“I promise not to talk politics at conventions.”
In society, there are always topics that would be considered taboo to discuss in certain places or events. What is surprising is some of the topics that con-goers can consider inappropriate for the one weekend they call come together, especially in a country like the United States. Groups have sprouted up on Facebook titled “I promise not to talk politics at conventions” and it struck curiosity. Do all congoers believe this? What makes them want to shy away from such an important, outstanding part of American society, with so many important issues frequenting the ballots? What other topics do cosplayers consider to be taboo, better reserved for another time? These were questions placed into a survey asked to a variety of congoers that, in the end, provided some very interesting answers.
One of the most interesting trends I spotted right away was the differences in answers between male and female congoers. Female congoers were much more apprehensive about the idea or said they would discuss politics only with close friends. “Anime isn’t something you can talk about openly with anyone, so the convention time should be used wisely,” quoted Becky Morton, ” Politics are a serious conversation that should be left at home for the water cooler and political message boards.” While on the other side of the fence, male congoers were much more relaxed and open abouth the topic. Generally, they claimed that if someone tried to engage them in a political discussion they would be comfortable joining in. When asking cosplayer John Strampach if he’d ever dicussed politics at a con before, he stated, “No, but if asked I would.” Considering most people interviewed shied from the subject, he was asked why he was so open to the notion, responding with “It might be because if you find a conversation, you might actually meet people with similar view points.”
Most people agreed, however, that cons and politics were best left as far apart from each other as absolutely possible. “My guess is that people use cons as an escape, so while at con, they don’t want to be reminded that the rest of the world exists.” Cosplayer Willow Taylor explained, after being asking why she thought it was important for people to avoid discussing politics at cons. This is a very valid point, and one resounded across many of those interviewed. Cons were their weekend away from the world and the stresses of it, so why would they want to remind themselves of what was going on around them when this was their only time to truly relax. Others who avoided it added that certain cosplays might make it difficult to engage in such conversation. On this note, cosplayer Walter Stacy said: “I find speaking about politics while in costume is never appropriate to the occasion. Dressed as a luftwaffe officer, you can’t talk about zionism or foreign relations and be taken seriously.”
Obviously politics would create alot of tension for both Republican and Democratic cosplayers, all from such different walks of life, all raised with different parents and views. Yet the rather open, caring cosplayer society, when surveyed on other topics best left for the message boards, responded with many of the same and yet unique answers. Among many of the top replies were the token answers of abortion, religion, rape, and racism. Other notable answers came from cosplayer Griffin Ham,
“Being in the international market, it’s just a pet peeve of mine. People hate on America for literally no reason. I am moving to Japan this spring and I am actually really sad that I’m moving away from America. People always hate english dubs, American productions or think everything in Japan is better but it is NOT.”
cosplayer Emily Hamlin,
“Past con accidents, tragedies, stupid things kids did. Like the Germanys from AB. Was the action stupid? HELL YES! But it’s over, and they are sorry. I say those things need to be let go.”
and cosplayer Walter Stacy.
“Judging people for their costumes, or getting offended by otherwise innocent things. I understand obscene or obviously offensive imagery and actions, but anyone can be offended by anything, and thus, nobody can wear anything. I have no respect for someone who gets a power trip over someone by acting offended. ”
Ultimately, the decision rests upon the viws of the individual cosplayer. To discuss or not to discuss, that is their own question to answer. Though male and female cosplayers may generally have differing opinions, altogether they agree that discussion on politics is beft left elsewhere. This was an interesting journey to say the least, full of surprising answers and great views that inspire as all cosplayers seem to do in their own, unique ways.
(Above photo taken from HERE)
