Comic con has just happened this past weekend and usually I would be having post con blues. However, this year I haven't gone as I have planned an awesome holiday to Disney world with my partner and family. So to celebrate comic con I thought I would share with you an article I wrote while I was at university about cosplaying and why it is good for you, in particular women. This article was actually published in a student run, feminist magazine named BIA last winter. I hope you enjoy it!
It's nearly Halloween and as you scroll through costumes online you cannot help but wonder why every single ladies costume has the word 'sexy' or 'naughty' in front of it. You wish that you could just find a fun costume that wouldn't dispute your promiscuity or sexuality. There is almost never a 'sexy' Frankenstein or 'naughty' Dracula costume for men. You wish that women would kick the lingerie inspired costumes to the curb an sport a more intelligent costume, that not only empowers them but showcases their personalities.
Stomping to the rescue, female cosplayers all over the UK are doing exactly this; empowering themselves, wearing their personalities with pride and celebrating their femininity. Female cosplayers are trying to change the stereotype that the world has of women in costumes. They aren't always desperate, unintelligent or lacking in confidence. Cosplayers dress up at different times of the year frequently and argue that it isn't odd or consistent with the stereotype as discussed above. It actually gives them more confidence, stimulates their minds and provides them with a creative outlet.
Frequent cosplayer, Zara Thorn, talks about her experience cosplaying "I love cosplay. It's like a huge costume party that everyone is invited to. I feel so happy and comfortable cosplaying. I feel more myself when I cosplay than any other time of year. I love expressing myself through my costume and having fun playing a character that I admire and follow". Not only is it an empowering and fun experience for Zara it is also a time to socialise with friends. "I meet so many different people when I cosplay and its a great excuse to see friends you don't normally see as much".
Recently a psychological study 'expressions of fandom' was taken out on a group of female cosplayers and a group of females who didn't cosplay. One part of the study revealed that when wearing a mask women who cosplay felt more comfortable with themselves in comparison to the women who don't cosplay. Psychologist Dr Rosenberg suggests "This can imply higher self-awareness. It could also show that women who cosplay are more aware of who they are and this could give them more self-confidence and result in a higher sense of self-love".
Leah Wilson works a nine to five job but enjoys cosplaying all year round and agrees with psychological studies concerning cosplay and self-confidence. "I love escaping my nine to five routine where there are rules and regulations into a community where I can really express myself. It's nice that people come up to me and compliment me on my cosplay. This definitely gives me more confidence in myself and my costume making skills. I used to be really self-conscious but since I started cosplaying I couldn't be more comfortable with myself and my body".
Not only are female cosplayers celebrating their new found confidence, they are feeling more empowered by doing so. It is no wonder 71% of female cosplayers participate in five or more events a year if it gives them such a boost of confidence and strong sense of who they are. If you too think it's time to suit up and band together and break the female costume stereotype then head over to mcm.com to find out more about cosplaying and how you can take part.
And that's a wrap! If you enjoyed this article, let me know as I have a mass of others somewhere in my dusty document archives that I can share with you all.
*CIAO*
