Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The Perception of People to Cosplay

THE PERCEPTIONS OF PEOPLE ON COSPLAY



A Research Paper Presented to
The Faculty of the English Resource Center
School of Multimedia Arts
Asia Pacific College
Magallanes, Makati




In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
ERESWRIT – Research Writing



Kevin Ferrer
April 2014

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

A.   Background of the Study

Nowadays, cosplay is considered as one of the most popular known sub-cultures in other countries, which are particularly in Japan and America. One may realize it once you had seen or been to a comic-con or anime convention. People dressing up like your favorite anime character can be very entertaining. There are different types of cosplay. One of them is the American cosplay and Japanese cosplay. American cosplay consists of dressing up as characters that are widely known in America such as the Marvel heroes, Justice League and Star Wars characters. Japanese cosplay can be portrayed as dressing up as an anime character, video game characters, idols,and lolita and gothic fashions. You can find most Japanese cosplayers in the streets of Harujuku, a famous district in tokyo known for its cosplaying community. Most cosplayers in America can be found in conventions such as San Japan which is held every year.

In the Philippines, cosplay had been widely recognized by the Filipinos. As time goes by, in every cosplay convention, the number of cosplayers and even non-cosplayers who are attending to it are getting bigger and bigger in number. Even a large venue in the mall is not enough to accommodate all those cosplay fanatics. So you'll often see some cosplayers outside and you can take photos with them, for free..Also, it can be a reason for family bonding. Cosplayers usually do it for their friends, families and relatives. I had seen that a lot of them were fully supported by their parents. There are also a whole family who cosplay as a group. Isn't it cool? Enjoying cosplay while with your family? In a cosplay convention, you'll see a lot of collectible anime items, such as anime figures, stuff toys, accessories, wigs, costumes and a lot more. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogpost5-cosplay-culture.html)

According to an article entitled "What is cosplay?" cosplay is the most popular sub-cultures in America and Japan. It is about the comparison of cosplaying between America and Japan. In Japan, they do cosplay anywhere but in america there are only places that you can cosplay like the conventions. Or else, people might think you're weird. In Japan you can see cosplayers acting the anime they copied on the street like no one judge them but in America you better not cosplay in public or else they might call you crazy and make fun with you.

According to the author, "In Japan, Cosplay events and even Cosplayers themselves can be seen strutting their stuff on the streets, as well as acting out their anime characters. In the United States Cosplayers or Cosplay events, are only seen at conventions." As what I've said earlier, it is really ridiculous to wear anime costume in publicity when your in America. Even here in Philippines, people might judge that you have a mental illness or abnormalities. Its better to cosplay in convention when your not in Japan. But it still depends on you.. If you have the courage to wear something like that outside, not in conventions.. then go. You might get embarassed of yourself. So if you want to cosplay anywhere then try to live in Japan (Alari, 2013).

There are several people who wanted to try cosplay. Cosplay is about playing the roles of their favorite characters in anime, video games, cartoons, movies or even those famous celebrities, both local and international. Cosplay is short for “costume play”, is a performance act in which involves dressing up of costume and accessories to represent a specific character or idea, and people who take part in cosplay are called “cosplayers”. Everyone can cosplay. Children, teenagers or even adults, there is no specific age that one should meet to become a cosplayer as long as you can represent the character and support your own expenses for the event. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/01/cosplay-makes-you-creative-there-are.html)

Nowadays, cosplay is considered as one of the most popular known sub-cultures in other countries, which are particularly in Japan and America. According to Stacey Lee Feldmann, “cosplay did not start in Japan and is not an original concept of the Japanese. The word “cosplay” was invented by a Japanese reporter named Nov Takashi in 1984. He created the word “cosplay” to describe on what he saw at WorldCon – people wearing costumes in the halls, and stage masquerade featuring the biggest and brightest of the costumes of the weekend.(http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogpost5-cosplay-culture.html)


In the Philippines, cosplay had been widely recognized by the Filipinos. As time goes by, in every cosplay convention, the number of cosplayers and even non-cosplayers who are attending to it are getting bigger and bigger in number. Even a large venue in the mall is not enough to accommodate all those cosplay fanatics. So you'll often see some cosplayers outside and you can take photos with them, for free. Also, it can be a reason for family bonding. Cosplayer usually does it for their friends, families and relatives. I had seen that a lot of them were fully supported by their parents. There are also whole families who cosplay as a group. In a cosplay convention, you'll see a lot of collectible anime items, such as anime figures, stuff toys, accessories, wigs, costumes and a lot more. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogpost5-cosplay-culture.html)

