At this point, it has been thoroughly established on nearly every corner of the internet that blackface is bad. The history of blackface, with its roots in racist minstrel shows, has been outlined. The racist implications of blackface, the way it stereotypes, exaggerates and demeans black features, has been explained. In other words, the information is out there. It’s all over Facebook timelines and Twitter feeds. Therefore, anyone who willfully chooses to don blackface (and other culturally appropriative costumes) this Halloween is making a concerted effort to be stubbornly ignorant.

ATTENTION: BEING BLACK AINT NO COSTUME AND IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DO BLACKFACE BE PREPARED TO GET SLAPPED TF UP ‼️ pic.twitter.com/RMKESwCrxD — ReRe . (@MissTyreiona) October 24, 2016

Nicki ain't even darkskin. This wasn't necessary. RT @emmajohns129: Nicki Minaj and Drake in the cut 🎤💕 #DynamicDuo pic.twitter.com/E9aUwd8TSG — not reezy (@febreezanator) October 27, 2015

If you’re planning to wear blackface this Halloween, take a step back. Look at your life; look at your choices. Is it really necessary to blacken your skin in order to portray a black character or celebrity? Do you truly feel that doing this isn’t demeaning to the people who have to walk in this skin every day and don’t have the luxury of washing it off at the end of the night? If you consider all these things and you still decide to go for it: congratulations, you’re being racist.

So this Halloween, blackface wearers, you do not get the benefit of the doubt. Do not act indignant, shocked, or surprised if you get called out for wearing a racist costume. Don’t say that you didn’t know blackface was bad. Don’t compare wearing blackface to something harmless like wearing a wig. Don’t claim innocence. Don’t complain about political correctness. Don’t pull the “reverse racism” card. Just admit it. Just admit that you knew your costume was messed up, and you decided to wear it anyway.

Happy Halloween!