Saturday, February 20, 2016
This is one of the problems I see often in the cosplay community. These are very good tips. Follow all of them when you're facing a bully whether it be a cosplay bully, a normal bully at school, or even one over the net.
It's okay to get help! Just because you want to try and deal with this on your own, you can always talk to others! I'm here for anyone who just wants someone to talk to, even if it's not about the problem, I can at least try and cheer you up!
Everyone should take a look at this and read everyone's story/messages linked in Crystal Rose Creations gallery folder: Cosplay Bullying Project. Mine are included. The cosplay that I chose to represent with my answers was by far the most liked photo in my gallery and I feel that Jack is also a good character to support against bullying because he's a guardian, of course!
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Cosplay Bullying Form #1 - RACISM:
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Cosplay Bullying Form #2 GENDER:
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
Cosplay Bullying Form #3 AGE:
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Cosplay Bullying Form #4 WEIGHT:
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Cosplay Bullying Form #5 HEIGHT:
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Cosplay Bullying Form #6 ACCURACY:
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
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Cosplay Bullying Tip #1: Don't blame yourself. Know that it’s not your fault. What people call “bullying” is sometimes an argument between two people. But if someone is repeatedly cruel to you, that’s bullying and you mustn’t blame yourself. No one deserves to be treated cruelly. Do not blame yourself. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #2: Don’t respond and don't retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what aggressors are looking for because they think it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower a bully. As for retaliating, getting back at a bully turns you into one – and can turn one mean act into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #3: Save all of the evidence. The only good news about bullying online or on phones is that it can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You can save that evidence in case things escalate. [Visit Connect Safely for instructions on how to capture screens on phones and computers.]
Cosplay Bullying Tip #4: Reach out for help – especially if the behavior’s really getting to you. You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #5: Use available tech tools and resources. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Whether the harassment’s in an app, texting, comments or tagged photos, do yourself a favor and block the person. You can also report the problem to the service. That probably won’t end it, but you don’t need the harassment in your face, and you’ll be less tempted to respond. If you’re getting threats of physical harm, you should call your local police (with a parent or guardian’s help) and consider reporting it to school authorities.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #6: Take action, help others. If someone you know is being bullied, take action. Just standing by can empower an aggressor and does nothing to help. The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying. If you’re not already friends, even a kind word can help reduce the pain. At the very least, help by not passing along a mean message and not giving positive attention to the person doing the bullying.
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Here's my answers to Crystal Rose Creations cosplay bullying survey in which I partook. The photo representing my answers is my Jack Frost cosplay. What better character to support against cosplay bullying than the notorious guardian of fun?
1) Have you ever been bullied?
Not really saying that I have, but I guess I never really noticed it as a form among the whispers and gossip that went around on campus. I was always the socially awkward and quiet one in middle and high school, but fun and loud in my small group of friends who were also as nerdy as I was. I've most likely had jokes being made and snarky comments behind my back, I know for sure.
I bought my first yukata and given a lolita dress (a present from my aunt) in eighth grade and clearly remember wearing both the day after I got them. The normal comments that I caught from time to time never really seemed to bother me like "Hey, samurai girl." or "Isn't it a bit early for Halloween?"
I made my first cosplay my sophomore year by the help of my animation teacher who was also the representative for the anime club and made two more the years after for the Halloween contests. I remember hearing about comments from my group that other students mistook my giant bow from my Shirahime (Angelic Layer) cosplay for me being pregnant. I never really understood why even to this day. I know there must have been talk about my Dorie (Magical Doremi) and Ichigo (Tokyo Mew Mew) cosplay, but never heard any of it or I guess I don't really remember anything.
When I started my cosplay page I received negative comments about my breast size and I felt it was unnecessary and uncalled for. Someone once told me to get implants soon to become cosplay famous and another told me that I wasn't a real cosplayer because my bust wasn't a C cup or higher.
Yes, I have a small chest, so what! I don't see a problem with it. Sorry, but what you see is what you get. Having a small chest only broadens my horizons on cosplay to where I don't have to always cosplay a girl. I can cosplay a guy if I wanted to, so I have to say it's quite beneficial.
2) Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? If you have, did you do anything to help out the victim?
Yes, I have during my school years and online. I confronted the bully, gave them my two cents, then tended to the one who was bullied by giving them some positivity, reassurement, as well as gaining a friend in the process.
3) How has the bullying affected who you are today?
Personally, I think it's made me more of an assertive person, one that can easily go up to someone and defend my opinion and what I've got to say. I don't run away and I won't back down from an argument until I've won, until I've gotten some sort of justice out of it. One of my closest friends, back then, told me to grow a backbone or I'd get trampled over because she thought I was too nice and I'm guessing she could see a side of me that was vulnerable.
4) How did you overcome the bullying? Or how did you cope?
I'm a happy-go-lucky person, so I can't really stay angry or sad for long. It'll have a small affect me for a while, but then I easily get over it by occupying my time elsewhere or with someone.
5) What advice do you have for others who are bullied?
Cosplay is a hobby that's meant for everyone to have fun and express a creative outlet from their everyday lives. Keep cosplaying no matter what people might say! Be happy with yourself. If you're happy, then that's all that matters.
People who bring others down have either jealousy, low self esteem, or might have something else going on in their life. Just be sincere to those people, kill them with kindness if you will, because you're the bigger person. Hold your head up high an be proud of who you are.
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