As I was talking to a friend about my upcoming weekend, I had a co-worker interrupt our conversation commenting on how he thought cosplaying was weird. It was so weird that people would spend all this money and get all dressed up and into some show or video game. I decided not to return the observation regarding his overly obnoxious apparel during football season. Instead, I shrugged it off, replying that everyone had something they were into.
Despite the truth of my statement, I recall growing up that there was a certain level of taboo around cosplaying and conventions. Living in the Denver area, and being an adult now, I don’t have to face that judgment as often anymore. I would have never told my friends in grade school that I secretly harbored the desire to cosplay though, let alone have actually attended a convention.
I suppose it is a culture that a lot of people don’t understand. Why dress up? What is the draw? Why spend all this money (and trust me, the conventions I attend are cheap compared to San Diego Comicon or a lot of other conventions) for one weekend? To mainstream society, it is a largely unknown hobby.
What people don’t see is the culture that goes with it. Each convention is a deadline to finish a costume. Every costume, no matter how poorly done or how rushed or how detailed, is a work of art in itself. I am never fully satisfied with my costume, thinking there is always one more thing I could have done, or noticing every little detail that I messed up on. I imagine it is what a visual artist feels after many of their sculptures or paintings are completed. Yet I still wear my costumes, even if I know I’ll never think they are perfect.
At the conventions themselves, there is a natural sense of good will and camaraderie. No matter how unsatisfied I am with my costume, I always receive compliments from others. I love looking at the other work that people have done. It isn’t a comparison, just a simple appreciation of their work. Some people go to art museums, I go to conventions.
Additionally, there is a full acceptance of everyone’s choices. You can be and represent any gender, sexuality, or preference there is. I’m sure some harassment occurs, but overall, people are very accepting. There is plenty of alcohol and drugs to go around, and you will be offered some. If you aren’t interested, there is no push to indulge. It tends to be good people just looking to have a great time. It’s also an excellent way to meet people and form some long lasting friendships.
So I look forward to my weekend, where I will spend three days at Colorado Anime Fest. I’ll be dressed up as Jasmine from Aladdin (with some modifications to compensate for my bulging tummy). I’ll attend panels, meet people, and simply have a good time. This experience beats a sports game for me any day.
I didn’t know you wanted to do this as a kid. I remember your desire to go to the Renaissance Faires, but that is not the same.