To be honest I've never let what other people think bother me as long as I am doing something I love, but a friend told me basically the whole year think i am a "wannabe-asian" just because I cosplay :S Which prompted this so what do other people in your school/college/uni think bout cosplaying? Does it bother you etc?
Just out of interest
Oh and Happy Chinese New Year xx

I only tell my friends that I cosplay, Im not ashamed of it but I'd rather keep it to myself. I don't talk to many people are Uni so keeping it to myself is pretty easy even though I have a big mouth sometimes. D:
I think there must be people out there that I'm not friends with who know I cosplay.
My Facebook isn't exactly all that private soo my cosplaying life is pretty obvious...but I have no idea what the people on my "friends" list think about it. They don't say anything, well one of my old school friends called me "crazy." That made me happy
Most of my friends are rather accepting of it and find it quite amusing. Some of them think it's crazy, a few people like old classmates I'm not really friends with anymore are quite interested in it. My family especially my parents don't really care. XD

My friend posted quite a few pictures of me and her in cosplay on her Facebook. So all her friends can pretty much see it, and one of her friends commented on of our photos saying, "Look those Asian guys (in the bg) are staring at you and thinking wannabe's." I commented saying, "Its so easy to judge from afar," and she replied saying, "I know thought Id exaggerate it to make it funnier." What's so wannabe about cosplay? I just dont get it.. :S I know I mention Facebook a lot here but that's how I connect with my friends these days XD

"What's so wannabe about cosplay?"
My thoughts exactly, it just like any other hobby just because it originates from asian(japan) doesn't make us wannabes x

It doesn't mean your a wannabe just cause it comes from Japan. The only thing that is certain with cosplay is that the WORD is Japanesee. It was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi when he first used the word in some Japanese magazines in 1983/1984.

Even then, the word is seen to be merged from the English words "COStume" and "role PLAY" And that word sticks cause, frankly, it sounds a lot better than Fancy Dress!

Also, the art of dressing up in fancy dress does not just lend itself to the Japanese! I mean, we've been doing it for CENTURIES! I mean, what's pantomine? Shakespeare plays? Battle reinactments? Surely they're related to it. And hey! How many kids DON'T run around with a towel/sheet round their necks pretending to be some superhero? How many trekkies? Comic conventions?

So if you're friend says that your wannabe Asian, just say that she doesn't know what she is talking about. The only thing that's Japanese about is the word, which orignates from English ANYWAY! All the rest of it belongs to pretty much every culture. The Japanese just made it awesome!!! XD

As for me, one of my friends has asked me why, but still didn't really understand why I cosplay but didn't call me a loser or wannabe. She understands that everyone has they're own interests.

This! I don't really have any college friends but I've told them I make fancy dress costumes a lot (it's just easier to explain it that way lol). I'm doing a fashion course so sometimes they wonder where I get my outlandish styles from...


I always used to worry what my older, non-cosplaying friendas thought of all my cosplay stuff. A lot of them are mutual friends with my ex so I met the waaay before the cosplay started, and they're obviously still there.
But recently, one of these friends was at the shop I work in and we got to talking about Harry Potter. I told her that I was getting Hogwarts robes and she asked if it was for 'one of my costume event party.. thingies', which made me feel a lot better that they sort of accept what I do, if you get me? Since I could tell she was pretty interested even though she didn't know to call it a convention XD

Lets not forget the long-standing American favourite of Halloween!

I think my friends just find it funny and quirky. Quite a few of them have at least tried it themselves and have been to Expos in costume even if they're not as obsessed as me the ones who aren't really in to it just say "cool, that's your thing, there are things I like that you don't and that's cool too". I guess I just know a lot of easygoing and accepting people!

My colleagues seem to think it's a bit weird but not in a bad way, they know I'm a massive geek and I make fun of myself for it and they join in a friendly manner so it's all good in fact someone I work with goes to Cons too so, wahey!

I think it's harder for younger people in school and college because it's that time in your life when everyone around you is working out who they are and a lot of them find things that are different to themselves to be challenging and frightening (even if subconsciously) so are more likely to look down on it. It seems like people care more about having friends who do and like exactly the same things when they're younger. Social groups are a lot more cliquey. Don't worry, most of them grow out of it!

If you enjoy Cosplay, and put your time love and effort into making costumes, you should be proud of it! Even if you're just a casual participator going for the atmosphere, relax, and don't worry what anyone else thinks be you, enjoy who you are, and never let anyone put you down for any of it

Also, if anyone's mean, just tie them up and send them to MCM with the words "I hate Bleach" in big letters on them. They'll be attacked by a hundred wooden swords!

@ Jenivere
that whole comment especially the bleach bit made my day XD

My RAF buddies aren't crazy about the idea and tend to think that i spend my weekends pretending to be an ork or a wizard (LARP style) i just laugh and nodd along!

