Elitism, bullying, and lack of humanity in cosplay

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The talented Yuuri-C wrote up a journal earlier on about her thoughts and feelings in regards to the nastiness she's received as a cosplayer. It influenced me to dwell deeper from both a personal and a third-person's perspective, to bring awareness to this ugly dilemma. It's quite ironic, actually- we cosplay to escape a dull and shallow world and yet it somehow seems to seep it's way back in.

I myself have been a victim of bullying for a very long time. First through school, and now through minor cosplay groups with a peculiar vendetta. It got to me at first, because I found out it was those close to me that were the perpetrators, but these days I see it as a laugh. I'm actually happy people go on 4-Chan and bitch about how much of a "slut" I am or how "fat" I am or pathetic my costumes are. It's all talk. They'd never say it to my face, and if they're so bored and insecure about themselves that they have to target me, then cheerio to that!
I may sound like an up-myself twat saying that, but that's nowhere near the point. It's simply the fact that I can't afford to care anymore. I'm not affected.
But what concerns me is that there's people out there who 'are' affected by bulling, who get attacked both in person and online. Most of these people are innocent and new to the cosplay scene, and are picked on for their "terrible costumes", their weight, their appearance, their group... you name it. This creates elitism, and the cycle goes on. I've seen it first hand and have even jumped in to help a victim, and the attackers don't seem to see the problem.

As someone who never saw or even heard of this kind of thing when I first started years ago, it shocks me now to see how out of control it has become. It brings shame to the subculture, in my opinion. It's a hobby, which is meant to be a creative means of escape from the real world- whatever the reason. It's not Project Runway, it's not ANTM, it's not live 4Chan. One victim of bullying is far too many. This has to stop.

If you know someone who is a victim of bullying- it doesn't even have to be related to cosplay- be the better man and stand up for them. Make a difference.
If you're a bully in any way, find your humanity and grow up. I know it's hard to break a habit, but sometimes it's better to be human. But karma always finds it's way if nothing changes.

My message to anyone who's a victim of bullying in the cosplay subculture:
It gets better. Don't lose sight of yourself. Grow into someone that you'll be proud of, and in the end, you'll win.

Sorry if I kinda went on there. Lack of sleep is getting to me, hehe. If you have an opinion on bullies or twats in the cosplay world, please express them. Thankyou for reading.
x

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SuperComputerVirus's avatar
I always wanted to cosplay and did it. I hand made my cosplay.
My first time was welcome with elitism and stuck up cosplayers. =< It was bad. The second one was even worse. the third wasn't so bad.
I found it funny that the cosplayers who look down on me, make fun of me, send me hate mail actually encourage "anyone can cosplay" and "stop cosplay bullying." =/ 
Even people on deviant art, who encouraged me and saw me, got pissed when they saw me and sneered at me. I was like, WTF?
Most was done on Facebook cosplay group and 2 one here.
I still gone to cons and keep to myself and wear sunglasses. Why? People don't know I am secretly watching them give me controlled hatred looks, sneers and making fun of me." Though most people don't pay attention to me. I keep my head down and don't make eye contact due to it. Though anyone can talk to me. ^_^

The one thing that made me happy and not want to jump off a bridge, was the fans of my character. He's fairly new and boom they see me. I was happy because one guy was looking for my character at the convention. He found me and said he wanted to see my character being cosplayed and I was gonna be his first pic. ^_^ I did direct him to another person cosplaying the character, she was super sweet. 
I have aether fest III *sp* this nov 22 and wearing a new cosplay I made. Hopefully it will go well.