in a bunch over her costume – who the hell died and gave him the right to speak for one of the biggest populations in the world?? that’s HIS opinion, so even begin to generalize.
i understand that there’s a difference between ignorance and stupidity, but the fact that you KNOW that you don’t know anything about Hinduism, yet still decide to say offensive things about how ALL Hindus can’t take a joke and whatnot, shows that more than ignorant, you’re just plain f**king stupid. pick up a book or something – it won’t kill you.
I think it’s easy to dismiss other’s religious views as bogus or un-important, even for the sake of a COMPLETELY AWESOME Halloween costume, but I think we should tread lightly where others beliefs are concerned. I’m sure Heidi meant no harm by it. I saw it and thought it was a totally cool costume, but part of me winced a little bit and knew something like this would come out of it. It would be one thing for a follower of Hinduism to wear it – NOT that they would – but coming from someone who we assume knows nothing about the religion, it’s a little disrespectful, IMO. And for the record, I really feel the same way about Jesus costumes.
You should get that burning checked out. And shut up.
…oh ya…guess they can be offended…coz many were send back coz they dressed up like christ for haloween
It’s a different culture, they have a different perspective. I’m sure she didn’t mean to offend anyone.
i believe its not just the dress…it may be the message that might have been offensive…coz kali is the goddess of destruction of evil…and heidis comment that she chose the look of kali for haloween coz it was ‘gruesome’ with heads, bones and blood conveys the wrong message to people who have no idea of hindu philosophy…
i believe its not just the costume…it may be the message that might have been offensive…coz kali is the goddess of destruction of evil…and heidis comment that she chose the look of kali for haloween coz it was ‘gruesome’ with heads, bones and blood conveys the wrong message to people who have no idea of hindu philosophy…
they have to live with it if you ask me. heidi is not a hindu, so why should her wearing this costume be blasphemic?
i think people can wear what ever they wanna wear, and if they piss off other people with it, then after all, it only negatively effects the person who wears that outfit, not the other people, right?
Heidi’s depiction of Kali is pretty spot on, including the skulls etc. My first reaction after seeing her costume that it was awesome, very creative and very well done. But like someone else said above, I winced a little because as an Indian (though not a Hindu), I knew that some may take offense to it. It’s all about perspective folks
I am in complete agreement with every word of this. Well said, Momster. I see the effort and creativity put into the costume and think it’s very well done but I think it is pretty controversial and it also made me wince a bit.
Didn’t Diddy dress up as the Pope and the Catholics get upset? I think it is an awesome costume but there are always going to be people who don’t like it.
This is ridiculous. It’s no different than dressing up as a priest, a nun, Jesus or even the devil. I mean come on, it’s Halloween! A costume!! Does that mean that Italians should be offended when guys dress up like Mafia mobsters?? Or that the Japanese should be offended when girls dress up like Geishas?? Of course not! It’s all just for fun and I highly doubt that Heidi meant to offend anybody. I really admire this costume and I think it’s the best Halloween costume I’ve ever seen.
i think he costume is AWESOME people are so damn touchy
she shouldnt be pushed for a great costume.
i saw people dressed up as jesus and disciples and (as a christian) i wasnt offended..i thought it was very clever.
She shouldn’t mess with religious figures, no wonder the world is mess up, no respect at all.
I thought it was one of the coolest most original Halloween costumes I’d ever seen! And no, of course it wasn’t an attempt at being disrespectful. How many people didn’t know about the “Goddess Kali” before she wore that costume – that’s free publicity!
And, where was she wearing this costume? I can see if she dressed up in that outfit and went to India parading around in it, but, this IS AMERICA! Freedom of speech, freedom of expression…that includes religious issues. I hope she doesn’t apologize or give a statement. This is just stupid. – Mandi
I am sure Heidi meant no harm, but you have to be careful with others’ religions if you don’t fully understand them. Obviously, it can be offensive without intention when there is lack of understanding, like in Heidi’s case.
idk, all i can think about is the office episode “diwali,” written by mindy kaling. i’m guessing the hindus flipped over that, as well.
I agree with everything you just said. Thanks!
i hope she doesn’t apologize!! it was all in good fun and they need to get a grip.
I never said anyone didn’t have the right to be offended, although I think it’s stupid and she shouldn’t apologize for it since it’s HER right to do it and it wasn’t something done to intentially insult anyone (however thoughtless some people might think that is). I think in this scenario people were simply offended because they can be. Like someone saying: The Queen of England Sucks! Or President Bush is an @$$ hat! Some people are going to be offended – but who’s crying at night because of it? People are flaming on the internet and outside the internet. People just need to grow the eff up and learn not to take life so seriously.
Also, I don’t necessarily equate Prince Harry dressing up as a Nazi (an entity which is associated with the murders of millions of innocent people) to Heidi Klum dressing up as a Hindu Goddess as one in the same, but, that’s just me. I also need to see the rule book on the limitations of freedom of expression, because obviously outside ones that would break the law, you seem to think there are additional ones everyone should consider. My thoughts on that are, if the hindus in this country that are given the right to practice their religion freely are offended by someone imitating something relating to it in good fun, so be it – but perhaps they should remember where they are. And if hindus are offended by it outside the country they have no respect for how we work here, and should also remember where they are. And I think that all falls in line with what you were saying about everyone “rights”, where they begin and end for all of us.
Oh, and to the anonymous person I can’t seem to reply to who commented on the rediculousness of my “publicity” statement:
LOL That was THE POINT of my comment. “Free publicity” might’ve been a bad choice of words – however, I can assure you the statement was completely benine. My meaning was to say that her wearing that costume at the very least could’ve been a catalyst for people to educate themselves on the Goddess Kali. I searched for and read the wiki on it yesterday to find out more, I was genuinely curious.
People need to put the whole “ignorance/lack of education on the matter” argument to rest.
Oh, and just because you’re educated on the topic, doesn’t mean you have to respect it, like it, or apologize for representing it in any way – I know, that sucks…but maybe someday you’re opinion will offend someone and hopefully you’ll be in a free country when it happens.
For those of you who want to know – learn about it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali – Mandi
Only a matter of time! I was waiting for this but seriously, coming from India, I think people need to chill. People dress up as nuns and priests every Halloween and no one pitches a fit.
I think her costume was awesome .. they are really over reacting to this!! It was all in fun .. I really don’t think she intended to offend anyone .. they need to chill out!! LOL
Klum is not Hindu, therefore it is not disrespectful.
I get so, so, SO WEARY of people who are so eager to be insulted by things. Sheesh.
I agree. This is no different than dressing as Jesus, and most Christians aren’t offended by that. She wouldn’t have done it to be disrespectful.
I think that she probably did NOT mean to offend anybody, but she really should of thought of her costume and how it would affect others. She is not part of that religion so I understand how others would be offended by her costume. She should probably of thought of how people would react to someone so famous wearing a symbol of their religion just for fun.
It’s stunning how many ignorant people have responded to this: A geisha and a mobster are not the same thing as a religious figure – they are not Gods; a person who sees a person dressed up as Buddha and is not offended is obviously not a Buddhist; Idiots who claim to know what Heidi Klum was thinking (i.e. not meaning to offend, in good fun) don’t know her at all and can’t make those kinds of assumptions.
The bottom line is that HK’s costume, and the responses here, all speak to how ignorant and uneducated people are in this country.
What’s IGNORANT is to say that something is “totally different” without giving any arguments to back up your statement…
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dude this was wayy disrespectful. Heidi really over did it. sure, halloween was mean’t to be fun and stuff, but there’s a limit. even though i’m not indian, i still find it totally disrespectful and those of you who don’t need to open your fucking eyes. regardless what god it is, she should not dress up as them.
All of you white people are so fucking stupid!!!!!!!!!
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Yeah, I wouldn’t be offended if anyone dressed up like Jesus. Would Catholics be offended if I dressed up as Mary? Someone will ALWAYS be offended by something. I think life is to short to go around be offended all the time.
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
I think people are overreacting..how many people dress up as jesus or pregnant nuns and what not. It’s Halloween it’s a day to dress up as anything you want. Besides Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with death and destruction which gives more reason why someone would be interested as dressing as her for Halloween. They are overreacting period. Heidi did it out of fun not out of disrespect. It’s not like Hinduism is the only religion people dress up like. Get over it.
I agree- this is no different than dressing up as Jesus or a nun.
I think that Hindu leaders and followers tend to get more upset about things like this because people in Western nations are ignorant about our religion. Hinduism is often looked at as an “exotic” or “weird” religion. It is frequently mocked and misunderstood.