There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages when you cosplay. The advantages are: it will enhance the social life of a person, since it involves interacting with other people around the venue, it helps one to gain self-confidence and it also increases self-esteem. A person who cosplays feels a lot better and more positive among their selves. In cosplay, one can show their talents in acting, singing and modeling. If one is a little short of budget, as an alternative, there are cheap raw materials to make costumes that are more affordable. Cosplay can develop one’s skills in imagination and also helps to improve creativity. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/01/cosplay-makes-you-creative-there-are.html)

The disadvantages are: the costumes can be very expensive, depending on the materials that one will be choosing and the size of the costumes, when cosplay conventions are scheduled during one’s hectic days, traffic on the day of the events, people get hassled bringing those huge and heavy costumes, people might think that cosplayers are weird, and they even get stressed from it. Some people might think that there are lot things that are more important to spend one’s money with rather than spending it for costumes. The money can be use to buy food and needs for one’s everyday life.

Some people become obsessed on being alike with the characters. Since some have the money to cover the expenses needed to perform plastic surgeries, it was an option for them. People underwent plastic surgeries to correct or to look similar with the desired person that they wanted to be. People do everything just to be their favorite character. Not just on wearing costumes but on changing what they already have, just for the sake of being what they have wanted and having more than cosplay.

According to Lisa Granshaw, “They cosplay for creativity, to be social and hang out with friends,             because they identify with the character and that’s meaningful to them.        The top reason people cosplay is because it’s fun. One can’t pinpoint an         abnormality in that. It’s no different than someone who plays in a band or      plays sports.” Result of the study, people cosplay for creativity, to socialize with others, to meet new people. It said that on the top of all why they cosplay because of what fun they get to it. Don't judge them on how they look.. Its just like playing a sport game with your friends. And also it helps people who cosplay to educate themselves in different ways, therefore you can learn many things in just cosplaying. (http://www.dailydot.com/fandom/psychology-cosplay-survey-results/)

Some people don't really understand why those people would choose to dress themselves in that way. Others may view it positively, in which they see cosplayers as a cool individual who likes dressing up as a character. While others may view it negatively. Others may say that they are out of place. Because for them, it's not even halloween to wear costumes. They also think that cosplayers are weird and crazy people. Also, they might think that pretending to be something or someone that they’re not, is a way of not accepting who they are because they wanted to be like someone else.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the perception of people on cosplay.



B.   Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.    What are the perceptions of people on cosplay?


C.   Significance of the Study

To the cosplayers. The result of this research paper will improve their knowledge and attitude towards the effects of cosplaying. It will also serve as an evaluation of the impact of cosplay in their lives. It can also help to avoid the risks or negative effects.

To the audience and fans. The result of this research paper will provide information regarding the effects of cosplay among the people. It will also be a guide for preparing future plans of involving oneself in cosplay.

To the parents and relatives. The result of this research paper will be able to increase the awareness of parents and relatives knowledge regarding the effects of cosplay. It will also be a source of information to help them understand the cosplayer’s situation.

To the future researchers. The result of this research paper will serve as a reference or guide for the researchers that will be conducting similar studies. It will also be a basis for comparison for the development of more improved results.

D.   Scope and Limitations

This study focuses on the effects of cosplay among the people. Cosplay has been widely accepted since nowadays, the number of people cosplaying is getting bigger in number as time goes by. Cosplay is also playing a part not only locally but also internationally that had become popular among people of different ages.

Due to limitation of the study, this study will no longer discuss about the causes or reasons of the people on cosplaying. It will also not include the types of cosplays and Lolita fashion as a cosplay. Therefore, this study would be essential to the increasing cosplay enthusiasts. There were limited resources both local and international; therefore it will only give ideas on the effects of cosplay among the people.

E.   Materials and Planned Methods

            This research will utilize a descriptive method since the purpose is to determine the perception of people on cosplay. Descriptive method is a method used to describe data and characteristics used to describe. The purpose of using descriptive method is to acquire accurate, factual, systematic data that can provide, then making an accurate explanation about the data gathered. Descriptive method is the appropriate method for this study. Descriptive studies can answer questions such as “what is” or “what was.” (Bickman and Rog, 1998).






















