I haven’t posted up in a while, partially due to some dental work + pain meds and I’ve been floored. Since I am awake, I figured now is as good of a point to share my thoughts on cosplay. Forgive my horrid use of commas, common overused words, and just “bad grammer” period. Yup, I suck at writing.

Cosplay is a big part of a convention scene and possibly one of the bigger reasons many fans of cons even attend. It is one of the best ways to become “part” of the con, without in essence being “part” of the con events. Be it you go to admire and photo the cosplay you love or dress as a character you love, I feel cosplay is an integral part of the con world.

That aside, I think every cosplayer has their own thoughts on the “rules” of cosplay. I hate to say there are “rules” of cosplay. Rules are often created because humanity as a whole seems to lack common sense or courtesy. You would think you wouldn’t need rules like “Murder is wrong” or even “Stop at stop signs”, but given everyone’s experience when it comes to society we know we need rules.

Rules are designed to keep order and often prevent injury, why does this come into the line of fire when it comes to cosplay? When did something viewed as “fun” need to be policed like my horrid grammar? For some situations I understand rules (again common sense) like “Age Appropriate” in cases people did not realize that “nudity + public = crime.” Let’s also keep in mind; we do keep different sets of “rules” when children are around (if for anything courtesy). So with this, I will start my rant on cosplay and go over “said” rules later.

My take on cosplay is simple… Fun ways to express your love of a character or outfit you fall in love with. Do I think it helps to “know” who you are cosplaying as? Yes. I do feel it helps to know “who” you are mimicking before you jump into their shoes (literally). Besides the fact that cosplay can be a conversation starter, it can also bring heat upon people who are simply “posing”.

Do I feel you should be able to dress up as someone just because you love their outfit? Sure, but at the same time you know you are going to a gathering where tons of people are willing and ready to engage you based upon your outfit. My simple word of advice is to do some research. Let’s also keep in mind, just because I think the outfit is cool does not mean it is something you should “wear”. A good example would be the Baka No Test “Class F Girlfriendless Squad”. In short, they are a comical part of the anime… but seriously wearing a black version of the “KKK” regalia is not going to do you any favors (at least in the US). No need to pull a Nirvana…

A second point on “knowing who you are cosplaying” would be the ever looming, “I am only doing this for attention” label. Are there girls/guys who dress simply to get attention with no real love of comics, anime, and all the stuff that makes us who we are as a community? Yes, you will run across these people. To each their own, but a warning to those who do practice this “cosplay” aspect… “Do not get caught.” “Fake Geeks/Otaku” are not loved for long once they are discovered (usually…). Think of it as the “we had to deal with you through our whole early life (insert whatever they did to you in the past)…” and “now you are trying to come into our territory that you so wonderfully made fun of us before… just cause your hot and dying for attention”. A better example would be going to church for the girls rather than for your religious beliefs. Do people do this? Yes. Can it be considered offensive? Yes. Tread carefully.

Personally I do find people who cosplay with no interest in our culture nor love of the character offensive. I am beyond “like the outfit” or “there with friends”. I am talking about the people who strictly show up because they know “they got it” with no regards or respect for the culture they are “representing”.  They simply want attention and could not tell you the name of a character in any comic/anime world to save their own life. This is different than “us not knowing who you are dressed as”.

Also note, if you really are curious about a cosplay… ask. They may tell you, they may blow you off. If they are like me, they want to tell you about “why they love this anime/comic and character”. You can admire the works someone has done without having knowledge of said subject (a lot of art is like this). Also before you jump to conclusions on “what you think” someone is, you may want to get the facts straight (again just ask politely). I only bring this part up cause it has happened to people.

Do I think its fair that attention seems to go only to a few of the “chosen” when it comes to cosplay? Yes & No. First and foremost, A LOT of cosplayers put time and effort into developing their bodies to fit the “model” of the cosplay they are going as. For everyone who does this, more power to you (exercise is healthy, but please be safe about it).

Keep in mind, people are ignorant at times and may not understand that such a body is not possible for a lot of people. Also, many people are simple “born that way”. Like it or not, we are not born with the same body type. Should we hold that against those who “fit the mold” (and those who don’t)? My stance is simple, respect people either way. Cosplay is not a lifestyle for everyone, for many it is simply a hobby. It is meant to be fun and if you wish to take it to the next level (awesome), but understand not everyone is as “cosplay focused” as you may be. I simply ask people to respect the other cosplayers around them, rather than tear down those you view as “inferior”… support and enjoy the community around you. There will always be haters, don’t let their hate ruin your weekend. I also ask that cosplayers stick for one another and not tolerate bullying of any sort.

That word respect is also coming back into play. While we are on body image, I feel that there is a double edged sword in play for both spectrums of the cosplay world. While you may not “fit” the mold of said character… many people will be insulted and smashed because they cannot be “the ideal size, skin, gender… you name it”. My retort question for you (who insult) is, “Why do you care?” If you don’t like the “male moon / Spanish moon / fat moon” or whatever it is, keep walking. They know what they “look like” and they don’t need your 2 cents on the matter. I’m sure every single person there “chose” their physical/mental identity right? Genetics? That’s just some made up word… So everyone out there who loves to cosplay (or wants to), Be Confident!