I cannot tell you how many times somebody has told me that Hinduism is polytheism, when it isn’t. I have been to clubs with Hindu deities on the floor and seen toilet seats with Hindu God’s faces on them. I think why people get upset is that this does not come from a place of healthy sarcasm or wit. Hindu mockery cannot be compared to Jesus chachki or mocking here in the United States. The difference remains that regardless of what religion you practice or if you practice no religion at all, you have been exposed to the precepts of Christianity. Most Americans have some understanding of this religion. On the other hand, most people in this country do not understand Hinduism. Simply put, ignorant mocking is a different than educated social commentary.
Until there is a healthier understanding of the Hindu religion and culture, things like this will continue to upset the community.
As for Heidi…Heidi’s costume is accurate and it looks like she has put a lot of effort into it. I think the problem with this lies in her commentary about why she chose to be this Goddess.
Finally, Hindus that were saying anything about harm to Heidi should go back to the Vedas. God knows our intentions and I believe that Heidi had no intention to harm. Furthermore, we believe anybody from any religion can reach enlightenment. God comes in many forms (and religions) but it is still God. Hindus embrace all paths to enlightenment. It is what should place us above the violence and hatred.
just because you don’t believe in it doesn’t mean everybody else feels the same way. It doesn’t matter why religion was made (to give people something to believe in, because other words life would be pointless), it does matter that you respect everyone. I like how you think that if you are educated then you don’t have to respect anyone. You probably use that line every night before you loose conscience to someone’s fist. Your parents taught you well and should be proud that their child will always be ignorant. Its the American way.
I think, maybe, you misunderstood what Anonymous was trying to say. They were merely stating how they celebrate a holiday where costumes are appropriate. It would be hypocritical for someone who doesn’t celebrate Halloween to be offended or try to publicly criticize someone who does, whether they live down the street, or on the other side of the world.
And there’s no apostrophe in Obama, he’s not a leprechaun.
In our culture, on Halloween, it is traditional for people to dress up in shocking, frightening, and outlandish costumes. They’re offended at Heidi’s irreverence for their culture, and I’m offended they they are trying to infringe on my culture.
I agree. I think there is a problem when people say “I saw so many people dressed up as Jesus and I don’t care.” Well, you should. We should all care. Saying you don’t mind that others are impersonating religious figures just shows there’s no respect for these religions. IMO so many people always say “Oh I saw people dressed up as Jesus…” well, how about taking a picture of that person and showing it to your priest or reverend? I’m sure they will NOT be amused.
It’s funny because people usually think their way is the only way in the world and Halloween is no different: it should be a time for fun, and partying the night away. So if something like this issue about Heidi comes up, then it is ridiculous, stupid, retarded, bogus, blah blah blah. I suggest we put ourselves in other people’s shoes and think the way they do about their religion. People get mad when you insult their favorite sports team/actors/TV show, but they say “this is stupid. get over it” if someone else gets upset over an insult to their religion. Hypocritical, the lot of us.
Wow you’re dumb…. Religion was made up as a tool of control. If you dumb enough to believe in that crap its your problem. Smart educated people that actually opened up their history books as kids don’t have to respect anything. You are stupid not them.
This implies that people are obligated to respect religion.
If one does not follow a religion or hold religious beliefs and lives in a country that is not ruled theocratically, why should they HAVE to respect any religion?
If she had dressed up as a real person, perhaps this argument would have some credence. Dressing as a mythological character doesn’t demean anyone unless they let it. That’s THEIR problem.
What everyone seems to be missing here is that even though this may been extremely offensive to many people, Klum’s costume has opened a dialogue about Hinduism that is largely ignored in this country. Yes, it may have been disrespectful, but now it will be discussed and the broader issue of cultural insensitivity throughout the Western world is exposed that much more.
Ok, since you feel this way… you no longer have the right to feel offended whenever anybody disrespects you or our religion, if you have one.
Cuz as you said, why should people be obliged to respect?
You live in AMERICA! Your CULTURE is their CULTURE, duh! They live in AMERICA too. I hope other ‘culture’ infringe on your ‘culture’ your whole life. Your probably one of those idiots that don’t want O’bama to win because his father was Muslim.
I can respect a person and not respect their religious beliefs, just like I can respect a person, and not care for his taste in music. Heidi is not a practicing Hindu, so it may be considered disrespectful of the Hindu religion, but it is not ignorant. Get over it is right.
I can’t see where she is wrong honestly because it’s such a spectacular costume (and Halloween is for costumes, so she’s not out of place..). Fine, the character she depicts may be a Hindu Goddess but obviously she’s not desecrating the Goddess, not attacking a Hindu Temple, not depicting her in a way that is untrue or defamatory. Her behaviour was not to degrade the Goddess character. It’s if someone dresses up as Prophet Muhammad for Halloween.. well, that’s his schtick I guess. But how it desecrates the religion… is kind of off course.
I think Heidi should just issue an apology anyway since she never meant to offend but the Hindus should also view Halloween as an American culture and dressing up is an (entertaining) American schtick..
i still think everyone needs to lighten up and get over themselves. everytime someone does something SOMEONE gets offended. im tired of everyone having to walk on eggshells. EVERYBODY GET A LIFE! lol
OMG people and media! It was only a Halloween costume that probably will never be worn again! Even though Hindu leaders and followers do not celebrate Halloween, they need to realize that this was all in good fun and humor, and not to hurt anyone… It’s like Christmas – it only comes once a year. Get over it already!
Can I just say that I’m a Hindu and i found her costume to be AMAZING.
I think Heidi’s showing her appreciation for Hinduism and the fact that shes exploring different cultures, not mocking them.
Lighten up, people.
“Goddess Kali is highly revered in Hinduism and she is meant to be worshipped in temples and not to be used in clubs for publicity stunts or thrown around loosely for dramatic effects.”
These guys need to tell the Bollywood industry that, because they’ve made a fortune on costumes of the Gods and using them for dramatic effects. Dressing as the Gods is a time-honored Hindu tradition, and I do not believe that Heidi Klum was mocking Shri Kali Ma. I think she did an amazing job depicting her, showing both her ferocity and her beauty.
The people in this article who are complaining sound like Hindutvas to me. Relax, guys. The Hindu Gods understand our intentions; if Heidi Klum deserves punishment for this, she will get it. However, I think whoever designed and constructed her costume did a remarkable job. I thought the depiction of Kali in that Carmensita music video was much more offensive in its depiction of Kali (not to mention the dancing), but I took it for what it was: a send-up of a genre that the artists love.
hahahahahahaha good one heidi!!!!!!
hindus pratice aparthide in India find out what they do to the Dalits, Its disgraceful. Hindus have no reason to complain until they treat the Dalits with respect.
Heidi is a narrow minded B*****. She should have more respect for other ppl’s culture and beliefs . I hope Maa Durga makes her suffer for mocking her .Hope Heidi rotts in hell . Being an Indian myself am so offended by her f**** up ignorance .
oh Just for the record ppl who are saying Heidi did this all in good humour . Religious belief shouldnt be classified as a humorous thing . It is a very senstive issue for strict hindu believers. Heidi being in the public eye should have researched her costume before wearing it . It clearly shows that Heidi is a dumb B****.
this is nuts. so kali is a religious figure but there is nothing wrong with dressing like her!!!! who has ever said it is wrong to dress up like gods?! people have made movies of the Mahabharata & Ramayana and all of them dress up as gods/godesses. the main point is she did not say anything regarding hinduism or kali mata. we dont know how much she knows about kali mata so i dont thnk any1 shud comment on heidi saying she is being disrepesctful or even calling her an airhead. im a hindu and i think she looks fantastic. im not offended at all, infact im impressed. halloween doesnt necessarily mean “dress up spooky”.. i thnk that’s what they should try and understand.
Heidi has every right to dress up as whatever she wants for Halloween or any other day of the year for that matter. And so does anyone else who lives in a country founded on diversity and acceptance of all. IF SHE DID THIS SOMEWHERE THAT THERE WAS A LAW AGAINST IT, IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT MATTER.
On the other token, people also have EVERY RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED if they feel it mocks their sensitivities – But they have NO RIGHT to demand apology when she was PERFECTLY WITHIN HER RIGHTS to dress as whatever she wants.
Any costume for any reason is going to offend someone somewhere. People make their own reasons for why it’s ‘offensive’ and if everyone bowed down and apologized to anyone they offended for anything, that is all people would be doing all day long.
I hope she doesn’t apologize. She doesn’t have to.
There is no way everyone in the world is going to like you, and you just have to get over it if some people don’t.
This is a hilarious forum. And proof why organized religion is evil.
