People about Cosplay...

Costume play is very powerful tool. Any role play, with or without costume, allows a person to express things with much less risk and responsibility. Through this self exploration proceeds unimpeded, and new behaviors are tested to see if they will be useful.

Constructively used, this allows becoming more oneself and testing of one’s environment and abilities. I allows a person to test revealing things about themselves and see if it meets with rejection, and extend their comfort zones. It allows testing of fears, e.g., permitting a shy person to try being outgoing to see how well it works for them.

On the other hand, a costume, role or disguise also permits a person to enact their worst and most damaging behaviors anonymously. It is far easier to behave badly if one has a costume or role which hides the identity of the person both literally and figuratively.

What is the appeal of acting, and even role playing for that matter? Cosplay is firstly an opportunity to completely put yourself into the character’s shoes, act out a role. Additionally it is a way to showcase your craftsmanship. Just because you view something as juvenile doesn’t make it unappealing. You should be criticizing community theatre if you have that view.

Personally I feel that cosplay gives an opportunity to also put aside your own shortcomings and be someone else for the day. I feel exceedingly confident and friendly in a costume and when I see someone else in a costume, I can “know” who they are and be recognized myself. There’s a level of comradery and confidence in it. Hope that helps.

Cosplay is a fun way for fans of shows/movies to express themselves through their appearance. It also tests their creativity, and they get to meet people who share the same interests as them if they choose to go to cosplay conventions.

In my opinion, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with cosplay. I don’t see why people insult cosplayers simply because they think it’s a waste of time, or that it’s just plain silly. All they have to do is keep their mouths shut and not say anything rude. And complaining about cosplayers who haven’t managed to look exactly like the character they’re displaying as is stupid. They’ve put in so much effort to do something that they love, and here the a$$holes are, dissing them for enjoying themselves.

I’m not even a cosplayer, but I believe that they deserve to have a good time.