I know the arguments people want to make on the subject of race, gender, and body frame. I always say “use a bit of common sense”, however it shouldn’t prevent you from showing love for a character you want to be. Not to mince words, but some of the best characters I’ve seen were not always the best “correct” ones (as people like to say). First of all I have seen amazing gender bends in both directions when it comes to crossplay *(FMA and Free). Two of the better Elsa’s I’ve seen was not your typical stick figure princess builds that often get immortalized; One cosplayer was Asian and the other female was not “thin” (I am horrid with wording). Finally my favorite Cloud’s have been done by a female and a black cosplayer. Seriously, demographics and geography arguments aside, we are not making a movie; we are emulating characters and outfits we love. Had we abided by the rules of “character correct”, I would never have witnessed these awesome cosplayers.

Continuing with “Respect”… You do know many cosplayers are dressed that way after a character or outfit they love right? You also realize most comic/anime characters lack in clothing (or just logic when it comes to armor) too. Given you KNOW this ahead of time…

Please respect those people as people and not objects. Yes I understand the argument goes both ways. “Don’t dress a certain way if you don’t want to be viewed a certain way”. Sure if I dress up as a priest and walk around town, someone is bound to think I am a priest (remember posing as law enforcement is illegal). Seriously? That is your viewpoint. You do realize this is an “anime/comic con” right? I don’t believe they have “eighth grade syndrome” and truly believe they are the character they are dressed as (as in all day every day). They are dressed that way because they want to be/like/love that character for a few days. They have their reason, in fact you could even try to polity ask “what inspired them vs…” to perhaps get some deeper insight to their reason/choice.

They know what they look like, trust me. I do believe there is a bit of added fan service at times (again… its comic/anime), and for those who have it – more brownie points and power to you. Yes, some of them do make money for doing what they love (and it helps them continue to do what they love), but if you could make money (or do) doing what you love you would too!

Note that often they are wearing what said character wears or a gender altered version. Instead of pointing the finger at cosplayers “dressing who they love”, you could call out developers and artist who designed said character and ask “So… those boobs deflect bullets… or do they not care to guard them?” The sexualized stigma associated with these characters is a cultural concept. It is up to that society to change the concept and up to us as individuals to say something if we feel that said concept needs to be changed. If you attend any major con, there are panels where discussion about the “over sexualized nature of both men and woman” take place. I encourage anyone who finds this subject kicking in their brain to attend!

My final note on the more revealing cosplay; Please respect the person. This is a con, not a person posing as some “other identity” all the time. This is an atmosphere where like interests are joined in a common point and we all get to share in the experience. Just as someone may not “fit the character”… please keep your sexual and often rude comments on those who “do look the part” to yourself as well. Are they attractive? Yes. Do you need to go up and put your hands on them? No. Do you need to make lewd comments on them? No. Do you have a right as a human being to try? Sure, we all have choice (albeit wrong). You’re making a choice that I would hope get you removed from the area immediately and put on the con blacklist (and possibly charged with sexual assault ^^). With that, please know (for all cosplayers) to be alert of surroundings. As sad as it sounds, the world is not “safe” at all times. As con goers and fans alike, the least we can do is look out for each other and speak up against unwanted “assault”.

Do it right or don’t do it all… So this got played out pretty hard when “said store” issued a shirt with that wonderfully printed on it. I feel cosplay covers a huge range and I believe that range is important to note. I will also stress common sense for a variety of my rant here.

A fine example is know the time and place. I always feel it off that Naruto is as a Star Trek Convention. I would almost argue the reverse, but there have been animations of The Hobbit, Star Trek, Dr. Who, and most other sci-fi verses. I would say be mindful of the atmosphere you are entering. If you are going as a character “defined as out of place” you will probably hit some heat. There is a sense “but we’re all the same community”, but I would almost classify it as “grouping Asia”. Just cause I’m Asian doesn’t mean I am “Chinese”. I would note to the “offended” that people sometimes “do not know any better” and perhaps should take the opportunity to talk to them.  Do I ever feel right to “bully” someone? No… but at the same time I would say “common sense”. Why is Naruto at the Star Trek Convention and people get upset, yet a Trekkie at the Anime con is ok? No, really… why? For every elitist out there who calls foul please explain to me why you find it ok to be Captain Red Shirt at the anime con, but get mad if they show up to “your con” dressed as Naruto?

If this “rule” would hold true… the following groups should re-think stepping into the Anime Con World. Homestuck, Marvel (unless you are the anime version), DC, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Star Wars, Hobbit, Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Steampunk (unless anime character based)… Yet I see you all at almost any anime con I visit.  Do I really care? No, but turn should you when these other worlds cross? I mean we all love cross world… (well sometimes.)

There are some “breakers” here that can be noted. Some cons are known for “all are welcome”. Anime cons are pretty well known for having anything and everything cosplay wise, however at the same time as a cosplayer you often know “which con” to cross world cosplay at. Best rule of thumb, do a little research and you may even find some new things out there.

