How's life? I hope it's going well for you. I have a little over 2 weeks left in the semester and I couldn't be anymore ready to start summer.
Summer work, summer cosplays, summer temperatures, summer events- just SUMMER!
Anyways...
I have been diligently preparing for finals while working here and there on cosplay- mainly the evil (but beautiful) Queen Nehelenia from the Sailor Moon SuperS arc. I've been slowly tearing apart one wig and sewing wefts into the main wig. I just got my buns from Arda in the mail and I'm excited to put those on to see how it looks.
I also recently received my re-ordered white and blue fabric for Weiss Schnee from RWBY. When I ordered it the first time, the white was too yellow tinted and the blue was too blue. Now- everything is perfect and I can soon begin work on that... well, after Nehelenia's dress is done.
BUT I DIDN'T COME HERE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT I'M DOING- I CAME HERE TO JUST TALK.
This is my first post under the category of "Nerd Talk". It's where I just rant and rave about things- good or bad- and hope people interact with my thoughts and stream of consciousness.
Just recently, I got on the subject about how cosplay is perceived by people who don't cosplay or maybe people who tried but just found it "not worth it" for them. Before I dive into my opinionative opinion- I have to say, If you are one of those people previously mentioned: I AM IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM SAYING THAT YOU HAVE TO LOVE COSPLAY.
I am only shedding some light on what we as cosplayers do (maybe disproving some pre-conceptions) and how you can totally think cosplay is not worth it to you but please respect the fact that there are an abundance of people that cosplay. And, I hope, that from all this you realize that cosplay is just as much as a HOBBY as is all your other "normal" hobbies.
Without further adieu- the rant:
I would be lying if I said it wasn't infuriatingly frustrating to have to deal with people who deem cosplay as "not worth it" or "a waste of time/money". It IS frustrating as a cosplayer to have to explain yourself like:
" Look, cosplay and the idea behind it is just as much a basic hobby as is sewing regular clothes or fixing up that junker car into your dream car like you've been talking about for the past 4 years."
And people still don't get it.
I can't wrap my mind around why people don't. I mean... when I weigh the similarities:
- spending loads of hours searching for references and inspiration for the project
- spending loads of hours searching for said parts/pieces
- spending loads of money on parts/pieces
- spending loads of hours putting together those parts/pieces
- spending loads of hours messing up and wanting to smash your head into a 2x4
- having the mini-accomplishment of getting over the challenging hurdle so you may continue on with the project - only to meet another challenge and repeat the previous bullet
- feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment when you finish a project or even just a section of it
- getting really excited about the project and, admittedly, talking about it A LOT
- sharing your work once you are finished; hoping for support and "oo's" and "ahh's"
- immediately setting yourself up for the inner struggle: "what will my next project be?"
Like how is this any different?
Is it because of the stigma associated with cosplay that "normies" seem to never shake?
Everyone thinks cosplay is associated with the kinky version of roleplay (which, I'm not saying it isn't, it CAN be... but not what most of us do is that type of 'cosplay') or anyone who cosplays is a "loser" who "lives at home". They think that cosplayers are only concerned with cosplay and not the "real world."
To be comical- I don't see how it can be affiliated with the kinky costume version of roleplay and still be a loser. Like- that loser is getting some. Most would consider that "winning."
In all seriousness though- while I do live at home during the summer, I can say I don't feel like a "loser" or that I am not in touch with the "real world."
I don't see how "loser" relates to me when:
- I have a large group of friends who are wonderful people and great to be around
- I have a hobby that allows me to explore my creative potential and connect with even more people who soon become friends
- I have an immediate family that supports and sometimes even helps with my projects
- I have been able to take part in some pretty amazing events and see some great things happen to others
And my "real world" experience extends to having a summer job for 2 summers in a row (hoping for a 3rd); pushing and focusing on college for the past 4 years; having to manage finances and cut back on certain things (including cosplay- surprise!); and manage an apartment with my roommate.
I believe those are some pretty normal "real world" events right there.
I think what can be even more disheartening is when the criticism comes from family members. Not everyone can have parents or grandparents who support their costuming endeavors. I've certainly received some complaints from family who don't get it- even from those who do. It's a constant struggle to be accepted by your family and help them see how much fun this hobby is- maybe even get them involved.
My advice to cosplayers who may have run into this or might in the future: stay calm. Not everyone gets each other's hobbies (I mean, I can't get into the figma collecting hobby and that's even within the realm of convention goers) and that's ok- be sure to be respectful of what their hobbies may be if you bring them up in comparison. Explain cosplay calmly and simply- people who have a distaste for it may not want to listen to you ramble on about it (unfortunately). If you can capture their attention, elaborate more. Don't get up in arms- don't be that white knight of the internet (except in real life if that's the case). It doesn't reflect well when you let your negative emotions get the best of you. Remember- you still have friends who cosplay and who get you.
My advice to people who don't get cosplay: talk to a cosplayer. Instead of believing these notions that may or may not be true- talk to someone who does this as their hobby. If your pre-conceptions are based off an online image, realize that social media is meant to be social and not everyone airs their personal business or dirty laundry to let you in on what they may or may not be doing in the "real world". Look at the bullets of how hobbies are similar above- think about any hobbies you have that may fill some of those things. Compare it to your own interests and maybe you'll see how we're not so different after all. Maybe our hobby is more expensive than your's- but understand the passion that may drive your hobby and apply that to cosplayers. You don't have to still think cosplay is "worth it" but maybe you can respect it a bit more from a common ground.
OOOF- such a powerful topic right off the bat.
Slow down there, Taka, you're going to hurt someone.
But I hope this was enlightening, relatable, and worded well. Again, I do not mean to offend or harshly criticize the opinions of those who "don't get it".
I am just hoping for some understanding and tolerance so that maybe next time you see a convention in your town/city and you see the cosplayers roaming the streets or in McDonald's, you can appreciate their passion and help weed out the crowd of people who harass cosplayers for being "different" outside of a convention atmosphere.
Yes- it happens. But that's a discussion for another time.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day/night.
I shall be back with more posts... well, whenever!
<3
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