The only way in which she should be held to the standards of the Hindu faith with regard to whether it’s okay to dress as a deity for Halloween would be if she were a MEMBER of that faith. She doesn’t practice Hinduism and we have separation of church and state, so there is no religious mandate for what is acceptable – so it’s her call if she wants to dress as a deity from any religion, and it’s the members of that religion’s call if they want to be offended. I was going to dress as Kali this Halloween, originally, and I was glad to see that she did and went big with it.
People who think that it was “inappropriate” of her, or that she shouldn’t have done so because Hindu practitioners say she shouldn’t – what’s next? It’s okay for Dutch journalists to be threatened or murdered for including images of Allah or Mohammad in political cartoons? Eff that.
one of the reasons models shouldn’t be allowed to open their traps
Heidi is a stupid ignorant bitch
It is HALLOWEEN get over it..
Stop being anal. People don’t get out of their beds every morning with the notion in mind to ‘infringe onto other’s cultures’ by impersonating a religious figure. The point is she did it out of fun – NOT to offend. People need to stop being such pussies. It is JUST A COSTUME. There are a million and one things kids say everyday that might have been offensive to any race or religion, but it is just harmless ignorance. You have to expect it from this day and age where people aren’t exactly.. whats that word again? Oh yeah – perfectly educated. And again, I don’t think people ever will be, so just give them a break and don’t get all blue in the face about it.
Gee, you’re an angry bugger.
Me thinks you need to chant.. maybe some light some candles, burn some sage. Do a bit of smudging. Sip some Sleepytime Tea. Something.
reverse racsim = equality. dumbasses.
Racism is racism, it’s not whites against blacks, or blacks against asians, it’s any race against another! God I hate that shit.
As already stated, people dress up as other religious and political figures. People have to stop being so sensitive.
Ignorant, disrespectful Americans. They are offended because something they love very much is being cheaply represented on a shallow holiday.
They love and cherish their deities, they respect them, they revere them. You can not hold them to the same standards as Americans.
They come from a completely different country and have a very different background from you. It is not light-hearted fun to them. It is an insult to their beliefs and you are making Americans look bad with your ignorant remarks.
look, ok i understand how this os offensive yadda yadda yadda, but what i also on’t like is the threats some people on here are making. “Kali’s gonna get her and you for mocking her” blah blah blah i thought you were meant to be peace loving like not eating the cows and shit. please. i am waiting to see Kali burn down heidi’s ass. i would wait to see kali burn heidi and me alive if it not for the fact shes not real.
I am a Hindu. I do get offended if some one wears picture of an Idol on shoes or panties, but I don’t see the big issue with this particular situation. Here is why.
Beggars (Called Bahurupis- people with many forms) often do dress as Kali. People do fress like Lord Rama at Diwali time during Ranlila celebrations. Little kids often dress up as Lord Krishna.
Hinduism is about tolerance. I am not sure if this is offensive, perhaps strange, may be in poor taste. Since we do not have problem with idol worship, perhaps this needs to be viewed for what it is. A costume. Costumes based on Gods and Goddeses are routinely worn during dance programs and fares by people who are trying to express a view. I am not sure where this woman came up with this crazy costume, but I would be more concerned about some one climing htat their religion is the right one.
I understand why people would be upset by seeing their religious figures made light of at a hollywood party. But, to get some perspective on the subject, the fact that someone dresses in a costume doesn’t change the beliefs or reasons you admire that figure and what that figure represents. does it?
Get the fuck over it, it’s a costume, it’s Halloween, If she would of dressed up as a cow would they’ve gotten so angry, fucking idiots.
Jehovah is too big, too loving, too wise and All Merciful. He was, He is and will continue to be God…regardless of and in spite of man’s actions. I have heard my Lord’s name taken in vain, His image mocked, His sacrifice belittled and His words used in despicable and shameful ways. I, as a person with flaws of my own, am called to forgive those who offend for “they know not what they do”. I have peace because I know that my God is in control and whatever and whoever acts as if my God doesn’t, will have to answer to Him, not to me, because He is God, not me.
Maybe some of us believe our God, is truly God.
P.Diddy went as the Pope for Halloween and are the Catholics demanding apologies from him? Hell no. The Hindu complaining about what is essentially a finely crafted piece of art is being a mega hypocrite, since no other mainstream religion allows deities brought to the flesh like Hinduism does. He’s just being racist because it’s done by someone who is non-Hindu, white, and not involved in a Hindu festivity.
How rude! Just because you don’t share their beliefs doesn’t mean it is “bogus crap”
And yes, they have a right to be offended. That is *their* goddess. They value her and Heidi should have realized that sooner.
Show some respect for other people and their beliefs
Ahhhhh so does every other organized religion. Ahem, Christians believe that a snake spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden of blah blah blah… It’s a little messed up that you would say Hindu’s have out-there beliefs, to each his/her own but yeah, Heidi’s costume was fantastic. …and if Puff Daddy or whatever his name is this month can dress up like the Pope then whatevs
who freakin cares. those people believe in bogus crap!
Yes & Jesus Is real ?
Have you guys noticed that you ALL assumed this commenter was Christian? What’s that about?
I’m Indian and Christian – I’ve always found Jesus as a Halloween costume offensive. But I am on board with Hindu folks on this one – religion is not Halloween-appropriate.
This is inappropriate. You cannot argue that “people don’t get offended about others dressing up as Jesus” etc. because we live in a completely different culture and have a completely different view of religion. Whether you think that the Hindu way of life is “bogus crap”, as someone said above, or not, you should still respect another way of life. It is not simply about your own view point, it is about taking other’s views into perspective, too.
It’s offensive for every religion. It goes to show that religion is not sacred anymore.
Halloween is associated with the dead, with the devil. So for someone to dress up as any religious figure is offensive.
People, Breathe.
That costume is a work of art. And that is how it should be seen (ART). There were enough Pope’s, Nun’s and Jesus around in Halloween this year I bet there were a few Xenu’s Too.
Shut the fuck up! It’s Halloween. we “white people” can dress up as anything we like. as can anybody else. People better start standing up for their free rights or else we are all going straight down the shitter. The only way I wll think Heidi is stupid is if she is actually stupid enough to apologize.
Hindus and Muslims need to get thicker skin!
FREE SPEECH even if it is offensive. Can your god(s) take care of themselves or not?
people dress up as Jesus, Mary, saints, priests and nuns all the time. I see pregnant nun costumes all the time. No one cares.
This hyper sensitivity is angry mob mentality.
heidi klum is hot
What if the person is an athiest? There a big assumption that everyone recognizes the validity of spiritual figures, but in this country (USA) there is no law that mandates you have to believe in anything (Evangelicals is the South may disagree, but it is a free country). The ignorance is on the part of people who expect everyone to defer to their religion, Hindu or otherwise. If a white American (that’s for all of you racists out there who think everything is the fault of white people) sees someone dressed as Jesus Christ but does not believe in Christ, then that person is not going to be offended. I have never heard of Heidi Klum being religious, and if Heidi does not believe in any religion, then isn’t she just wearing an outfit?
It is bloody outrageous that Heidi the ignoramous would do something like this. The point is religion and people’s beliefs and respecting that aspect. Many of you idiots do not regard religion or give it proper respect and find these things funny. A line should be drawn and such nonsense is always found in the United States. A pity that you people claim to be superpowers and superior than everyone else but time and time again you just proved that you are superdumb!
It’s the same when people dress up as Jesus – the difference is that Hindus are more strict in their religion – but it is still the same!
By the way: Why are they mad at Heidi Klum for dressing as Kali but no one ever moans about that bitch Masuimi Max dressing as Kali for her frickin’ shows? She’s even showing off pics at her MySpace and her homepage. When someone’s bitching Heidi, they should do the same with Masuimi Max or hold their peace forever.
Nothing is sacred to Americans, it seems. No respect for other cultures or other religions.
They think everything is fair game and they have the right to do as they please. They complain about the backlash they get when their actions offend people from totally different countries. Grow up.
Show some respect to the Hindu’s and their beliefs.
I can’t believe so many of you think the Hindu’s have no right to be offended when someone who understands nothing about their religion is making a mockery of their Goddess.
…and where should this drawn line stop? Should we all adhere to respecting EVERY belief system out there? Should we stop choosing our own actions based on our OWN beliefs? Should we all become the exact same, conglomerate person that adheres the world rules and has lost all individuality and choice as a person?
I could not agree more, but this is far too level-headed and intelligent for most people. They thrive on being PC and having to find offense in every thing someone else does. It’s like a hobby. A sad hobby that they pretend gives them some kind of importance, but still a hobby. For the rest of us? It’s just aggravating.
