system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why is it offensive to dress up as an Indian or a black person?

As a white guy I just don't get it. If someone wants to dress up as a cowboy, a hillbilly, etc. it doesn't hurt my feelings. I'm not offended. Why is everyone so easily offended by silly costumes?
gpt
Cowboys and hillbillies aren't races, they're things you choose to do.  They also aren't necessarily "white things" Being Indian or Black isn't a choice, it's an integral part of who you are.  When you dress up as another race/ethnicity, you're essentially taking their identity and reducing it to a costume that can be worn.  It may not be *racist*, but is almost always insensitive and even partially dehumanizing.