The Urban Dictionary say’s "Cosplay: It is a word that has it's root in costume play. It is both a noun and a verb. Cosplay can mean the actual costume, as well as the action of wearing it Contrary to popular belief, many cosplayers (well over 98%) do not believe they are the characters they are "cosplaying" as. Cosplays are typically worn to anime conventions. And say’s anime noun: a style of animation that originated and is still heavily centered in Japan.
The word 'anime' is based on the original japanese pronunciation of the american word 'animation.'
The stereotype of the anime style are characters with proportionally large eyes and hair styles and colors that are very colorful and exotic. The plots range from very immature (kiddy stuff), through teenage level, to mature (violence, content, thick plot). The classification of 'hentai' is given to animes of a stong sexual nature.
Although over 95% of anime has nothing perverted about it, most closed-minded idiots think anime is always a form of pronography." And aside for countries of origin, neither cosplay nor anime are racially bound in any way. No one character or costume is set or bound by the color, shape, size or gender of a person. Nor are they exclusive of any political or religious groups/organizations and or country. The idea of costume play is not new or original. And no other forms of costume play has the intense stigma attached to it as when you mention cosplay. It seems incredible while people around the world every year participate in events where they wear elaborate costumes. Such as Mardi Gras and Carnival festivals. Only large budget, highly advertised Cosplay events are thought to be of a non-sexual nature. Many cities have a large and diverse cosplayer community. But holding and promoting a costume event is like trying to promote a secret meeting. Many cosplayer’s and promoters are just as at fault with the perception of the negative or sexual aspects of cosplay. At many events for Anime and or Cosplay attending and trying to participate that don’t fit the (so called) type are profiled, harassed, intimidated even bullied by others. Some sponsors at these events even go as far as to ask that security keep certain people way from their kiosks or booths. Because they fear they will attract or detract others.
No one is against an owner or promoter of wanting to make sure that their event goes well and or profit from it. But to target someone just based on, One: Race, Two: your perception that they don’t fit the character, Three: financial ability, meaning their costume isn’t top shelf.
I’ll go in reverse or here to state my points. Number three: No one wants to see a bad Cosplayer. Most people put some real effort into choosing, preparing and wearing what they attend an event in. So even if you waited until the day of the event to purchase your ticket. You can make an effort in attending as your chosen character. Don’t just slap on some make-up and a wig and mask. Then go to an event claiming to be Sailor Moon
Number Two: If someone does attend making an effort to be a particular character. Don’t “Shit on them just because “YOU” don’t like to see, or “YOU” don’t think. If the person seems to have really put some effort into it. Then it’s “NOT YOUR DOMAIN” to say they’re, to anything, be it overweight, hairy, short, tall “ANYTHING”, period.
The word 'anime' is based on the original japanese pronunciation of the american word 'animation.'
The stereotype of the anime style are characters with proportionally large eyes and hair styles and colors that are very colorful and exotic. The plots range from very immature (kiddy stuff), through teenage level, to mature (violence, content, thick plot). The classification of 'hentai' is given to animes of a stong sexual nature.
Although over 95% of anime has nothing perverted about it, most closed-minded idiots think anime is always a form of pronography." And aside for countries of origin, neither cosplay nor anime are racially bound in any way. No one character or costume is set or bound by the color, shape, size or gender of a person. Nor are they exclusive of any political or religious groups/organizations and or country. The idea of costume play is not new or original. And no other forms of costume play has the intense stigma attached to it as when you mention cosplay. It seems incredible while people around the world every year participate in events where they wear elaborate costumes. Such as Mardi Gras and Carnival festivals. Only large budget, highly advertised Cosplay events are thought to be of a non-sexual nature. Many cities have a large and diverse cosplayer community. But holding and promoting a costume event is like trying to promote a secret meeting. Many cosplayer’s and promoters are just as at fault with the perception of the negative or sexual aspects of cosplay. At many events for Anime and or Cosplay attending and trying to participate that don’t fit the (so called) type are profiled, harassed, intimidated even bullied by others. Some sponsors at these events even go as far as to ask that security keep certain people way from their kiosks or booths. Because they fear they will attract or detract others.
No one is against an owner or promoter of wanting to make sure that their event goes well and or profit from it. But to target someone just based on, One: Race, Two: your perception that they don’t fit the character, Three: financial ability, meaning their costume isn’t top shelf.
I’ll go in reverse or here to state my points. Number three: No one wants to see a bad Cosplayer. Most people put some real effort into choosing, preparing and wearing what they attend an event in. So even if you waited until the day of the event to purchase your ticket. You can make an effort in attending as your chosen character. Don’t just slap on some make-up and a wig and mask. Then go to an event claiming to be Sailor Moon
Number Two: If someone does attend making an effort to be a particular character. Don’t “Shit on them just because “YOU” don’t like to see, or “YOU” don’t think. If the person seems to have really put some effort into it. Then it’s “NOT YOUR DOMAIN” to say they’re, to anything, be it overweight, hairy, short, tall “ANYTHING”, period.
NUMBER ONE: Race. In the world of Anime, Cartoons and Manga. The characters are just that Characters. Written , drawn and animated as such. NO real Life or life hang ups. Don’t Attach yours to them. How can it be that most anime artist draw character that look exactly as any other anime. But then someone gets upset or angry if they feel a person of color actually portrays that character at a event? If imitation is the highest form of flattery, how can it be insulting if a person of color imitates a anime character? Just think if the anime were a real place. Do you believe that it would have not anyone there of color? If so I don’t want to be a part of that world. If an Asian woman wants to portray the character, Storm of the X-men and no one bats an eye in disagreement. Then an African woman can be Super Woman or Wonder Woman and not have anything negative about them said.