I mean...if your first thought is to be a dude from the Crusades because of Muslims in the library, it's not hard to interpret the intent behind it as racist.
But on the other hand, I can't imagine it being an actual problem unless you're antagonizing the people in said costume (or in general). It's not like you're in a suspiciously Klan-like ghost costume here--Templars did plenty of shit other than the Crusades, and weren't a group made exclusively to be racist about things.
But yeah, dressing as a dude people's religious ancestors fought an insane war with in a period when they and their religion won't stop coming under fire for literally any reason probably has way more chance of igniting tensions for its own good.
ill be honest, I was just thinking it because I wondered if it would be "controversial"
that said I have Spanish heritage, so I could be just as offended if I wanted. (of course it wouldnt fly though, crusades are considered bad but the 700+ year dominion over Spain isnt)
to be fair the other reason was just because I dig the look. I found a cool crusader costume in like, party city or something and thought "hey this looks neat". the other reason was what popped into my head when I considered taking it to work.
I hate when Halloween lands on a weekday.
Yeah, crusades weren't all that romantic.
yeah, vacation they weren't. Then again, I suppose war and stuff never really are. But it is testament to the power of time, and how eventually, even the most heinous parts of history, eventually becomes washed down and romanticized.
also it doesnt help that Islam had been going on a conquering spree for a while. Spain was again, held for almost 800 years. And there were other European (and non European) incursions against Christian kingdoms and nations. Europe knew from scripture, that the holy city, (and with it the sepulcher) were not originally under islamic control, and so they went on a counter attack, to "liberate" the place.