I find it interesting that those of you who are arguing that we cannot compare the “mockery” of a western religion (Christianity) to the “mockery” of an eastern religion (Hinduism) are using very western arguments and projecting very western feelings into the equation. Of course they are a religion and of course they should be respected like any other religion, but in our American culture, we do at times poke lighthearted and not-so-lighthearted fun at religions (which Ms Klum was not intending to do). I am still waiting for someone to explain to me coherently why this religion or belief system should be exempt from being treated like any other belief system? (PLEASE do not post any more about “cultural misappropriation” – I read that post the first fifteen times!)
I say “mockery” with quotes because there generally has to be an element of intent, which I believe was missing from Heidi’s action. She obviously personally identified with this goddess, thought she looked pretty cool, and decided to pay her own form of homage to her on Halloween, which is Heidi Klum’s favorite holiday.
It would be nice if, instead of taking angry offense and turning some people off with their anger, these leaders would have taken this opportunity to educate people as to this Goddess, why she is worshipped by them, and why they might find it offensive. People could actually be learning something instead of arguing over it.
talk about over reacting lol
I understand some people might be sensitive to what may be perceived as “poking fun”, but Heidi (in my opinion) didn’t do anything offensive. If she went on a tangent about how “stupid” the culture is, then I could see why people would be mad. But simply wearing a costume and drawing this reaction from the Hindu’s have me baffled.
Thankfully, this(referring to the outrage displayed in these chat rooms) is not the way MOST people react in these situations, usually it’s just a bunch of angry malcontents hiding behind their computers with a bone to pick with anybody who disagrees with them…
If you don;t understand it, don;t wear it.
i don’t see whats wrong with this, Hindu kids dress up like gods/ goddesses all the time. its really not a big deal. she never offended any1 with her actions, all she did was dress up like a certain goddess, whats wrong with that?
You know what? It’s just a day. Just a holiday involving a lot of fearlessness and creativity, and it’s sad that the world is so mired in political correctness that we have to overthink every single costume we choose to hide ourselves in. It’s now November 4th. It’s over. Heidi wasn’t making plans to bomb India or anything; I don’t think she has any malicious intent. If you’re freaking out and hyperventilating right now, just don’t watch Project Runway or buy anything from Victoria’s Secret and you should be fine. And I wouldn’t wait for an apology from Heidi, either.
Hi guys, it’s been really interesting to read some of the comments that have been posted. Yep, so I’m Hindu and do you know what? I wasn’t offended by her costume, it looked like she had put alot of work into it. But I can see why some people think it’s inappropriate. It’s like if Jack Black went as Jesus… It’s not wrong but it ain’t right either
However, it’s really sad to see how ignorant some people are. I don’t think it’s fair to say someone’s religion is “bogus” and it’s pretty stupid to say “heidi is not a hindu, so why should her wearing this costume be blasphemic?”… Really?
*end rant*
This costumes scares me. That aside I live in a community that has a lot of Indians and I can tell you if there is anything that they take seriously it is religion and they are very easily offended in that line. However i think one thing that is clear is that we need in this world is a little more tolerance for different religions and cultures. It is very easy to scream that it is someone’s right to do something but for every action there is a consequence (whether positive or negative) and in this case she had a fun, scary costume but some people (as you would expect) are offended by it. Should she apologise for it, if i were in her shoes i would as it costs nothing to say I am sorry and hopefully those offended will feel better. In short was she wrong in choosing this costume in some ways yes but let us all remember it just for fun and have a laugh about it and move on.
Everyone has the right to state their opinion. I’m American and I have respect for all cultures… and I do understand where you are coming from and want to stand up for your religion/ beliefs. But, maybe if we all stop the hatred bashing and just state why she offends you or not rather than being ignorant about our culture–doesn’t help. I have many friends who are Hindu and I respect their beliefs/culture. Debating and trying to make other cultures understand is not a bad thing.. just don’t be ignorant yourself and stating that it’s American people who are like that.. just dont think it’s the whole country and understand that everyone is different . Two wrongs, don’t make it right.
Oh this is such enormous amounts of feces. Indians aren’t offended by this believe me. Half my family is indian and no one cares. These activist groups are looking to make an issue out of nothing at best and extremely bigoted and violent at worst. The indian government let an actor who was kissed by Richard Gere against her will at an HIV awareness rally get SUED. The woman was just standing there and she got sued. I think there is a lesson to be learned from the West in this manner. No one does this fuckery when someone dresses up as Jesus or Mary. We must not make EVERY issue a bra burning affair. This is precisely the kind of reaction (albeit not violent) that started the Muhammad danish cartoon scenario. I would like to think Hindus are more liberal than that. Hell, half these leaders have never read the Vedas or know that Hinduism is a way of life and therefore deitis are simply irrelevant. They are the human connection to the ethereal and supernatural. We cannot condemn humor in support of this publicity stunt.
I don’t even celebrate Halloween(for religious reasons) but even I still think it’s a cool costume(although graphic and gruesome!) and very creative and well-done. No matter what you do though you can never please everyone and someone will *ALWAYS* be offended.
Just to add to my earlier post. Some people though politically incorrect are right. Immigrant Indians are far more touchy about this crap than Indians in India. I would venture a guess it is because of the racial epithet that still simmers beneath all niceties so any and every poke at the accent or deities is taken as an outright insult. It is also because immigrants who left India 30 years ago are stuck in the India from 30 years ago. India has progressed and no one sent them a memo. I find it hillarious that these groups have the time and effort to look at celeb rags while poverty and hunger destroy lives and families OF HINDUS( since they care so much about Hindu sentiments) and Indians at large that need that attention. This is why I wrote this whole spiel. It disgusts me that these ‘ indo-americans’ have the nerve to pull this fukery while actual issues go unnoticed. A-holes.
All religion is toxic to humanity and it disgusts me that people have to sidestep around all this sillyness as to not offend. Cultural misappropriation? That’s what’s going on with America’s involvement in the Middle East.
“The western culture is laid back and doesn’t mind poking fun…”
Right, crazy lunatic evangelists like Ted Haggard: very laid back. A trait demonstrated when he ran Richard Dawkins out of his mega-church because he couldn’t answer any tough questions; he could only brag about his weekly telephone conference with President Bush and his administration.
Religious fanatics need to get over themselves, whether they be Hindi, Christian, Muslim, etc. and stop worshiping gods and goddesses–especially ones associated with death and destruction (hey old testament god, this means you).
Religion is no longer needed to account for the unknown and to establish a moral standard. Humanity is capable of doing that themselves.
Religion is stupid and so are you if you stand behind it blindly.
And now zealots everywhere have something other than Heidi Klum’s costume to be offended about.
Political correctness taken too far! I find it quite sad that the world has come to this. We used to dress up as cowboys and Indians when we were little. It’s jut a bit of harmless fun. Or you could look at it from a completely different point of view: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Ever thought of that?
Of course she didn’t mean to offend anybody. People need to lighten the fuck up. If she dressed as a rabbi or Moses or Jesus (or even Mary), nobody would give a fuck. I’m sure if she’d dressed as Mohammed, she’d be getting death threats hourly.
Lighten the fuck up people.
I can’t believe how many people are comparing another, totally different religion, to Christianity.
They have a right to be offended considering Heidi was making a gimmick out of their sacred Goddess for Halloween.
Just because you don’t find it offensive doesn’t mean HINDUS CAN NOT FIND IT OFFENSIVE. IT IS THEIR RELIGION and no Heidi’s
Grow up.
Are you daft? it is totally different.
I have to object and say that this is completely different. Though Western culture may be laid back and have no problem with poking a little fun at their religion once in a while, you can’t expect that Hindu followers will have a similar mindset. Although it may have been overkill to demand an apology from Heidi as she obviously had no intention to offend, they have every right to be insulted.
I agree, overly sensitive people indeed. Ugh, people are always going to take offense over something. Can’t we all just lighten up a bit? It’s Halloween, and if you live in this country you should know that all bets are off with costumes and that it is all in good fun, not to be taken seriously. Or would you prefer that we heighten the already out of control PC movement we’ve got going on and put a ban on any costume that could potentially offend someone? I don’t think we’d have Halloween anymore if that were the case. I’m sure there’s at least one person out there that is deeply offended by pumpkins. Besides, it is obvious there was no malice or disrespect behind her costume choice. She wasn’t making a statement about the Hindu religion, for or against, any more than people are who choose to dress up like Buddha, Jesus, the Pope and a slew of other meaningful cultural figures.
Isn’t it great that most people here have to resort to insults instead of arguments? A sign of no legitimate point.
But seriously, how can you criticize her for disrespecting a religion, then turn around and say it is totally different from other people dressing up as Jesus or a Nun? Isn’t that contrary to your argument? You are accusing people of violating your beliefs, and at the same time condoning the same violation to other beliefs.
