American Nightmare

I'm putting together a costume for Burning Man. It's all around the theme of the American Dream, gone horribly horribly wrong. The truth of the world today is just as sinister, just not so visually repulsive.

Here are the main pieces of the costume. I have yet to get them, so I haven't been able to assemble it yet. They will be modified somewhat to look more "official", possibly incorporating a government looking seal.

EyeClops Nightvision Mask ($80)

Respirator, Coveralls, Chemical Apron, and 28" Chemical Gloves, all totaling approximately $65.

These parts combined with a pair of black boots will create a look that will cover up the entire body, leaving no sense of humanity beyond the humanoid shape, much like HalfLife 2's Combine Soldiers. Combined with some audio on loop possibly similar to 1984 - War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength, or possibly more aptly, incorrectly telling people they do not have the right to take photographs and to report suspicious behavior immediately.

Maybe this isn't the Burning Man many know and love. It's dark. It's dystopian. It is performance art designed to provoke thought, not laughter or smiles. Is it my dream? No, but I am tired of the security theater and crumbling of civil liberties that is the reality of today's world.