Living life as a Cosplayer, I have stumbled across the term "slut shaming"
From Wikipedia:Slut shaming (also hyphenated, as slut-shaming) is defined as the act of making a woman [person] feel guilty or inferior for engaging in certain sexual behaviors that deviate from traditional or orthodox gender expectations, dressing in sexually provocative ways, for requiring access to birth control, or even for being raped or sexually assaulted.
From what I have seen in the cosplaying community, this tends to be aimed at cosplayers (specifically women) who dress in a revealing manner, whether or not it is part of a characters design.
Now as I have stated before, what a person wears is their choice.
I personally choose not to cosplay in a revealing manner. It is a personal preference for me and my comfort level. I would never say a woman can't or shouldn't wear something if that's what they want to wear. My only stand on the issue of revealing clothes is to maybe be considerate of the location, time, and environment you are wearing them in.(ex- if there are children around, maybe wait to wear the revealing outfit until they have left or it has past the reasonable hour for them to be around.)
But, as I believe in any aspect of life, we should always be aware and courteous to how our actions and behaviors effect those around us.
What people don't realize is just as big of a problem in the cosplay community is what I like to call "prude shaming"
This, to me, is the act of making a person guilty or inferior for choosing not to be revealing with their behavior, dress, or costumes.
It is important to understand that ,just because a person doesn't choose to be revealing or open about their sexuality, doesn't mean they hate everyone who does.
It is a truth in the cosplaying community, and in our world, that sex sells.
To deny this would be silly.But to put down or ignore those people who do not choose that path is just as wrong as putting down those who do.
Too often people believe that people who remain covered have specific reasons for it.
- Their religion
- They have been victimized by sexual assault
- They look down on those who are sexually open
- They are ashamed of their bodies
- They are jealous of others
- They are disgusted by sexuality in any form
Assumptions on both ends of this issue are what keep the hateful words flowing.
I have been approached many times, in both a respectful and disrespectful manner, on why I don't show more skin. I have heard ever reason possible on why they think I don't, and why they think I should.
I'm very open with having discussion on my choices with others as long as the conversation can remain respectful.For me I like to keep my attention on the costume and my love of a character. When people see my cosplays I would rather them see what I love and not just me in an outfit. This is how I approach my work as a cosplayer. This is just how I choose to show my appreciation to the characters I love, but there are a million other ways to do so. What is right for me may not be what is right for someone else.... and that's fine!
Thats what makes cosplaying so beautiful. You will never get the same result or perspective twice.
What we have to remember as a community is that it is never okay to be spiteful, angry, are hateful to someone for their beliefs or actions, as long as those beliefs and actions are doing no harm and are not bulling others.
We should stand up for those, both covered and uncovered, who face ridicule and bullying everyday.
If you see it happening, say something.
Because in the end the real issue isn't if you chose to be naked, or fully covered.
It's about Respect.