In any case, the assumption that Catholics or other Christians are not offended by Jesus costumes equates to something being wrong with their belief is just flawed. Why doesn’t it mean that they are just secure in their and are not going to be offended by someone making a costume?
I am sure her reps are going to have her cave in and apologize, but I think it is unwarranted. You say cultural sensitivity; I think you are just pushing oversensitivity.
In Christianity the third of the ten commandments says, “You shall not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.” Similarly we Hindus don’t dress up like our revered deities in VAIN. And so we and not just OFFENDED but ENRAGED…
No, YOUR peta comment is stupid….. and you just prooved her point how people are soooo uptight with everything and can’t take a joke…… damn!!! Chill out people no one said killing animals was cool
your PETA comment is stupid. If she was wearing a cat’s costume nobody would get mad. If she would kill a cat a wear cat’s fur that would be different, you insensitive prick. Do you understand the difference between a costume and a killed being for a sake of fashion and entertainment?
Do YOU understand the difference between being literal and being sarcastic? Please remove the stick up your *** and get over yourself.
Hey you sensitive prick! Did Heidi kill the God damned thing? …NO, she just dressed up as one… for the sake of entertainment! so CHILL THE F***OUT!!
The majority of you seem to have no respect for other people or their beliefs.
So if the hindu nation says “we are offended at you people eating apples” will we all have to stop eating apples or can we have the freedom to eat them if we see fit? Seems silly to me….
At first i thought “whats the big deal, its just a halloween costume” but i have to understand the Hindu’s feelings in this. I am a Christian, and if she had dressed up like Jesus, I would have been offended. So I can understand the Hindus for being upset. I dont think she meant to offend anyone though. so please dont be too hard on her.
I couldn’t agree with you more. In fact, there were people at that Halloween party dressed as Jesus, I’ve seen pictures. No one took offense. Heidi wasn’t even the only one there in that costume.
This is much ado about nothing. In the week of possibly the most historic political activity of all time, people are making a fuss over a Halloween costume? Get a life!
YouAreAnIdiot – Your continued inference that Christianity is a ‘White’ religion is rather misguided as it is a religion that spans the entire globe. In fact the highest percentage of Catholics in the world rests in the Philippines. Your continued posting of the exact same post over and over, with its reference to skin colour (that is not a typo by the way, That is how ‘colour’ is spelt in my country) suggests to me that you want not only to make this an issue of differing ideologies, but one of different skin shades. So for the record I am Caucasian and Buddhist. My first impression of the costume was “WOW!” and my second reaction was to look more into what Kali is. As a Buddhist I have no doubt that the Buddhist community would be fine with Mrs. Klum dressing as a Tibetan god next year or even as the Dalai Lama himself, a tribute I’m sure he would find very amusing.
“Reverse Racism” is an offensive term that suggests that racism is an inherently “white” problem. Racism is universal.
I think Heidi’s evident dedication to replicating an accurate portrayal of Kali shows her respect for the goddess as well as Hinduism. Look at the sensational detail she put into this costume! It’s not like she just threw something together for fun and “dressed up” as Kali. Clearly something about the goddess spoke to a part of her and she wanted to show that. She invoked the spirit of what it means to be Kali with this costume and I don’t think she owes anybody an apology for being so obviously complimentary.
I think Heidi’s evident dedication to replicating an accurate portrayal of Kali shows her respect for the goddess as well as Hinduism. Look at the sensational detail she put into this costume! It’s not like she just threw something together for fun and “dressed up” as Kali. Clearly something about the goddess spoke to a part of her and she wanted to show that. She invoked the spirit of what it means to be Kali with this costume and I don’t think she owes anybody an apology for being so obviously complimentary.
I am from the Philippines, and though it is the only Catholic or Christian country in Asia it does not have the highest percentage of Catholics in the world. Both Italy and Poland have a larger percentage of Catholics in their population, by more than 10% in each country.
While it is a grave assumption, Christianity is in fact a predominantly Caucasian religion.
you might ask yourself, why do deities NEED humans to get offended and do something for them? Too many layers of BS in religion that people don’t consider because they turn off their critical thinking.
yes obviously white people are the problem…ever heard of reverse racism?? you ARE an idiot! it was just a freaking costume….go vote for obama and quit being a bitch…seriously im white, and i respect other people’s cultures and such, it just seems outrageous that we all need to step on eggshells not to hurt each other’s feelings. i know lots of ignorant black people if you really want to go there…
“obviously white christian” ?? you have completely contradicted your point about white people being ignorant when YOU yourself don’t see that christians come in all races and ethnic backgrounds (chinese, korean, hispanic, middle eastern, african)
Lots of people in our culture dress as Jesus, the Pope, God, etc., and there is still reverence for them. This is a different country and “Hindu officials” shouldn’t be allowed to regulate what goes on here. In our culture, on Halloween, it is traditional for people to dress up in shocking, frightening, and outlandish costumes.
hahaha love it.
Yeah you right I don’t give a flying fuck about some stupid ass monkey religion. If you’re offended its your fucking problem, not mine. Get the fuck out of this country if you don’t like something about it nobody will stop you.
You are an idiot asshole. This is not a case of “reverse racism”. It is an instance of cultural insensitivy. I don’t believe heidi klum meant to disrespect ppl. But the fact remains that she used a sacred symbol in a fashion that is offensive to a sect of ppl. Similar to a reaction from a group of catholics that would be angered at the sight of ppl dressed in pope and nun costumes. Its not about catering to ppl’s feelings its about being proactive and knowledgable of other cultures. Additionally I don’t see where “ignorant blacks” fit into your argument, being that this is a a discussion of insensitivity to the religion of Islam. You have shown your true colors, u rascist prick. You will be eating your words when President OBAMA prevails. — since you went and put your own insecurities on blast, bringing up political and racial attitudes that obviously keep u up at night.
There are an estimated 145 million Catholics in Brazil – the highest number of any country in the world, representing 74% (International Religious Freedom Report 2005) of the Brazilian population.
Yaay what do we win?
I like the costume, and there will alwys be someone offended anyways, she could dress as Jesus that I wouldnt have a problem with that. There is a bunch of naughty nuns around and I dont see anyone conplaining.
Cultural insensitivity is what America is all about. Welcome!
islam? i don´t think so, dumbass.
So if she dressed up as a cow would Indians be insulted? People dress up as Jesus all of the time, hell – people even name their children after him. I think everyone needs to lighten up and realize she was just having fun. I’m sure she meant no disrespect. My gosh – grow up.
Just to let you know, this is about HINDUISM, not ISLAM. Talk about cultural insensitivity – you can’t even get the religion right.
The Philippines has a population of 91,077,287, 81% of which are Catholics. Poland has a population of 38,518,241 90% identify as Catholic. Spain has a population of 40,44,191 94% Catholic. So while you are correct that these two countries do have higher percentages of Catholics, clearly with a population greater than both countries put together the Philippines has easily the larger amount of Catholics.
We’re just sayin Heidi should have been a bit more sensitive before choosing to dress up as Kali.
This costume has certainly earned her a lot of attention, but at a high price.
I have just lost some respect for the supermodel for this insensitivity.
I don’t undersand….is naming your child Jesus (which is a sign of religious respect) offense?
Do you realize Hindu is a religion and there are many Hindu people living in America? Our culture is a mixed religious culture. If you think Americans are all Christian, you need to grow up.
ok let the new president hear you say that! dumb ass you go back where you came from! unless you are native american this is not your home land so stop telling anyoen to go back!
and yes this costume is disrespectful and ignorant. if you are a public figure you should know what is and isn’t offensive.
uhm yeah.. how about ppl the people that dress up as Jesus? or buddha???
Use your brain, please. That is not the same thing. Oh and Buddhists do find it offended, and some Christians find it offensive.
Basically.. respect people’s beliefs.
There is nothing wrong with the Hindu finding this offensive. It is their religion and their Goddess.
Heidi was inappropriate.
This is dumb. People will find things to get outraged about regardless what you do. She always has fun with her Halloween costumes and she doesn’t strike me as a person who sets out to offend people.
These were Heidi’s words – “I loved it because she’s so mean and killed all these different people and (had) fingers hanging off (her) and little shrunken heads everywhere.”
What Heidi has said is completely against the belief system of Indian Hindus. Goddess Kali is not a mean Goddess. She destroys evil. Heidi being a public figure, should be responsible with what she is portraying to people. Its not the question of publicity here.
People who see Heidi’s costume ,presented by her on Haloween, would think of Kali not as a Goddess, but as a scary figure. This is not accepable.
How many times are you going to post the same comment? And why does it have to be white people? Ignorance is widespread.
