Vivian Asimos, "Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity" (Reaktion, 2024)
Nov 20, 2024
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Vivian Asimos, an anthropologist with a focus on mythology and popular culture, dives into the captivating world of cosplay. She explores how cosplay transcends simple dress-up, serving as a powerful tool for personal identity and self-expression. Asimos discusses the transformative effects of embodying beloved characters, revealing deep connections to myth and modern narratives. The conversation highlights the complex relationships within the cosplay community, comparing it to religious practices, and examines how platforms like TikTok foster connections among cosplayers.
Cosplay is not just about dressing up; it serves as a powerful medium for individuals to explore and express their identities through character embodiment.
The practice of cosplay challenges societal norms by fostering discussions on gender representation, identity fluidity, and the subversion of cultural stereotypes.
Deep dives
Understanding Cosplay Culture
Cosplay, a fusion of costume and play, transcends mere dressing up, encompassing a vibrant culture steeped in creativity and community. It acts as a dynamic form of storytelling, where individuals embody characters, engaging deeply with the narratives that shape their identities. This embodiment goes beyond physical appearance, as cosplayers undergo personal transformations, often finding a deeper understanding of themselves through the art of cosplay. The relationships cultivated within this subculture foster connections and foster a sense of belonging among participants, enriching the overall experience.
The Mythological Aspects of Cosplay
Cosplay intersects with mythology and popular culture, reflecting how contemporary narratives serve as modern myths that offer meaning and connection. The act of cosplaying allows individuals to engage with these narratives in meaningful ways, showcasing their personal connections to stories that resonate with them. The notion that popular culture can be classified as myth challenges the traditional separation between high culture and low culture, validating the significance of stories told through modern mediums. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace their engagement with pop culture as a legitimate means of self-discovery and identity formation.
Navigating Identity and Performance
The experience of cosplay involves continual navigation between character and individual identity, with performances manifesting in various social contexts. At events like conventions, cosplayers often instinctively shift into character for photos, showcasing the unique ability to embody another persona while maintaining elements of their true selves. This fluidity in performance highlights the complex relationship individuals have with the characters they portray, often leading to transformative experiences. As cosplayers engage with fans, particularly children, the interaction becomes a shared celebration of storytelling, further blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Subversive Dimensions of Cosplay
Cosplay holds significant subversive potential, challenging societal norms around gender and representation while generating thoughtful discourse on cultural identity. The practice of drag cosplay allows individuals to explore gender in diverse ways, which can lead to transformative discussions about characters and their portrayals in media. Additionally, the phenomenon of gender-bending recognizes the fluidity of identity and critiques the limitations imposed by traditional gender portrayals. By actively engaging in these subversive practices, cosplayers help bridge gaps in representation and promote a greater understanding of diverse cultural expressions.
Cosplay, born from the fusion of ‘costume’ and ‘play’, transcends mere dress-up by transforming enthusiasts of TV shows, movies, books or video games into living embodiments of their cherished characters. Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity (Reaktion, 2024) by Dr. Vivian Asimos is a close exploration of the vibrant world of cosplay, showing what makes it so captivating for so many.
The book frames cosplay as an enactment and embodiment of mythology, revealing its inherent complexity, and providing valuable insight into cosplayers’ experiences. Exploring cosplay performances, the skills involved and its community, the book shows how cosplayers build a strong connection to the characters and stories they treasure, and ultimately how they are constructing their own identities.
This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.