Chapter 2
DISCUSSION


What are the perceptions of people on cosplay?
Definition and Types of Cosplay
            Cosplay is defined as, short for "costume play". It is a type of performance art in which participants dress in costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. The performers of this type of art are called "Cosplayers". Sometimes, people who naturally look like or idolize someone who’s famous mostly either an anime character or a famous Asian Celebrity (http://bitterbebang.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-is-cosplay.html).
            However, Bitter Bebang (2011) stated that there are different risks of being a cosplayer. First of all, a lot of cosplayers are experiencing financial problems since cosplaying is not as cheap as one think. They need to spend money for the costume, hair and make-up. Unless one has an alternative for those things, cosplaying may be a little costly. Some are being supported thus; financial constraint is not a problem to them. Second in time management, cosplay and studies can be hard to balance. Some just want to cosplay but doesn't want to focus on their studies. People should balance both if they really want to cosplay because education is more important than anything. Lastly, not all the people will adore the cosplayer because they are cosplayers, some of them might not be accepted as they are (http://bitterbebang.blogspot.com/2011/10/risks-of-being-cosplayer.html)
            According to Ajaberico (2010), “When there is a bad effect of cosplaying, there are also benefits from it.” First, cosplay promotes socialization. When these cosplayers come to meet other fellow cosplay lovers, they feel they are safe to socialize without judgment, and it has various positive effects on their self-esteem as well as in their social and academic success. Second is the liberalization. Over the past several decades, this cosplay culture may have been supported by the quiet type, who may not necessarily feel openly comfortable exposing their inner needs, but are able to come out of their closets dressed up differently than their personal identity which may have limited their actions in the past. Lastly, it’s gender defying. Cosplay reduces the impacts of diverse gender portrayals and ignores racial aspects (http://angelaberico.blogspot.com/2013/03/positive-side-of-cosplay_25.html)
            There are six different types of cosplay: First is the regular cosplayer. A person who cosplays as a character they love and enjoy and want to do that character for self expression and is pure fandom. Second, the crossplayers, people who cosplay as characters of the opposite sex. It is when a female is cosplaying a male character and vice versa. Third is the gender swap, in which a male character is being cosplayed as a female version and vice versa. Fourth is the humanoid, in which an inanimate object is being cosplayed as a human character. Fifth is the mecha, these are huge costumes that are made up of card board; it is usually being portrayed as a robot. Lastly is the original character. It is when people designs their own costume, look of the character and creates their own personality (http://cairdiuil-allaboutcosplay.blogspot.com/2011/06/types-of-cosplayers.html).

Factors influencing the adaptation of cosplay
  1. Commercial Consideration
I found an article entitled "Investigating the Psychology of Cosplay" by Lisa Granshaw. From what I have read, their are two clinical psychologists who created "Psychology of Cosplay" and they are Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Dr. Robin Rosenberg. Letamendi make a survey because she thought that cosplayers had a psychological issues. After reviewing the data they make, their are no sign of mental illness. Its just that they only want to cosplay because of having fun with it and with others. The other
one survey that they make is all about who cosplay the most between men and women.
According to the survey, majority of the participants are the women, which Letamindi said that it might be the number of factors such as  types of websites. However Chaka Cumberbatch, who cosplay since 2008, said that more women cosplay than men because of the fashion that women get and that fashion dont appeal to men.

According to the author, "They cosplay for creativity, to be social and hang out with friends, because they identify with the character and that’s meaningful to them".  Result of the study, people cosplay for creativity, to socialize with others, to meet new people. It said that on the top of all why they cosplay because of what fun they get to it. Don't judge them on how they look.. Its just like playing a sport game with your friends. And also it helps people who cosplay to educate themselves in different ways, therefore you can learn many things in just cosplaying.

I found an article entitled, "Cosplay: form of Escapism or Self-Expression" by Ajaberico. He study about the escapism and other psychological disorders regarding to cosplaying. from what i have read in wikipedia, escapism is a mental diversion by means of entertainment or recreation, as an escape from perceived unpleasant or banal aspects of daily life. Sometimes we get depressed on our love life, schools or even at home. I agree that cosplay can help forget the problems we get in our daily life because having fun with it can give us enjoyment and forget the bad feelings we have. We can obtain escapism not only in cosplaying but in different ways by having fun. So the author believed that all people are escapist in different ways.