Regardless of your color your creed, YOU(YouAreAnIdiot) have some serious anger issues that you may want to look into getting resolved.
She exercised her right to freedom of expression. Some people were offended. Oh well. I find life is often offensive.
She didn’t wear this at a Hindu temple or to an Embassy dinner. She wore it on Halloween in a primarily non-Hindu venue ( I would imagine.)
I’m disgusted by the lack of people’s respect for other cultures and religions. Just because some Christians aren’t offended by mockeries of Jesus, doesn’t mean Hindu’s can’t be offended by Heidi’s obviously disrespectful costume and actions.
I don’t think she meant harm, I just think she is a bit air-headed and didn’t realize that people LOVE AND WORSHIP Maha Kali.
Just shut the fuck up everyone and take a chill pill who give a shit what Heidi Kulm wore. i don’t understand why everyone is brining different subjects up. stick to the point dumbshits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahahahaha fools
I think if it was another religious figure,….Jesus Christ, maybe even Buddha, Ghandi, Joseph Smith, John the Baptist, Mohammed, etc…. Not much may have been said, or not. I like many believe Kali is just a mythical figure, like Apollo – or some of the other Roman and Greek gods, so the idea of people actually believing in the goddess seems a bit off … I don’t think she meant any harm at all…It is a fabulous costume but we do live in days of weird political correctness. I certainly don’t think she needs to apologize but it is up to her of course and I think she will.
i think her costume was beautiful and i am sure that she didn’t mean to offend. here in german-speaking europe she is a very respected person and she also seems to be very kind (as i saw on tv etc) maybe she really should apologize but only to show that she’s strong enough to handle such situations.
and by the way do i think that people can dress up just as they want to halloween.
just one more brainless blond act….may kali maa show her right path
This is why religions are so fucking stupid! Who the hell cares that someone dressed up as their goddess? Get the fuck over it and stop being so fucking brainwashed!
ITS A HALLOWEEN COSTUME! Seriously, people need to stop being so darn ‘offended’ all the time. It isn’t like she renounced the Hindu religion on her tv show or in an interview. It is a costume and a very creative and amazing one at that. Annoying how people get up in arms over something like a costume. Whatevs!
Show some respect to other cultures and their religions. Just because it isn’t sacred or meaningful to you, doesn’t mean it makes them annoying.
It is something their care deeply about.
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
Wonder if Ms Klum is liking her four extra seconds of attention, since Kali does not like to be mocked. Yet the outrage is not there among Westerners because they can only think in the terms in which they treat their dieties..
The myraid comments stating “Well, people dress like Jesus” as some sort of justification is missing the point. That is Christianity, and it is a different religion, obviously. Thus, this sorry attempt at an excuse by saying, basically “my Western religion does this, so who cares about Eastern dieties” is narcissistic and irrevalent. Just because your religion allegedly allows mocking of dieties means it is okay, because it is your religion? Sorry, game over. If you dress up as deities for Halloween, it shows your religion is having some real problems.
Kali is a fierce diety, and if you want to get into specifics, Ms Klum is only showing Kali in one of her stages. She was never raised in the Hindu tradition and has no idea of what she has done. It is sad she has so little respect for the traditions of other cultures. She wants attention, and she has disrespected and misinterpreted this major Goddess in the most vulgar fashion imaginable. May Mother Kali help her.
Bette
Well, disrespectful or not, it was one HELL of a costume. I’m sure she didn’t mean to offend.
dude…people go dressed up as moses and jesus all the time.
Remember when Seal blew up at the paparazzi for disrespecting him and his family even though they were just doing their job???
Well F**k Seal, Klum and their whole family. I hope the paparazzi eat them alive. Hypocritical bastards!
I bet if she dressed as a prominent figure in the Catholic religion there would be no outrage. People need to relax a little.
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
yeah, its all in good fun, but think about it.. Kali is the goddess of destruction.. do you really think it’s a good idea to embody destructive energy, even in fun. I’d say you’re asking for it.
it was all in good fun…get over it. Everyone has become way to PC to have any fun anymore.
I look forward to seeing her costume every year.
Please…they hock all sorts of souvenier crap with her image on it and they have the nerve to call heidi’s costume sacriligious? Some people need to make a fuss becuase they need the attention. Grow up.
This is no worse that the Holy Land Experience in Orlando. Majorly ridiculous. At least she did a good job with the costume.
I think Heidi’s evident dedication to replicating an accurate portrayal of Kali shows her respect for the goddess as well as Hinduism. Look at the sensational detail she put into this costume! It’s not like she just threw something together for fun and “dressed up” as Kali. Clearly something about the goddess spoke to a part of her and she wanted to show that. She invoked the spirit of what it means to be Kali with this costume and I don’t think she owes anybody an apology for being so obviously complimentary.
How many times to you need to repeat your comment??? I get it already
It’s called cultural misappropriation made worse by the fact Kali is a religious figure. It is completely obvious that some white people are STILL ignorant about other cultures/religions. So much so that they justify Heidi’s airheaded and offensive halloween custom with idiotic statements like the one above. This is my favorite one: “I’m [obviously white] christian and I’m not offended”. Duh, b***hes, it’s not your religion or culture! Why should you give a damn. SMDH
xy mom – Really? Wow…..I went to Catholic school and we used to dress up as Jesus and nuns, etc. on Halloween and nobody cared. Of course, a PREGNANT nun was out of the question, but everything else was fair game, even the Devil! LOL. How times have changed.
Are the people bitching about “white Americans” forgetting that Heidi is actually German? Did the accent not give it away at all? I’m getting a bit tired of the bitching about how Americans suck so much even when an American wasn’t doing something that is deemed offensive by some folks with a wee bit too much time on their hands.
That said, it was a costume. Nothing more, nothing less. There’s actually genocide and other atrocities in this world yet some people find the most inane sh*t to bitch and moan about. If you’re offended, boycott Heidi and move the hell on. This is a prime example of why religion needs to be avoided. Too many people use it as an excuse to say idiotic things and feel validated by it.
So let me get this straight – - Hindus go around killing Christians in India and Westerners of Hindu/Indian descent don’t say a peep. But then then something like this happens and you would think it was the end of the world. This is the United States of AMerica, no religion is off limits for parody, no culture is off limits for ‘mis-appropriation’. We are the oldest constitutional democracy in the world and we enjoy freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, and you can enjoy the freedom to whine.
YouAreAnIdiot – Your continued inference that Christianity is a ‘White’ religion is rather misguided as it is a religion that spans the entire globe. In fact the highest percentage of Catholics in the world rests in the Philippines. Your continued posting of the exact same post over and over, with its reference to skin colour (that is not a typo by the way, That is how ‘colour’ is spelt in my country) suggests to me that you want not only to make this an issue of differing ideologies, but one of different skin shades. So for the record I am Caucasian and Buddhist. My first impression of the costume was “WOW!” and my second reaction was to look more into what Kali is. As a Buddhist I have no doubt that the Buddhist community would be fine with Mrs. Klum dressing as a Tibetan god next year or even as the Dalai Lama himself, a tribute I’m sure he would find very amusing.
Well said!
Guess what folks, Heidi’s not Hindu and she has no obligation to adhere to another religions sanctions. There are a TON of religions out there, if we walked around trying not to offend any of them by our actions, we wouldn’t be doing much of anything! We are free people and can make our own choices, if we hurt anything/someone, we have the CHOICE to be apologetic or not.
I´m offended by anyone worshipping Kali. Death and destruction are her symbols – it´s sick. And you people who think christianity is a white religion are so dumb, as dumb as it´s possible to get. The biggest fanatics in christianity are usually darker skinned… atheism is a way better mark to put on the whiter nations.
what’s funny is those who are offended talk about kali being the goddess of destruction OF evil, yet she had followers in india, called thugs (which is where the english word comes from) who used to strangle travelers on roads in india back in the day. what do you say about that? don’t believe me? look it up. thugee was the cult of kali.
this perception that kali ma is some sort of happy, go -lucky goddess, is nonsense. she was a two-sided goddess.
i thiink heidi’s costume is great although i think her comments were pretty stupid.
Gods are fictional anyway. If people were logical this “blunder” wouldn’t even be an issue. frick. Heidi should dance on the Hindu religious books in the costume while praying to the Flying Spaghetti Monster while holding a cross and praying on a rosary to show how ridiculous it all is.
Pfft, religious people lack sense of humour. It’s a costume, cmon people.
Get a grip it was halloween people. You can not rule our holiday! I do not believe in “pc”, I think if they don’t want to see it, don’t look.
“rule our holiday” WHAT? Can’t the same thing be said for the hindus? “YOU CAN NOT RULE THEIR RELIGION OR THEIR FEELINGS TOWARD THEIR SACRED DEITIES”?
