Dallas must be really proud, for some 697 cosplayers descended on the city at the weekend in a valiant and noble attempt to break the Guinness World Record of “Largest Gathering of Game Characters.” Men and women young and old paraded around the streets in Mario costumes, Link costumes, Chun-Li costumes and so on.

You know, it’s really easy—really easy—to tease these people, but I’d rather defend them. They’re not hurting anyone, not bothering anyone, keeping to themselves. They’re only crime, I suppose, is dressing a little silly. And what harm is there in that?