According to the author, "I'm no card-carrying psychologist or sociologist, but I can tell you roughly on the observations I made that cosplay is now part of the modern escapism." Even in myself and everything I observe, its really true that all of us are escapist. I'm not a cosplayer but sometimes when I get sad feelings, I usually play computer games to escape and forget my problems in my life. From what I experience, also all the people who I really know, They also do the same thing I did to myself. Just to forget problems. So I really agree to the article that I have read.

Cosplaying is not really a bad habit. Even though people might judge you from what you look like. On the positive side it really helps in many different ways and you can learn many things in just cosplaying. Maybe some of them are abnormal but cosplaying can help restrain your problems so you will not get depressed on it. I thought that people are crazy when I saw them dressing up like that outside but I learn that they do that because of having fun like me having fun in my sport game. So cosplaying now is really cool for me and a sport. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/psychology-in-cosplay.html)
  1. Cinematic potential of Cosplay
If someone tells you that you can’t cosplay something because you do not have the physical attributes “necessary”, they are wrong. You can. If everyone only cosplayed characters they have a precise or at least very close resemblance to, then extremely few would cosplay at all.
If someone tells you that you can’t cosplay something because you don’t have the skills necessary, they are wrong. You can. You may struggle, you may have a hard time of it, you may never finish it, but you are guaranteed to learn something. Cosplay should be enjoyable, and looking “perfect” is an unattainable goal; whatever you are capable of doing is good enough for the time, and if you want to make chances or remake it or start over, you can do that. Pressure to look perfect is no more realistic than the pressure to look like a celebrity or be rich or famous. Focus on yourself and what you can learn from your experiences and the fun you have while doing it. Don’t let petty little people try to keep you from achieving things.
If someone tells you that you can’t cosplay something because you haven’t adhered to every little detail, they are wrong. Costuming is an art. Adaptation is an art. Character design is an art. Artists change details of characters’ costumes all the time, and every design you’ve ever looked at has gone through countless concepts, reworks, and revisions. Every little detail gets scrutinized for how it fits into its environment. And you, dear cosplayer, get to make creative choices too. Just because you’re adapting existing work doesn’t mean you have no artistic license. The costume is about you. The costume is yours. You can change it, you can adapt it, you can alter it. Own your creative choices and take pride in them. If someone tries to cut you down for your creative choices, know that they are arrogant people who see their own ideas as inherently better than others… and those are not people you want to know.

Everyone has an opinion. It doesn’t make it an informed opinion.

Take your time as a cosplayer and make it something yours. Whether it is one costume or twenty or a whole lifetime’s worth, whether you work on them once a day or once a month or once a year, whether you choose to master crafts or merely play with them –– it’s your time to use and make something beautiful out of it.

Make cosplay an experience that grows you as a person, offers you a chance to learn new skills, offers you a chance to have a creative outlet, and allows you to make connections with others and the community. Don’t allow people to make you envious, bitter or condemning of others. Don’t allow petty people to make you feel terrible for failing to live up to their standards. This is a hobby where competition can destroy us or inspire us all to help each other grow and learn, and I sure as hell hate to see people fall victim to pettiness and jealousy because it’s a long way back once you’ve gone there. (http://dangerous-ladies.tumblr.com/post/70913941068/when-people-tell-you-that-you-cant-cosplay)
Change in Medium
Have you ever seen some cosplayers that dyed their hair in red, blue, or blonde? And you thought wearing wig for some way enough to actually look-like the character that they are portraying? Maybe? Have you seen cosplayers that are very close to looking like celebrities? Well, how about barbie? Maybe some girls would want to look like her. How about for the guys? Maybe your wanted look like super hero? People do everything just to be their favorite character. Not just on wearing costume but on changing on what has God has gave to you. Do you think its appropriate to do that in real life? You change everything that God has given to you? Actually many people already do that if you know? Just for the sake of being like that and having more than cosplay.

In my opinion, for some people wearing wigs, being in costumes and acting like the character was already enough. But some people, they just can't be contented that they must undergone a plastic surgery, just to look like their favorite character. Well, if you have the money, then... Why not? But if you are having trouble in terms of financial, then you might want to consider alternatives to look really the same with the character that you wanted to cosplay. If you have a long black hair, then you can choose between with the same characteristics as yours. Then choose a character with a long black hair. Its more practical than buying wigs or even from having a plastic surgery.