Wow. No wonder the rest of the world hates Americans. Their Religion, their Goddess, their right.
americans have no respect for other countries culture.
is all a big joke until the joke’s on you.
argh…
Yeah, that’d be a good argument, you know, if Heidi was American. But since she’s not? This comment = fail.
Eh? Not a big deal, I feel people take religion way to seriously. These Hindu leaders need to lighten up and look at this as a half glass full. Use this as an opportunity to educate rather then condemn. But like most religions, condemning is what they do best. I think the costume is a home run and folks just need to chill out.
Yeah, because someone is going to see her and make a judgment on Hinduism or Indian culture because of the way a supermodel is dressed for Halloween? Get a grip. Sure, you can get offended, and you have every right to be offended if you so wish, however stupid that reason may be, BUT Heidi Klum doesn’t need to apologise for dressing up in a country where freedom of speech is allowed. It’s not blasphemous if she’s not Hindu, and she’s not saying anything BAD about it, she’s just.. dressing up. I know cows aren’t considered a god, but they’re sacred. Would anyone throw a shitfit ’cause someone dressed as a cow? No. Besides, how does it affect you in any way?! Do you think any less of your god? Do any of the offended people think any less? Do complete strangers think any less? Does it stop you from worshipping? No. So suck up and get over it, that’s life.
I suppose it would be offensive if we were somewhere in the depths of India getting chased around by elephants with curry breath, but we’re not.
This is stupid in AMERICA you have freedom to do you please, if someone doesnt like it STFU. But while we’re at it I find it offensive and DISGUSTING when Hindus let their young children be married off and raped by old perverts.
She’s not Hindu so she should be able to dress up as whoever she wants to. Religious people spend too much time telling other people what to do
IT WAS FUCKING HALLOWEEN! THOSE HINDU PEOPLE NEED TO SHUT THE FUCK UP, WHO CARES IF IT WAS OFFENSIVE? IT ALREADY HAPPENED! THEY SHOULD JUST LET IT GO, BUT I THINK THE PERSON THAT IS WRONG HERE IS THOSE HINDU PEOPLE, PATHETIC SERIOUSLY
AND LET ME GUESS, THEY ARE GONNA WANT AN APOLOGY
HEIDI DONT DO IT! THIS IS AMERICA YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!!
People that get upset about Halloween costumes should shampoo my crotch. Lighten up, bitches. That costume was awesome.
What has happen in our world … Lighten UP! This was a Halloween not a random night on the red carpet. Imitation Is The Best Form Of Flattery!
I just think she’s an idiot if she didn’t see this coming.
Are you people serious? Is the rampant name calling necessary?
Some of you appear quite angry; maybe you should get out more. You know- get some fresh air & sunshine. Talk to REAL people…
I bet you’re killing your fingers & keyboards from all the ‘rage typing’. You should probably check your blood pressure, too.
Woooooooooooo-sahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I might me wrong,but wouldn’t you think that they would be flattered that she put so much thought&effort into the costume?I mean she tried to get every detail right.Or so it seems.I thought that it was a really cool costume:)
I hope they will end up seeing it that way:)
*flatlines@ “shampoo my crotch…”!!!
I’m going to have to borrow that line.
Thanks for the laugh; the snort-inducing chortle that tapered to sporadic fits of giggles!!
But while we’re at it I find it offensive and DISGUSTING when Hindus let their young children be married off and raped by old perverts.” LMAO!! Sorry that was funny to me. Carry on….
People just need to lighten up – it’s only a costume! It’s not as if she was saying anything negative about the religion or going around Hindu-bashing! If religious people (and I mean people of all religions, not just Hindus) were really secure in their beliefs, they wouldn’t get offended when others don’t share them, or even – shock horror – appropriate some of the imagery for lighthearted purposes like this. Why not just accept that not everyone sees things the same way? Respecting other cultures is one thing (and a good thing), but there’s no way anyone should have to tread on eggshells just to avoid upsetting someone else’s delicate sensibilities about relatively trivial things like this. Why not reserve the outrage for instances of real religious and racial intolerance?
Um excuse me, i AM Hindu and consider myself to be quite religious. I found Heidi’s costume to be amazing.
Heidi is a supermodel.
Fashion is meant to create a reaction.
Her costume did just that.
She is a smart woman who’s obviously done her research on the goddess before even thinking about stepping out in that costume this year.
I encourage all of you to read a bit of this
http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/a/makali.htm
Then go back and have a look again at Heidi’s outfit; she’s re-created the goddess down to stunning detail, including the expressions of her face. Heidi’s intent was clearly not to offend; but rather pay homage to her, to a certain degree.
it’s funny that it’s ok for people can dress up as Jesus or better yet as the pope/priests walking around with “little boy” props for halloween but it’s wrong to dress as goddess Kali. i feel people are going to take it the wrong way if u dress up as gods or religious leaders. just don’t do it. it’s not funny. it’s hurtful.
I can understand their outrage…dressing up as a figure of someone’s religion/culture for your own fun is kind of messed up. I know it’s freedom of expression, but I can see why it was offensive!
First, I just saw this and I must respond to YouAreAnIdiot’s comment yesterday. Cultural misappropriation goes both ways. Your comment indicates that it is ONLY white people who are guilty of this. That, in and of itself, is an incredibly ignorant comment. Further, you seem to feel that Hindu is some sort of backwoods religion that is not comprehended. In fact, it is the world’s third most popular religion. Just because YOU may not know a lot about it does not mean that no one does. You also turned a religious issue into one of race. This isn’t about color or race. It’s about religion. You are trying to make it otherwise. In other words, you are misappropriating the thread.
Sorry to rant, I just hate misguided self-righteousness.
That said… I love this costume. I was really impressed by Heidi’s attention to detail, incorporating all of Kali’s different incarnations (symbolized by the items in her hand). Someone on here who is Hindu said she could see how Heidi may have thought it was paying homage. I can see that. She did not attempt to sexify the costume, or make it cute, or even comb that wild hair as many Hollywood chicks would. And, I think she dressed up as what she would love to be: a super powerful goddess. Who wouldn’t want to be Kali? I think the problem many Hindu leaders have is that she did this on Halloween–and that’s a fun celebration, so it may have come across as mocking. But so many Hindu holidays are about celebrating (check out Diwali) that I’m a bit surprised this would offend. I think it is because she is NOT hindu. But again, the detail paid to the costume shows that she must have researched and appreciated this goddess.
As an Indian myself, I think this is awesome. Hindu leaders are a bunch of corrupt assholes and a huge bunch of crazies. They love bullshit stunts like this, like they pulled over Elizabeth Hurley’s marriage to Arun Nayer and Richard Gere kissing Shilpa Shetty or whatever. They should be thanking Heidi Klum for bringing attention to their religion. Anyway, I’m an atheist, but I always thought that the Hindu faith is more figurative than literal. I mean, can you really take such a god/character seriously? Anyway, these Hindu leaders should spend less time complaining, taking donations, and doing worthless poojas and should start taking care of their people.
oh wait its “Disgusting to dress like a hindu goddess” BUT it is k to treat their women like trash, burn them and treat gays like trash????PLEASE SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE…and protest somethign that actually matter
i dont think she meant to offend anyone. It was a great costume (scares me to look at it!). BUT I dont think she understands what it means to dress as a Hindu Goddess. There is some degree of superstition in eastern religions, its obviously not the same as western type religions.
How do I say this… its like, in Hinduism or other eastern religions, the deities are not meant to be fooled around with. You dont dress like them or mock them in any way (not matter how good your intentions were, you were just having fun or whatever). Most likely, you’ll have to face some consequences for doing so. I dont think Heidi and most ppl in western countries understand this concept.
When I first saw the picture, I was like “holy crap!” Like, wow, she’s really brave(stupid?) for doing that coz you couldnt pay me a million dollars to wear that.
I thing Heidi honored Kali here
Kali is quite a Godess and when I saw Heidi’s costume I was awed and really impressed with the image of Kali. In my opinion, Heidi brought Kali to life! the Hindus should be proud and grateful that Heidi’s actions made alot of people want to research and look up Kali Resulting in seeking knowledge of another’s culture.
What’s wrong with that?
0
If you find a Halloween costume offensive, YOU are the one with the problem. Stop worrying about what other people are doing.
well hell yeah! I had no idea that Hindu leaders were reading the same US gossip sites i read!!! sweeeeeeeeeet.
I can see why Hindis would find it offensive, absolutely, but that’s the nature of Halloween — it’s a completely irreverent, all-bets-are-off, taboo-breaking kind of holiday. That’s the whole point of Halloween, isn’t it? It’s the one night where witches, goblins and demons come out to party, and nothing is sacred!
