To not really get the whole cosplay thing

[Revengeoftheseabass]

I'm sure those that do it love it, but I just don't understand those who indulge in it beyond the realms of sci-fi conventions, i.e. walking through crowded cities dressed in Japanese manga characters and the like.

And am I right in thinking (and I say this as an overweight bloke myself) that no man over 12 stone should try and ape the look of the Tennant or Smith Doctors?

[SistersOfPercy]

YABU.
In less than an hour 5 of us dressed in character costumes raised over £500 for Sue Ryder last month.
The Star Wars costumers you see walking through crowded cities raise tens of thousands a year for charities from The British Legion to Make a Wish.

Fair enough you don't like it. Don't knock those of it that do, and those of us that make a difference doing it.

[DontStopBelievin]

Each to their own. It's a hobby. Not my thing, but I know who someone who's into all the costumes, conventions and dressing up to go down the high street.

[Revengeoftheseabass]

It doesn't bother me, SOP (and it's marvellous that people do it for charity), but just don't quite get why you'd walk around town like that if it wasn't for a good cause!

[ArkhamOffitt]

A costume should suit the look and body shape of the wearer to some extent or it looks a bit pathetic, but they're not doing any harm and if they are enjoying themselves

[ouryve]

Not for me, but I'm sure it's fun, if you're into it.

[DontStopBelievin]

but just don't quite get why you'd walk around town like that if it wasn't for a good cause!

Because they like dressing up, maybe?

[tigermoll]

It doesn't bother me

...and yet.....

What do you want to achieve from this thread? A petition perhaps, to stop anyone from wearing something you don't think suits them? Or just, y'know, lots of bitchy slagging off of 'weirdos' and how weird they are to make you feel better about yourself?

Here's an idea: if you "don't really get" something, then don't do it. I mean, if you lack the basic imagination to even conjure for yourself some reasons why someone might enjoy dressing up, then I'm not sure anything we say is really going to help you.

[SistersOfPercy]

A costume should suit the look and body shape of the wearer to some extent or it looks a bit pathetic

And thats exactly the attitude the iCosplay anti bullying charity are trying to stamp out. As they rightly say "Everyone has the right to cosplay or costume no matter what gender, size, colour or ability" If a 12 stone bloke wants to dress as Dr Who thats his prerogative and they don't deserve to become objects of ridicule because of it.

i-cosplay.org/

People cosplay because they enjoy it. There doesn't have to be a reason. For some it's for charity, for others an escape. For some pulling on a mask turns a person who's painfully shy and socially anxious into a person who can get out there and join in.
As long as they aren't all turning up in your living room uninvited I don't see how it even matters.

[ouryve]

I'm sure there's a whole list of things people don't get. So long as it's legal and not offensive, it all makes the world a much more interesting place, really. I'm sure a lot of people have sniggered at train spotters, but being the mum of a DS with a similar hobby, without the independence to be able to fully enjoy the hobby unsupported, I so get it, now. It's simple, it's interesting for him, it gets him out of the house and it gets him out of himself.

[ArkhamOffitt]

I wouldn't ridicule them. I would just privately think their choice of costume was ill advised. In my head, to myself. So away with your escalation to Bullying.

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Sorry yabu. What harm are they doing? I once saw an ewok in his pyjamas, I should have called 101 and got him pepper sprayed

[ArkhamOffitt]

Did he look like a proper Ewok?

[LunchpackOfNotreDame]

Yanbu I don't get it either and I have family who have gone to this comicon thing in London.

My sister is pushing 40 and not exactly slim but has gone as God knows what cartoon character and is wearing really not a lot. She looks hideous but if I say anything I'll be accused of jealousy. So I'll let her carry on making a fool of herself she enjoys it so who am I to make comment?

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

arkhan yes and he had a hat for donations with a sign saying 'return me to Endor'. the pyjamas was a lie

[Damselindestress]

It looks fun. YANBU not to get it but you probably have hobbies that cosplayers don't get either, it takes all sorts.

[ArkhamOffitt]

I did wonder if you had mistaken him for Paddington, Lois.

[elfycat]

Oh go walk a mile in their shoes/fur feet/whatever before you comment. You might find it a sphincter-unclenching experience.

I've not done it, but know people who have and would not be averse to giving it a go. It's harmless. The fact that I'm obese and the wrong side of 40 would not matter a jot.

[ArkhamOffitt]

Is it like that advanced Clowning course that some actors take? Where you learn to leave your dignity behind as a sort of statement of freedom?
Sacha Baron Cohen did it and some others. The ones who have the comedy of Embarrassment down to a fine art.

[LoisWilkersonsLastNerve]

Oh go walk a mile in their shoes/fur feet/whatever

Arf

[Tutteredboast]

Lunchpack, you sound really mean spirited.

[MidniteScribbler]

I don't like seeing lycra clad arses waving about in the air on cyclists in front of me when I'm driving, but so what? It's not my life, and it's not my arse. They can wear what they like on it.

[LunchpackOfNotreDame]

Not mean spirited at all just hold a different opinion to you.

[Castrovalva]

Oh no

I think the LESS someone physically looks like their choice of character the better. 20 stone Darth Vaders, 4 foot tall stormtroopers.

Shows how diverse humanity really is, and people just having a great time and giving ZERO fucks.

Fucking love it.

I want to dress as the 12th Doctor. I couldn't look less like him. Not.the.point.

[Madeyemoodysmum]

I went last spring and loved it. So much fun and like a big family. Everyone was so lovely and keen to show off the fab costumes. I didn't dress up this time but I might do one day!

[Revengeoftheseabass]

OK, if I'm brutally honest, there's a touch of envy there. I've never had much in the way of self-confidence, and now there seems to all these fat geeky young guys with masses of it, and doubtless have no trouble attracting girls. Sadly I grew up in an era when liking Doctor Who made you nan out and out object of ridicule by both sexes, and it's left scars even 20-odd years later.

It takes a lot of guts to dress up like that I'm sure, but I just feel that if I did it, I'd end up being laughed at. I'm probably just projecting my own inadequacies.