This (somehow) leads to the second thought on this rant… Not everyone is “pro” like you. People love to cosplay. I often think its sad that people will skip because of what others will think of them. I always feel (aside from a joke try), that supporting cosplayers of all levels is important. From the cardboard cutout Gundam to the amazing replica that is Clive Lee, I feel showing love for all aspects is important. Like people, we often find something good about people and showing that love is the more important. That person who is the starter phase knows they stand out, but feeling support and consideration will also help that person grow in their love.

I also feel that there are two levels here; the buyers and the makers. I am a buyer. I order mine off the net for simple reasons. One, most of my time is devoted to watching and “reviewing” the multitude of anime that exist. Two, I do not have the time (as a result of life, work, and reviews) that is required into making the wonderful handcrafted cosplay out there. Three, I do not possess the skill set to make my own and due to time constraints.. have the time to learn said skills. In the end I feel, I work for my money. I take that money and order the cosplay over making it myself. Is it cheaper? Yes, if you do not believe me please talk to some of those cosplayers who make their own and inquire what it takes to make those outfits.

Keep in mind; I do feel there are certain things to note as a buyer. One, never take credit for something you did not do. Two, unless a contest has an open end competition, dodge anything “judged” as you did not make this. I do give exception if the creator is present and identified as part of the competition, but not modeling their design themselves.  I think the buyers are often there for the “atmosphere” to begin with and often will be on a different level (outfit wise) when ordered to even try to fool people into the higher level conversations. Three, cosplay judges will ask you!

As a buyer, I also feel you should not be shamed nor should you take heat because you bought it. Many people order their cosplay or several pieces of it. I love the feeling of being part of the con and surrounded by people that enjoy this aspect as much as I do. If competing is something you wish to do, I do recommend giving your talent a go and try building your own. Building your own always brings a different level of joy to the cosplay world.

For the “Makers”… I feel that they come in all shapes and designs. I do believe competition wise there needs to be different levels. I think it’s important to realize that this aspect of cosplay takes a different level of dedication and time. I always feel that respect be given in all cases. Every maker started somewhere and short of being a genius or already having talent, odds say they may not fit the “best in slot” category. I feel it is our job as a community to encourage their growth. My only second note on this would that competition is a whole different realm. Not everyone is nice, not everyone is going to compliment you, and that you will be judged on your skill. Common sense comes back into play and if you enter be ready for some criticism. As a former art major, criticism in this case can be very helpful as many judges are cosplayers themselves.

Another huge aspect of cosplay is the photos. Clearly I have my thoughts when it comes to shooting photos of cosplayers…

First when it comes to the legal aspect, I have no legal knowledge. I don’t really hold any grounds nor knowledge when it comes to this area and simply will state to respect the wishes of the cosplayer. I would also note always credit your photographer if they do work for you and ask them about any of the technicalities when it comes to said info.

My thoughts are stemming from the “common courtesy” aspect of cosplay photographs. I would like to give a heads up to cosplayers, people may take your photo (surprise huh?). I would ask even if you did not want it taken to always talk to them in a courteous manner. With that said…

Dear photographers, please ask before you snap a shot. Also be specific about what you are asking. From poses (we are not all professional models) to if “you want to take the picture” with them, be specific. Also note that people may not “be in the mood” or what to be photographed please respect the wishes of the cosplayer. Please be alert as well! Keep an eye on “where” you are taking the photo and try not to clog lanes of traffic and if possible move to a better location. I do ask if you plan on publishing/displaying the photos to alert the cosplayer to note any objections. It is also a good opportunity to hand them your business card!

Another quick note is to “Be Mindful”. Often “certain” people are targeted for photos, even when they are with a group. There is no worse feeling than having three out of four of your friends photographed and you get left out. I know it’s a stretch, but if you can catch the whole group. Your intentions are clear if you only snap a shot of “Cute Girl A”, but leave “Girl B, Boy A, and Boy B” all in cosplay out. As an observer I’ve noticed some amazing cosplay only get a few shots because they “weren’t what the photographer was looking for.”

I would also advise the whole cosplay community to keep an eye out for creepers. This goes to the point if you feel photographers are taking “inappropriate photos” without consent. I would always recommend reporting them to the con officials (and even snap a photo of them if you have a phone or camera on hand). You may want to also alert the person being photographed. I feel that cons should always be a safe place for everyone and such behavior should never be tolerated.

*Whew…*

With all of that said so you understand my mentality on cosplay just a bit better… I think I can state what I feel are the “rules” of cosplay.

1)      Have Fun!

2)      Golden Rule (Love one another theory; I know it’s cheesy but so true!)

3)      Respect (Be mindful of others and the environment you’re in!)

4)      Stay together! (Both as a cosplay community in spirit and as you go about your day! Safety!)

5)      Work out how you are going to go to the bathroom! (Serious here…)

6)      Confidence! (Love who you are! Cosplay shouldn’t be restricted by gender, race, etc…)

7)      Again… Have Fun! It’s a con, enjoy those three days!