They banter me about it some of the time but its just what we do in the service so its not too bad ^_^

That's a very good point. When I look back to when I was in school, everyone had pretty much generic interests when they started secondary school. School kids are just looking for something to make fun of because in a school environment, laughing at someone is seen as 'cool' most of the time and it actually can boost social status if you make fun of the right person. A sad fact of reality.
University is a much better environment for tolerance, but sadly there are still those people who will mock anything that is different.



And another good point .

As for me...not everyone I know knows about it. There are a few, but I think most think I just dress up for an event because it's what people do or something. Only a couple know that I'm actually really into the idea and it's now an (emerging) hobby. Although most of them when they found out seemed to want to give it a go ^_^.
But I'm not going to hide it. Once I get some decent pictures, they're going on Facebook. To be honest, I'm more afraid of someone telling me that my costume sucks than I am of them saying I'm a freak for doing it. Guess it's another way of weeding out the false friends from the ones that matter too.

My friends from home have accepted that I have stranger hobbies than them But then, we're all a little odd. It's part of me and they take it as part of me, I've even dragged one to the last Amecon and he cosplayed as well. A couple of my uni friends cosplay as well, and those that don't accept it because they're used to that kind of thing.

When I've told people at church, work or general people I've met, they generally seem very impressed by it all, a lot ask to see pictures. But I think that's because they're impressed by the whole making the outfit aspect.
Those who don't...well, that's their problem.


My family have all gotten used to it (in fact, mum has been with me from the begining, still helps out every now and then when I get a little stuck on something, need a hand because of lack of time or she takes an interest in the outfit), even extended family.
While making my Lelouch (mum was heling me get it done on time), my mum turned to me and said 'You do have a very strange hobby, but at least your learning sometime useful.' That then lead to me learning that she might be expecting me to make my own wedding dress.... O.O

I’ve never had a problem with cosplay at all. I’ve always been a bit of an outsider while growing up in school and me and my friends were never really in any ‘crowd’ except our own, so I’ve never really felt odd about cosplaying. I know its not something everybody would find ‘normal’. And I have had conversations with my people at work describing it as ‘costume-aking’ and not necessarily specifying that I’m dressing as a character. Normally I’ll say “Oh I’m going to an event and I’m making a costume that’s like a Victorian suit, or a dress etc.etc.” and they always have been very friendly and supportive about it.

However, recently I’ve been having quite a lot of trouble worrying about what people think about cosplay. During my MA course at university I’m doing a Costuming course, we all have to sit with all the other MA students who are doing other MA subjects and discuss things together. It is all well and good except there are quite a few foreign students specifically, several from Japan. My tutor adores the fact I cosplay, and keeps encouraging me to base my work on it – seeing as technically it was my cosplays I used in my portfolio to get my place in the university in the first place.

But gosh its just so EMBARASSING! I feel so awkward having to stand up in a group of different artists (most of whom have had their works in exhibitions) and who make glorious stuff, and stand there and talk about dressing as cartoon characters. Especially to the Japanese students, who are perfectly normal and don’t watch anime. I don't want them to think I'm weird using their geek-culture as my geek-culture. I even had a few of the Chinese students now start calling me ‘cosplay girl’. I don’t think they mean it in a horrible way. Just its so awkward having to talk about such a geeky thing and try and persuade my peers that it is artistic and I don’t have some deep psychological problem about crossplaying and stuff like that! I'm sure everything will be alright in the end. But gawd, I really don't like talking about it all that much to them XD.

I went with the theory, I've always been me and Facebook is my page about what I like and who I am so I can connect with people I know and like. I am pretty open about it I have a fair few photos too, from cons and from photoshoots with a friend of mine who is a fantastic alternative photographer. She likes taking costume shoots because it's something different, and you get to really play around with the character for poses, angles and attitudes

I've actually added a fair few people now who I have met at conventions like MCM and stayed in touch with them, because it's just the easiest way really!

I have found if people don't like something they see on Facebook they generally just ignore it. If I'm not interested in a music video someone posts, I just leave it be. So assuming they do the same with costumes etc.

Also, just a side note here, why care what people think about you? "OH NO! Those people over there are thinking at me! THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!" No, it's not so what if your peers think you're weird? They're not exactly about to come to your house with pitchforks and flaming torches

If anyone tells you people think you're odd/weird/freaky, just tell them "Really? That's bizarre! I think those people are freaky for thinking because I wasn't aware people so small minded could have brains."

Relax! Just tell them it's where you get your inspiration because there's just so much to choose from and the imagination and possibilities are pretty much unlimited! And besides, what's the fun in making a beautiful/detailed/complex costume if you can't wear it, show it off, and have it admired? You shouldn't be embarrassed find a friend, and go in together one day in costume, or go out into town or somewhere very ordinary wearing something extra-ordinary. Smile, and remember, you won't settle for being normal, because that's boring and you're far more exciting than that and remember when you finish you'll have a unique portfolio that will stand out from the others and show you're passionate and dedicated to your chosen art

I know the feeling. A few times during my course I had to do presentations on an area of Japanese society, in front of Japanese people and I just kept on thinking 'They must think I'm talking the biggest load of c**p ever, or I'm reading way too much into things.'

