Prejudice against costumers

[nancylebov]

I just saw yet another account by someone who was put off the idea of conventions because there are people wearing costumes. He was convinced to attend and found it worthwhile and fun, but I'm left wondering.... why are costumes such a turn-off for so many people?

I'm not a costumer myself, but I think costumes add to the fun in the world. I'm disappointed by conventions that don't have much hall costuming, and I think the world would be a better place if, say, 10% of people on the street were costumed. (Up to fan standards, not cheesy Halloween costumes.)

I suspect it's a matter of people who are so afraid that mundane personas are so unsatisfying that if people were allowed to try anything else, they'll never go back, but this is only a guess.

Is there comparable prejudice against cosplay at anime conventions?

Comments

[twistedchick]

The sense I have of it is that people who object to costumes being worn want to be *serious* about their SF and F or whatever, serious and *literary* and self-important and ... well, as far as I can see, boring.

I'm not sure that the general culture would recognize itself as fannish in the terms we think of it. Real fandom generally includes a bit of laissez-faire give and take, and I don't see that much of it in the nonfannish people who don't realize they're in a fandom.

[kiya]

I know back before I totally burned out on fandom, when I commented on my perspective on the "literary"/"media" divide I got at least one lurker-support in email saying, basically, "Yeah, I hear the exact same things about people who do costuming."