Beneath the Layers - a new cosplay interview series
I'm posting this on my various sites so that I can reach as many people as possible.
This project was inspired by a friend's initiative at A-kon to turn something negative about conventions into a positive. Anytime she was sexually harassed while in cosplay, she was going to donate $2 to the local women's shelter. Even though she was in a ballgown, she still raised $30.
She made me think about how the issue of sexual harassment has affected my cosplay choices and my enjoyment of a convention. Sexual harassment, bullying, and general disrespectful behavior is rampant at cons, and that is not okay. For some reason, attendees think real world rules and manners do not apply to them at a convention. I know people who had half of their elaborate costume ripped off by an overzealous glomper, who were pressured incessantly to have their picture taken (even when not in costume), who were bashed on-line for no reason other than they didn't fit someone's definition of "pretty", who have been threatened with physical injury, and who were raped. These are girls and guys of all ages. I've dealt with some of this myself at certain conventions. At others, I've had no problems because I was treated like a person, not an object of someone's sexual fantasy.
Cosplayers frequently get the worst treatment because they are viewed as characters rather than real people (even though such fans forget that a lot of characters would probably beat the living crap out of them if they were touched). Then they get judged for their race, gender, and size, instead of being recognized for their costuming abilities. I've mentioned cosplay to people before, and immediately there's a fat joke or a remark about attention whores that follows. I refuse to tolerate this kind of behavior, in addition to the disrespect at conventions, anymore. In Japan, photographers would kindly ask for permission to take your picture, offer to send links to where the photos would be posted, and never cross the line with inappropriate behavior. This should be the norm.
I want to interview cosplayers for my blog and get to know them beneath the layers of fabric (the title is also a pun off the Japanese term for cosplayers). Many "Cosplayer of Month" features seem to be focused on attractive girls with modelesque physiques or people who happen to look like the characters. I want to recognize cosplayers for their skill, dedication, and love, and I want to see what they have to say about the issues of harassment and bullying. Even if we're pretending to be a fictional character or some celebrity, at the end of the day, we're unique individuals who deserve to be treated respectfully and be recognized for our hard work.
Please let me know if you'd like to help out. I want perspectives from all ages, genders, and genres. In the future, I hope to incorporate perspectives from steampunks, Lolitas, and maid cafe members because let's create a welcoming environment for all con-goers.
This project was inspired by a friend's initiative at A-kon to turn something negative about conventions into a positive. Anytime she was sexually harassed while in cosplay, she was going to donate $2 to the local women's shelter. Even though she was in a ballgown, she still raised $30.
She made me think about how the issue of sexual harassment has affected my cosplay choices and my enjoyment of a convention. Sexual harassment, bullying, and general disrespectful behavior is rampant at cons, and that is not okay. For some reason, attendees think real world rules and manners do not apply to them at a convention. I know people who had half of their elaborate costume ripped off by an overzealous glomper, who were pressured incessantly to have their picture taken (even when not in costume), who were bashed on-line for no reason other than they didn't fit someone's definition of "pretty", who have been threatened with physical injury, and who were raped. These are girls and guys of all ages. I've dealt with some of this myself at certain conventions. At others, I've had no problems because I was treated like a person, not an object of someone's sexual fantasy.
Cosplayers frequently get the worst treatment because they are viewed as characters rather than real people (even though such fans forget that a lot of characters would probably beat the living crap out of them if they were touched). Then they get judged for their race, gender, and size, instead of being recognized for their costuming abilities. I've mentioned cosplay to people before, and immediately there's a fat joke or a remark about attention whores that follows. I refuse to tolerate this kind of behavior, in addition to the disrespect at conventions, anymore. In Japan, photographers would kindly ask for permission to take your picture, offer to send links to where the photos would be posted, and never cross the line with inappropriate behavior. This should be the norm.
I want to interview cosplayers for my blog and get to know them beneath the layers of fabric (the title is also a pun off the Japanese term for cosplayers). Many "Cosplayer of Month" features seem to be focused on attractive girls with modelesque physiques or people who happen to look like the characters. I want to recognize cosplayers for their skill, dedication, and love, and I want to see what they have to say about the issues of harassment and bullying. Even if we're pretending to be a fictional character or some celebrity, at the end of the day, we're unique individuals who deserve to be treated respectfully and be recognized for our hard work.
Please let me know if you'd like to help out. I want perspectives from all ages, genders, and genres. In the future, I hope to incorporate perspectives from steampunks, Lolitas, and maid cafe members because let's create a welcoming environment for all con-goers.