I found an article entitled "Meet the Real-life Barbie" by Misty White Sidell. Plastic Surgery is an option for it. People undergo plastic surgery to correct or be their desired person that they wanted to be. An example is Valeria Lukyanova, also known as the real-life barbie doll. She had undergone a lot of plastic surgery procedures just to look like barbie doll, in which was successful (before and after photos). Everything in his face look real barbie. She looks like a big toy just staring her in a picture.
According to author, Valeria's sister said that "She’s always had this doll-like look, but a doll is associated with an unintelligent person, and since my sister is very bright and interesting, I've never associated her with Barbie."  Valeria make herself criticize by other people. She might call by others a crazy girl or even call her an insecure person who doesn't satisfied from what she has. Being look like a doll can give you beauty, feminine and refined. Image of refined girls are based on dolls. She is not contented on herself making herself a real barbie. She want too have more beauty to herself, to look nice and elegant and making people attract to her by her looks. Changing everything to yourself can also lead you to anti-Christ. Its very bad thing when comes to God.



I also found an article entitled "Obsessed Superman fan has cosmetic surgery to look like his hero" And you think that only other countries have people like them. Well, not because locally, we have our own  superman. Another example is our very own Herbert Chavez, who happens to be a Filipino. He is from Calamba Laguna. He admires superman or Clark Kent so much that he had chosen to look-like the actor who played the role of superman. Like Valeria Lukyanova, he also achieved his goal to look like superman through plastic surgery. He has dramatically altered his appearance to look more like the famed Man of Steel.

According to the author, "His look appears to be an amalgamation of all the actors who have played Superman, as well as comic book depictions of the fantasy character."  Mr. Chavez has admitted to having the following procedures to make him look more like Superman: Chin augmentation to give him Superman's iconic cleft, Rhinoplasty to transform his Asian nose into one more closely resembling Superman actor Christopher Reeves, Silicone injections to his lips to make them fuller and thicker And thigh implants to make his legs appear more muscular. From what he did to himself, He might could suffer in different sickness and can lead him to deceased. Everything he did was because of his obsession to it.

Its okay to imitate that character that you are dreaming to be. You can look like your favorite character by just wearing that character's outfit or dress. But when it comes to changing yourself, just to look exactly your favorite character, then you should think about it all over again, to prevent regretting in the future. People might judge you from what you did to yourself. You know that its really bad when it comes to "too much" right? Your body is a gift from God and someday you will return it to Him. So you must take good care of your body. And also it has advantages that can lead you to many problems like sickness. Thus its better to go in easy ways when portraying someone than making too much for it, like plastic surgery. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogpost7-cant-get-enough-of-cosplay.html)

Change in creative talents
How people cosplay? First they choose their favorite character to imitate then they make the same costume of what character wears after that, cosplayers goes to different events and portraying it to other people like acting the way the chosen character  used to act. Isn't cool? Making creativity to your life? Some of us have boring life, like do nothing, no hobbies. So try cosplay and make fun with it. Most of cosplayers striving on finding the right materials to construct their own wonderful creations. Even on other hobbies, just the same as cosplaying, you must do everything to produce it and so you can play your hobbies. But other cosplayers don't have the skills to make their very own costume so they just make it to other experts. Making your costume, you must have the skills of being accurate, so you can make the same as what the character wears. Not also on what it wears but also the same as the looks of it.

Every time that my girlfriend used to cosplay in different places and events, I saw other cosplayers that wears different costumes. They used different materials to create their look alike costumes. Some of them wears dress that only produce by cloth but others are built in rubber sheet, to build a fully armored suit. And also the materials used to create a weapon, it is composed of different supplies to make one of it. You know that its hard to create something that is big, to manage the time that consume, and also the stressed that comes from it. Not only that but also the expenses used in buying materials of your costume. Furthermore it's really expensive and it will drain your money. With my girlfriend, we go to divisoria to buy her materials for cosplaying. Then after buying the materials, we go to the dressmakers. They are the one that sew the costumes of my gf. They measure it so she will have a good costume and it will be fitted to her body. See how stressfull it is? You must be fully love cosplaying to do everything like that. Actually I'm inspired of them because of the effort or the hard-work they do just to make their own costumes to look a like with their favorite characters. They just really love cosplay!




