This past weekend Central PA Comicon was happening. I’ve written up a review for Watch The Skies that will be published on the 16th of this month (check it out at the new web site: http://www.watchtheskies.org/ ). I didn’t include a particular issue in that review that I still feel the need to comment on. It’s probably just me, but as this is my web site I guess my opinion is really what counts here.
I saw coverage of the convention in the local news media. One of the articles was here: http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/04/central_pa_comic_con_1.html#incart_m-rpt-1
The coverage seemed, middle of the road. I feel like what they wanted was something more salacious than what they found. I could be wrong, but it’s the feeling I get. Despite the fact this was a “comicon” the headline includes Star Trek and a particular section about the guy that dresses up as a Klingon. I suppose based on the guests of the convention this was a point of interest, but it really rubs me the wrong way that this is the lingering impression people have of conventions. I’ve written about this before from the book angle – or the “I don’t read that stuff” effect.
Speaking of lingering impressions – there are 2 photos that I’m not particularly fond of. The photographer (Paul Chaplin) did a fine job, it’s the juxtaposition that bugs me. One is Bonjo the scary clown sitting and people watching (first image in the gallery). The other is me, sitting and people watching – but the costume aspect is opposite (last image in the gallery). I was in street clothes and the cosplayers were Joker and Harley. Like I said before, it’s probably just me but I hate looking like that guy lurking around the con and staring at female cosplayers and making them uncomfortable. I don’t ever want to be that guy, or make any cosplayer feel uncomfortable about what they’re clearly passionate about. I love what it takes to be willing to cosplay – even if I can’t pull it off and the image bugs me.
Like I said – it’s probably just me. It’s likely nobody will notice or care… but I noticed. What does anyone think, am I just over sensitive about this?
The Pretend Blog
Fan, Author, Artist – Eric Hardenbrook
I read the article and I definitely see what you’re saying. I’m torn though…bear with me while I take this from a different point of view. Is it annoying when they only seem to want to sensationalize our hobby…lifestyle even? Yes. On the other hand the more showy or extreme examples are not only a part of our culture but, in many cases they were the folks who not only helped lay our foundations they also took the brunt of the bullshit in our quest to find exceptance by the mainstream. To suddenly have the urge to sweep them under the carpet when mom comes to inspect the room is probably the most normal of reactions but, honestly what it most reminds me of is the members of the gay community who suddenly want to shove the transexuals and drag queens back in the closet when straight america looks at them. I get it. The flamboyant and fantastic are hard for people who don’t live in a culture to digest and we want a certain amount of recognition and acceptance of who we are…everyone does. The rub is that those fantastic flamboyant folks are part of the heart of us and need to be seen and heard too if we are to be truly seen as a culture.
I read the article and I definitely see what you’re saying. I’m torn though…bear with me while I take this from a different point of view. Is it annoying when they only seem to want to sensationalize our hobby…lifestyle even? Yes. On the other hand the more showy or extreme examples are not only a part of our culture but, in many cases they were the folks who not only helped lay our foundations they also took the brunt of the bullshit in our quest to find exceptance by the mainstream. To suddenly have the urge to sweep them under the carpet when mom comes to inspect the room is probably the most normal of reactions but, honestly what it most reminds me of is the members of the gay community who suddenly want to shove the transexuals and drag queens back in the closet when straight america looks at them. I get it. The flamboyant and fantastic are hard for people who don’t live in a culture to digest and we want a certain amount of recognition and acceptance of who we are…everyone does. The rub is that those fantastic flamboyant folks are part of the heart of us and need to be seen and heard too if we are to be truly seen as a culture.
Urg, sorry about the doube post. Patience isn’t my strong suit.