RaBoogie

November 10, 2012 1:07 pm @ Nick, he said "ATTENTION whore". Which applies to EVERYONE, not just women. I think you were a bit unfair there, and reaching.

November 10, 2012 1:02 pm @UNSPUNX: I ran into the same issue. I basically made the same points you did, and the "blaming the victim" argument came up. It's frustrating to have your words misconstrued in that way. I think there is a very fine line between "blaming the victim" and saying "hey, don't position yourself to be a victim". And I think people have a hard time seeing that line.

November 10, 2012 1:24 am @kzap: " What we should see is a change in the of the behaviors of those doing wrong not a change in the behavior of the victims (which is what you’re suggesting)." I'm not suggesting that at all, (though I can see how it may have been construed that way.) I'm merely saying that, unfortunately, it's going to happen. It's not right, it shouldn't happen, but it does, so expect it. Hopefully we'll reach a point someday where that isn't the case. Does that mean they should sit back and take it? Hell no. Should they call out the behavior when it happens, absolutely. Should they be surprised that it's happening? Not at all. But other than that little bit, I agree with everything you said. It's been a pleasure reading all of your comments and exchanging points with you.

November 9, 2012 6:18 pm @Molly: I stand corrected

November 9, 2012 4:02 pm "Hmmm…by your argument I can infer that water and heat were introduced to beaches around the same time that two- piece bathing suits were in this country, if heat and water is indeed the two reasons why many women today wear bathing suits that amount to being “scantily clad” by your standards." --You've inferred wrong. Frankly, that didn't even make sense. "I think most well-adjusted individuals have moved beyond the “beclothe thyself, strumpet!” attitude of the Victorian era, and have no weird animus toward women who enjoy cosplay." --That's exactly what I'm saying when I make the point that the post isn't really necessary. She's speaking to a select group of people who have a complete disregard for others. As such, they won't read this article and think "Wait! It's NOT ok to touch women when it's unwarranted?! Why didn't anyone tell me?" Unwarranted posts spark discussion all the time. That's no credit to it's validity. NOW, if the post had been a call for convention goers to keep an eye out for that kind of lewd behavior, and step-up and defend someone who's being mishandled, then yeah, great article, thanks for the heads up. But it's not. It's preaching to readers as if they are the offenders. And again, if you've done this before and didn't think it was wrong, then I'm of the opinion that this article isn't going to change your ways, because you should have learned that it wasn't okay a very long time ago. "....I for one do not remember learning about the how-to’s of proper comic-con cosplay photography in kindergarten." --Read what I actually wrote before trying to be funny and clever, because otherwise you just look like someone with poor reading comprehension. ISAIDGOODDAY!

November 9, 2012 1:29 pm Can we stop drawing the comparison of wearing swimsuits at the beach to wearing scantily clad costumes at cons? It just isn't accurate. People wear bathing suits at the beach because, 1) it's hot, and under the sun, and 2) because they're typically getting into the water. Those two reasons are WHY PEOPLE GO TO THE BEACH, and so bathing suits are standard attire. The large majority of people at cons are there for purchasing comics and comic/pop culture goods, and meeting the people who make said comics/goods. One doesn't need to wear a bathing suit to that. Revealing costumes aren't the standard attire for conventions. They're a flashy (and perfectly fine) choice. But as a standout, and wearing considerably less clothes around a crowd that has a significant number of weirdos, you're going to have your picture taken whether you want to or not. It is baffling that anyone would be upset about that. Obviously, touching is inappropriate, and everyone should know that. It hardly warrants a "how to" post. People learn that shit in kindergarten. Those who violate that aren't going to read this article and have an epiphany.

November 9, 2012 1:11 pm No one is excusing the behavior. Mrmarky and I have both posted several times in this thread about how unwanted touching is INEXCUSABLE. It's the picture taking I'm speaking to.

November 9, 2012 12:31 pm That's a good point. It's also important to remember that much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the hiring of "booth babes" at cons, which is arguably what paved the way for "sexy cosplay". So, participating in something that automatically puts one in the realm of "girls who are at the convention to look sexy and be objectified". I'VE never had a picture of MY butt taken at a con... Just sayin.

November 9, 2012 12:23 pm Kzap, you are an idealist, my friend, which I respect a great deal. We would all be better off with having your views on this topic. The points that I've been making in this thread have all been under the umbrella of realism in the current status quo of society. I do think that there is a difference between what SHOULD happen (the way things "ought to be") and the more idealistic ideas that are also being represented here. It's unfortunate that changing the way shitty people act is, and always will be a Sisyphean attempt, (not to say that there isn't nobility in trying and making at least a small difference). As nerd culture continues to seep its way into the mainstream, we can hope that our crowd becomes more of a diverse mix of better adjusted individuals. I think no matter how far in that positive direction society moves, unless there's a huge cataclysm that wipes out the centuries of humanity's perception and objectification women, there are always going to be a plenty of creeps out there. And those creeps are going to take pictures of exposed butts without asking.

November 9, 2012 12:36 am I think we're all missing an interesting facet to this conversation, which is: can one dress as they're favorite character without objectifying themselves? YES. I understand that there are purists out there, and that accuracy is a big deal in cosplaying, but so is individuality. These costumes are being handmade anyway. So, rather than dress as one's favotire character with buttcheeks on full display, why not design a version of the costume that is still representational of the character, but not as revealing? I'm an artist, and I really enjoy putting a different spin on costumes. When I draw Wonder Woman, for example, I try to embrace the Greek warrior aspects of her. I give her metal shoulder gaurds and paneled leather skirt (similar to Brad Pitt in "Troy"). I put her in flat boots, as heels are impractical. If one were to dress in something like that, they would garner more respect and admiration from fellow con-goers on a job well done, and less "ooh, look at that skimpy costume". They would also be setting a better example for younger girls at the shows. Just a thought.