I found an article entitled "10 Awesome Cosplay Examples Inspired by Science Fiction" by Brett JF From what I've read, the 10 amazing characters are the Guyver who has a good features of custome wth removable breast plate. Next was Cloud Strife from final fantasy 7, it was chosen because of the hair style without using wigs. Bumble Bee from Transformers, it was chosen because of expenses used and produce to make one big character. Then next is Jin-Roh of wolf brigade, it was chosen because of the good quality of combat costume and the glowing eyes of it. Then next is Rikku from final fantasy 10, it was chosen because of not the costume but the looks of her body that can attract more people. Next is Iron Man from the movie itself, is was also chosen because of its quality of the costume, it has the same look as the Iron Man in the movie. Next is Gundam from gundam wing, it was chosen, like the Iron Man and Bumble bee, They have unique materials to create this awesome costume. Next is Asuka Langley from evangelion, it was chosen because it has the fetish looks. Next is Ivy Valentine from soulcaliber, it was chosen because of the looks that also attracts people. And lastly is the Doctor Octupus from spiderman, it was chosen because of the center of the tentacles that lights up. Try to go to other conventions and you will see the same as what the article shows. There are tons of good cosplayers that cosplay the characters. Good looks to Even greater looks.

According to the author, "Cosplayers: we may poke fun at their failures from time to time, but you know as a kid you did the exact same thing. Much like there’s always going to be someone who has a bigger, better car than you, the same also applies for costumes." You know that its hard to create one of your masterpiece. It takes more time to make one. You must contain the ability to build like more creative and being more accurate. Others might judge you because of your costume that isn't 100% same and maybe they make fun with you. We sometimes fail to make the same costume and still we learn from our mistakes, to make bigger and good cosplay. Cosplayers do everything just to look alike with their favorite characters. One's you make your own, their is still other people that cosplay the same as you and has a  better quality looks than you. Well it is a hobby, sometimes we fail because no one is perfect.

I also found an article entitled "You built What?! A real Iron Man suit" by Gregory Mone. From what I've read from the article, a man who created a real Iron Man suit that inspired many people. Anthony Le was basically a fan of the Movie Iron Man since he was a kid. After heard of the superhero was hitting the big screen in 2008, He was stirred to create his very own Iron Man suit. Anthony, also a fitness consultant, studied some concept sketches of the suit posted on the Internet.   He uses different kinds of unique materials to build a real Iron Man suit.  He actually plans to wear it on the movie and also in sci-fi conventions. And he suit up to saw by people in the Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, to make the kids happy, and the staff was delighted that they prepared him his own ID card. The Iron Man suit was completed in just 1 Month and the cost was worth $4,000+. That cost make the Iron Man suit contains more different worthy features.

According to the author, "A homebuilt superhero suit that looks as good as the silver-screen version"  Cosplayers do everything to make their costume to be look like the same as character you imitate as look real and to be well known by others. Even though it cost more money, they still are doing it. Inspired by the character looks and the special effects of it, you will really be motivated to create your own super hero suit. You can also inspire other cosplayer because of having the real thing. Sacrificing the time, effort and hard work to it, there are still benefits that you will receive. And using it on convention will make you praise by people. Thus receiving fames and also you will receive good rewards. There is nothing bad that will happen if you try it right? So try to create one. You might become rich by just creating your real superhero suit.

Cosplayers motivated to create and wear a certain costume because of the pleasure they get on it. Dressing up different costume that will fit your looks. Trying more good on it to become an awesome cosplayer. To get famed by other people. To learn more things about it. That's why they cosplay. Some cosplayers comparing their  costume to other cosplayers that has same as them. You, as a cosplayer might encounter with the same as your character that has better imitation than you. But we can also learn and challenge to do better. Some people praise other cosplayer more because of the good quality of the costume. Better costume comes from making more fans. And also it can make you more friends, that will make your social life expand. Basically, you also learn different skills while cosplaying. Example is making your very own costume. It help a lot, that will enlarge your knowledge in creativity. Skills that can be used on your daily life and also from your future. That's why cosplay is helpfull because it has different benefits that can be used in your life. Whether it also has disadvantages, it is still manage more advantages for you. (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/blogpost8-henna-tattoo-for-cosplay.html)

Problems created by the viewers
Every person has their own ideas to make themselves happy. People search for their abilities and hobbies that they can do to experience enjoyment and satisfaction in certain things. Others are discovering  their talents throughout their lives. Some people do find pleasure in such foods, sports, receiving awards, doing excellent in their studies, relationships or even as simple as reading their favorite books, watching TV or doing nothing. Some do find happiness and contentment through applying their talents and abilities to  something. Just like in cosplay, there are different ways to achieve happiness. These are imitating the anime or fictional characters that the people idolized, especially the children ,making the impossible to be possible. It is like seeing the anime character that you like, in real-life.


