Sunday, December 4, 2011

Cosplay Mania


 Cosplay is derived from "costume" and "play" and is a practice where people dress up as a characters from fiction. (Think of it as a specialized Halloween event if you will.) Most cosplay topics are characters from anime or manga who often have rather unusual hair styles and strange
clothing. To imitate the complexity of the various outfits, cosplayers are often skilled in textile, sculpture, face paint and other crafting skills. Of course, because of the cost of the materials required cosplay is also a business management. Some photographers are devoted to this culture and make a living from working with cosplayers. There are stores and websites devoted to selling cosplay items and accessories. To many, cosplay is not only a hobby for fans, but is also a subculture in Art due to the creativity, work and time involved in creating a single outfit. Some people object to the notion of cosplayers devoting time to their hobby because it "takes away them away from reality". Most cosplayers do what they do because they are fans of the characters they portray but some may go as far "becoming" the characters themselves. Some cosplayers wear their art pieces not only at specialized conventions, but in their daily lives as well. There are some who wear them to work or school and act like their characters at a daily basis. They essentially "become" their characters. Critics claim that the obsession takes over their lives and overcomes reality itself. 

 Although I'm not a cosplayer myself, I find the subculture very interesting. The notion of just "being" your favorite character for a day, fascinates me. I chose this topic because it is a way escape from reality into fantasy (without being a psychopath). To incorporate art and design into the culture makes it all the more the interesting. Cosplay is not just a simple dressup game but a way of life where you devote time and creativity to fabricating someone's life into cloth.
http://www.japanlinked.com/Japanese-Culture/cosplay.html




Questions:

  1. How far is too far for cosplay's role in real life? Why?
  2. Should cosplay be banned because of its affects on young people's lives (time, money...)? Why or why not?
  3. Should all ages be allowed in the cosplay conventions?








Angela

10 comments:

  1. I think cosplay would be taken too far when the people actually began to have split personalities or like another life. I don't think it should be banned because it would violate people's rights, and it doesn't negatively affect anyone. I do think every age should be allowed to participate in cosplay because some children might enjoy it.

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  3. I don't think the cosplay should be banned because even though people do put a lot of time and money into it, cosplay can be seen as an art form. People express themselves through the roleplay and find it fun to pretend to be someone else for a while. Some may go as far to actually believing they are that character, but that just means they are crazy, and that should not ruin it for everyone else. Cosplay as an art allows people to either be given the chance to be someone they would like to be, or be someone they are most like. Just like any other art, it should not be banned because it would be inhumane to take away someone's expressive identity.
    -Michael

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  4. I think cosplay is something unique and different and far from what people think it may display. Cosplay is a way to show your inner characters by dressing up and standing out from the crowd. I believe that all ages should be able to participate in the event. There is no harm being given off therefore it can be encouraged to everyone and it something fun to play around with. This tradition may be meaningful to those who regularly participates, but those who are not familiar with it may find it quite different. All and all cosplay was something I never knew anything about, however it is very interesting.

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  5. In my opinion all ages should be allowed in Cosplay conventions. Cosplay seems like a lot of fun, and it expresses part of who you are. I think it's great how you can be your favorite animate character for a day. So why have an age limit? Everyone should be able to participate in events like this one, no matter how old you are.

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  6. "I like this post because I enjoy dressing up."
    ~Iridian

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  7. To me, age shouldn't be a factor in expressing one's feelings or attitude towards a subject. the only thing that should be determined whether an age limit is necessary, is if the child, teen, or pre- teen, that truly understands the meaning and background of this particular celebration.

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  8. I think that cosplay is taken too far when people actually attempt to become a character for extended periods of time. You have your own personality and your own life to live, I understand that participating in cosplay is a way to express creativity and is an enjoyable pastime, but there should be limitations.
    -Bria

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  9. I believe all ages should be allowed in cosplays mania because they will be able to witness and express their creativity. Cosplay mania is a great way for people to dress up as their favorite anime character. It doesn't matter how old or young a people are, you can enjoy the cosplay mania. Anyone can devote their time to make interesting designs. There are no disadvantages for going to a cosplay mania.

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  10. Yes, I think all ages should be allowed in cosplay conventions. Cosplay gives people a way to show who they are and show their identity. You can see who they really are through the way they dress up. All ages should be able to express themsleves through cosplay.

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