But seriously, I'm sure they can tell from your attitude that you're none of those things and will at least learn that cosplaying is just as valid as anything else. You tutor seems to think so, and that's more important. IT sets you apart from the rest, gives you a different slant on your work

Yeah, I think it'll all turn out to be okay. My tutor and I had a massive talk about it during our last tutorial and I explained some of my anxieties and stuff. So I think it'll be okay. And I think I helped her understand it a bit more now as she only knew vague things about it. But she keeps getting all excited and stuff haha. So that's nice to know at least ^^

Hehehe! Cosplay is EXCITING! I get way too excited about it. I just got handed a load of spare white fabric and instantly jumped for joy (literally) as the idea for a costume came in to my head

I’ve not really told many people as I’m still quite new to this and have never been to a con or anything. My parents know that I’m making some costumes (as I’ve been using my mums sewing machine until I recently got my own) and my boyfriend and a couple of friends know, but that’s about it.

I am quite against the idea of going too public, or even having anything on my facebook (I have the big no no of bosses on my fb), as I’m a part qualified accountant and it wouldn’t seem professional if work colleagues knew what my hobbies are.

Then again I’ve always liked to keep work life and home life completely separate!

I'm proud that I make costumes myself, and that I have the guts to dress up, so everyone knows I do it, because I love telling people about it, a lot of my friends do it anyway.

I've always been known for over dressing anyway in what I wear so its not surprising I do it.

My dad's an accountant and I'm sure he mixes his two worlds, but then, I think that's more because no one can get him to shut the hell up. I bet his work colleagues would be happy if he took up you policy
But I can understand why, in a porfessional job, you'd want to keep your two worlds seperate.

The people I know and who know me well enough, I tell. Or even show.

My dad knows and hes pretty proud of me for it. He used to love coming to see what I was working on when I lived at home and I'm sure my step sister back home shows him some pictures when they pop up now and then.

My family kinda know, though they only really know it's "dress up" and that I like to sew and create theatrical stuff.

Saying that, I dont make a habit of telling everyone, not everyone is as accepting as people in this community and the arty side of the community. I never tell anyone about it at work, when I do have a job. This is because I have no desire to actually socialise with work collegues unless they share the same hobby.

As a goth, and general eccentric dresser, none of my non-cosplay friends were particularly surprised

My work colleagues know I go to "nerd conventions" and "dress up as cartoon characters" (my words), although I only show the pics to a few close colleagues as I'm not ready to be outed as a crossplayer!

I don't see my Dad much, and haven't discussed it with him.

My Mum has been pestered for dressmaking information and advice, (and sometimes assiatance) and has seen my FB pics. She's impressed.

I don't think I've had any negative feedback (from anoyone that matters ), but I am a little embarrased by compliments from non-cosplayers, as compared to many of the fabulous costumes at shows, my work is basic and workmanlike.

i seem to get mixed at first my mum is kinda like "why do you do it, it's such an expensive hobby" but then after i satr to make a character (like i'm in the middle of doing one now) she likes to how it's turning out and sometimes offers me advice as she use to make my school dresses for me when i was younger.

My dad tries to give me some advice when it comes to making props like advising me on what to use, and he does like to see what i'm making but he 9 times out of 10 comes of with "why are you doing it now?" then when i am still haven't quite finished them off and Expo is just around the corner he says "well you should have started it earlier" WTF?

But what gets me are my friends who aren't into either cosplay or even video games they're usually roll their eyes at what i'm doing eventhough they asked me , and i get it even from my own brother he likes his video games but he always comes out with the notion that what i do is nerdy, it doesn't really bother me as much when i get it from the odd one or two but when i start to get it from quite a few all at, what feels like the same time i just feel like saying to them "sod off, you wanted to know what i was doing and i told you i'm not asking you to join in but don't try and put me off something i enjoy doing"

Family wise...well they dont know I crossplay XD lets get that out of the way for start XD as for costuming I do alot of the superhero stuff for charity so I think family just assume all of its for charity XD as for friends...they are cosplayers to so they are fairly ok with it XD

Oh, yes family... Only my mam knows. She offers to help haha. To be fair, she has nerdy aspects of her own .
She shows interest in it. One thing you never expect your mother to say to you is 'Oh wow, have you seen this Wesker cosplay?'.
She's said that she'd have loved to have went to conventions and stuff when she was younger, and I can tell by her interest that she'd have been cosplaying if she'd known about it. I've offered to take her to LFCC with me but she's disabled and it would likely be a bit too much for her now . Taking her to the Discworld con next year though, money-permitting.