These were the words that were spoken to me as I toured the convention floor in my Couture Maleficent costume. This costume was important to me for many reasons. I had put a lot of work into making the horns, gloves and staff. It took me an hour to do my makeup and put my contact lenses in. Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain and Angelina Jolie is my favorite woman in the world. My Couture Maleficent was a labor of love and I created it to express my fandom for the character and the woman who was bringing her to life on the big screen. So imagine my utter disgust that someone told me directly to my face that they hated her.
Yes, I consider it insulting when I spend hours upon hours creating a costume and accessories in the image of a particular Hollywood actress and you tell me that you hate her. Sadly, I know many other costumers who have faced the same infuriating situation. People have insulted their character and expressed their hatred for them. They have gone as far as getting into debates with costumers. Why is it these individuals feel that this is appropriate? What are they thinking? Or perhaps it is the simple fact that they are NOT thinking. To quote the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz:
"Well, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking dont they?"
Dont be a douche bag. Cosplayers are not interested in your disapproval of the characters we are portraying. We could easily tell you we hate your hair and that outfit you put on. If you have nothing nice to say, dont say anything at all. If you dont like how we are dressed, then keep on walking. Insulting photo requests are not the best way to ask for a picture. And to my fellow costumers, if you have a run in with the village idiot, walk away or better yet, tell that person to step off. You are not interested in their petty anger towards a fictional character. Go away.
Visit me on my Official Facebook Page.