From what I saw in my girlfriend, she usually cosplays different anime characters like Shihou of Sola, Yakumo from School Rumble, Alice in Madness, Luigi from a video game and Sakura Miku from Vocaloid. There are a lot choices of characters to imitate, whether it is from a movie, anime series, video games or even famous celebrities who portrayed the roles of heroes in a movie. Choosing what character to cospaly, is very exciting because you'll get to decide on what character you'll finally be having as the final one. My girlfriend chooses the character that she likes. She thinks about all of her favorite anime characters, then plan and practice acting like that character. She also considers the opinion of others, like her friends, family and also from me. Finally, she chooses the anime that best fits her looks and attitude.

I feel happy whenever I see that she's having fun when cosplaying with her friends. She smiles, makes funny hand gestures like a peace sign in photos, makes poses like holding on to her props and talking to the people. Bonding with friends while cosplaying and chit-chatting with them. While she cosplays, she also get herself  to enjoy when people come around her and  takes a solo picture of her or even with them. Me, her friends and even her family is very supportive of her hobby as a cosplayer. That's why she wants to continue doing it because of having fun with it.



I found an article entitled "What's wrong with you? Making Fun of Cosplay"by Josh Flanagan. Its about the Cosplayer that make the New York Comic Con still on. Many people visited comic con, family or friends so they get cool stuff, cosplay their anime characters or just having a tour. Cosplayer do everything even if others think that they look crazy they are still showing it because they want to be in the cosplay event. Using all the efforts, time and money just to have fun cosplaying. 

According to the author  "You don’t need to be into wearing a costume to understand why someone else would, and at the end of the day, being the cool guy at a comic-con seems like a silly thing, so why would anyone do it by knocking someone else down? Live and let live. We’re all nerds to someone, and honestly, fuck those guys." Yes its true. Even though they look weird or look crazy, they can entertain people. Maybe half of the people will like you. Not only the cosplayers are happy, but also the people who continues to support them. It is like making the dream of a child to see their favorite cartoon character or Disney princesses in person such as Snow white, Cinderella and even Ariel from the Little Mermaid. On the part of the cosplayer, it is also a dream come true to be that character.


I also found an article entitled "5 Reasons to Cosplay Before You Die" by Joshua Yehl. Its all about the reasons why a cosplayer  must do it before they die. Some people that cosplaying wants to became popular by just cosplaying like the other cosplayer that are now popular. You know what YOLO means? YOLO in short means that "You Only Live Once" so you must do everything before you die. Because when you died, you don't know what will happen to you and you will never do the things you want to do.

According to the author "Cosplay is an integral part to any comic convention. But what is it? For the purposes of it, cosplaying is dressing up in a costume. It’s as simple as that. This can encompass all sorts of mediums from gaming to anime to movies to TV and, you guessed it, comic books." In every year their are many events that held in a comic convention. Many people goes there to perform their own cosplaying costumes. They imitating anime characters that are show in tv, movies, or even in games. Once you get to do it, its like an addiction that is hard to stop because of fun their. I already told you, if you didn't do what you want it will be a waste. There's nothing bad will happen if you just try it right? So do it and make a fun with it. Because once you died you'll never get a chance to try it.


Cosplaying creates fun not only to the cosplayers but also to the people who sees them. Seeing a Cosplayer will get you entertain and also be amazed by them. There are many benefits that you will gain by just cosplaying. While having an enjoyment in cosplaying it also improves your knowledge in creativity thus, letting your imaginations expand. It really has a lot of benefits that a person needs.Like use it to have a good social life. Making friends, your own costumes, choosing to imitate, what to wear? Even though you look weirdos to other people they still continue  to cosplay because it is really fun. It is really full of excitement and discoveries.  (http://ferrerkevin.blogspot.com/2014/02/having-fun-in-cosplay.html)















Chapter 3


















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