Heidi is a dumb blond, just like many dumb blonds writing here, who doesn’t know anything of substance re: other cultures. Stop justifying white ignorance with cliches and excuses of ‘lighten up’. Lighten up with the Heidi criticism in such a case. Oh wait, white peep dish it out but can’t take it. Duh!
it’s a phuking costme. People need to stop being offended at every mousefart that doesn’t meet with somebody else’s approval.
Get over it already. Waste your time worrying about something actually worthwhile.
I can’t believe anyone actually gives a sh*t about this. World is full of morons with nothing better to do than pi** in somebody else’s cornflakes.
you go Heidi, next year wear something from the Kabbala line. heh.
WHO CARES?! And blah blah blah about cultural insensitivity. GET OVER IT – move on. There are bigger fish to fry.
To me this is like the Pope getting angry over….well, everything. Fervent leaders get uppity over everything. There are probably tons of Hindu people who don’t care. And, creating images of gods and goddesses is actually respectful in Hinduism (generally speaking, but idolatry isn’t seen the same way as other religions), so there are bound to be Hindus who don’t think of this as insensitive. LIGHTEN UP.
Agree 100%. I really think most of us feel its stupid to get so heated over a Halloween costume…we usually just roll our eyes at the comments rather than join them lol
Guys, stop abusing other religions. don’t get offended with that costume.
Seems she did that just for fun and not meant to hurt anyones feelings. So, dont just argue and use filthy language and insult other religions. I am a hindu but I respect other religions same as my own religion bcoz I believe we are all human beings with a god gifted brain which can think which is wrong and which is right unlike other animals.
yeaa ok…and is she was the pope catholics would be mad & if she was Jesus all Christians would be mad…and if she dressed up as a cat PETA would be mad…let’s get over it. it’s a costume. people take things a little too seriously nowadays!
lol if she was a cat PETA would be mad..
love it…and I agree with you
people need to RELAX
You know, on the one hand, her decision to dress up as Kali Ma is a form of sacriliege that possibly she is unaware of. On the other hand, her costume is quite accurate to the Goddess’s likeness which could possibly be out of respect for her. I think that as a follower of the Hindu faith, you would know better than to try and imitate any God or Goddess especially one who has a very strict mandate of how to worship. Coming from a Christian background and a culture that takes pride in the visual representations of religious figures (dressing up as) that Heidi and most caucasians are familiar with, she probably had good intentions at heart although ignorant. I think that it is not about saying that she’s stupid and insensitive for dressing as Kali because we don’t know that for fact, but educating her about the faux pas and the possible hurt that has occurred within the Hindu community of the US would probably be much wiser and stronger. I should also add here that I don’t think that the problem necessarily lies within her choice to dress up as Kali so much as it does for the purpose of dressing up as Her for a Christian/Pagan holiday.
Awesome costume. She always has the best costumes.
yet a child got sent home from school for being dressed as jesus. they are allowed to be offended.
ok its a disrespectful costume we get it. and everyone else sure she was having fun but if something felt disrespectful 2 u i hope u would stand up 4 it. and 4 u morons who say it is a christian country its not. christians killed many native americans, spanish people, french people, english people, and we black people who were forced here. the truth is we mostly came from england. unless ur native american ur family originated elsewhere.
America is a christian country: Is it not? Had Heidi done this in India, then I would have had to agree that it would have been disrespectful… For goodness
sake, she did it in her adopted home, the USA, where at halloween you can
depict any character, religious or otherwise… No one takes offense. Since I am sure no offense was intended, therefore, no apology is warranted.
I don’t think she meant anything by it and i don’t think people should blow this out of proportion. If you are offended, i’m sorry.. but it is Halloween. People dress up as zombies all of the time, does it offend dead people or people who have violently lost loved ones?
Even if it did offend you, there is no reason to get in a huff about it. She did what she did, like her or hate her after the fact. Blowing it out of proportion is just plain stupid.
This is one of the problems in America, people feel they have a right to over-step their personal boundaries and boss other people around because of their beliefs.
As i said, if you are offended..complain to people who agree with you, get it all out and ignore it. Its not like Heidi started dancing around in front of you and poking you with one of her fake arms. IGNORE HER if you don’t like her.
F*ing ignorant! Wh*te ppl don’t get it – they never have! It’s offensive and comparing it to this and that won’t make it acceptable!
Wow, what a wild looking costume!
what a wild imagination to come up with a costume like that. Looks something out of a B movie.
crazy man…
I hate to say this, but any one who worships blue and multiple armed goddesses is a little crazy….Sorry to offend all of the Indians…But it’s just kind of weird how they worship elephant heads and statues…
And this is our culture… why dont you look up halloween and what it stands for?? I know your culutre and respect it.. but it just halloween.
Kali is not simply the Goddess of Destruction. She is also the Goddess of rebirth. Without Kali’s destruction, there would be no new and holy rebirth.
It’s a sad day when people can’t even empathize and respect the fact that others are hurt and offended.
LOL That was THE POINT of my comment. “Free publicity” might’ve been a bad choice of words – however, I can assure if you the statement was completely benine. My meaning was to say that her wearing that costume at the very least could’ve been a catalyst for people to educate themselves on the Goddess Kali. I searched for and read the wiki on it yesterday to find out more, I was genuinely curious after seeing that costume. Not that I feel it was her intent to promote anything, merely a creative costume decision.
People need to put the whole “ignorance/lack of education on the matter” argument to rest.
Oh, and just because you’re educated on the topic, doesn’t mean you have to respect it, like it, or apologize for representing it in any way.
For those of you who want to know – learn about it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali – Mandi
And that would be the point of my comment! “Free Publicity” in that it encourages people to go and find out who this “Kali” person is (perhaps a bad choice of words, but I can assure you the meaning was benine). A lot of people probably thought: What/Who is she dressed up as? I personally looked it up on wiki yesterday to find out. How can that be a bad thing?
People are free to feel offended by this, as clearly was the case, but having an education on the subject matter wouldn’t have swayed me. People who practice the religion are more apt to respect this goddess than people who’ve merely studied it. People need to lay the “ignorance/educate yourself” argument to rest.
Oh and for those interested – learn about it! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali – Mandi
Mandi Lou: “Free Publicity”??? Seriously? I didn’t realize that Hinduism was now ‘marketing’ themselves like a product. Please do this country and your self a favor and educate yourself. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s just ignorant.
She wore a costume.
She will apologize and we’ll all forget about it tomorrow.
Calm the F*** down, people.
A gossip website isn’t really the place to discuss the issues of the world…
Ok Crazy arsh fighting people. I am not religious and yes I am white, but I do respect other religions and cultures. As soon as I saw Heidi this year I knew she was in trouble. It is not that she posed as Kali, its that she made her look like the devil. And yes if someone dressed as Jesus went around exposing himself and trying to have sex with everything Christians would hate him too. After I saw this costume I lost all respect for Heidi and if people of the Hindu religion feel that way as well then it is justified. Maybe next time she will think ‘will this offend a large group of people?’ before she dresses up.
What a load of bollocks… people just get up in arms (hihi no pun intended) about anything heh… i think its a fantastic costume… go Heidi..
It’s a free country. Heidi and anyone else can dress any damn way they please.
Considering there is no god (much less gods), this is PURELY an awesome costume.
I’m Indian and the first time I saw her costume pics, I was impressed. Who is to say that she doesn’t know anything about the Hindu religion? I know more white who are more interested in the Indian culture than Indians are. Plenty of people know about Hinduism even if they don’t follow it. It’s not like she was bluntly attacking the Hindu religion or mocking it. I’m sure those leader’s who are crying over this issue wouldn’t have made a big deal if it was Aishwarya Rai dressed up as Kali. Honestly, I don’t care if people dress up as famous figures or religious figures. At least they are acknowledging those figures. People who didn’t know about Kali before probably know about her now. I’m not going to say “get over it” or “grow up, it’s just a costume”, but there are far more serious things to ‘cry over’ than this. Stop generalizing and stereotyping by hating on whites/westerners cause of what she did and stop hating on Indians/hindus cause of how those leaders reacted. Not everyone is “disrespectful/ignorant of other cultures” and everyone is not “super sensitive over small issues”.
Hinduism is a fucked up religion any way, with their stupid accent. I mean they worship cows, rats and so on. They deserve it fuck em
OMG what an ignorant prat you are….. you reckon its a ****ed religion cause they have ‘stupid accents’…. ha ha ha ha wat a dick…. hihihi you crack me up… loser
Heidi Klum is FUG, no matter what she wears.