Cosplay according to urban dictionary arguably has its root in “costume-play” – a portmanteau of the words costume and role play and that subsequently cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered around role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context. But then when we talk about the term subculture, often a negative, quite sinister delineation comes to mind – a minority style interpreted in accordance with subversive values. In his 1979 book Subculture the Meaning of Style, Dick Hebdige argued that subcultures can be perceived as negative due to their nature of criticism to the dominant societal standard. Hebdige, however, argued that subcultures bring together like-minded individuals who feel neglected by societal standards and allow them to develop a sense of identity. The study of subcultures often consists of the study of symbolism attached to music, clothing and other visible affectations by members of subcultures, and also the ways in which these same symbols are interpreted by members of the dominant culture. Members of a subculture often signal their membership through a distinctive and symbolic use of style, which includes fashions and mannerisms. Affiliates of the cosplay subculture may profess their adoration of the character they are playing and the character's mannerisms as well; whereas others enjoy the assiduity and heed-fulness that cosplaying a certain character peculiarly brings. Whatever semblance of repudiation to anything routine or normality this discipline brings to the fore is the least of Erros' concern. As long as he enjoys and gets a charge out of the creative process in bringing these costumes to life he will unquestionably be a antsy fan to this ballgame with a fluster sense of achievement upon their completion.
Friday, June 8, 2012
'ERROS COSPLAY' ~ A SUBVERSION TO NORMALCY OR A STYLIZED SENSE OF IDENTITY?
Cosplay according to urban dictionary arguably has its root in “costume-play” – a portmanteau of the words costume and role play and that subsequently cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered around role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context. But then when we talk about the term subculture, often a negative, quite sinister delineation comes to mind – a minority style interpreted in accordance with subversive values. In his 1979 book Subculture the Meaning of Style, Dick Hebdige argued that subcultures can be perceived as negative due to their nature of criticism to the dominant societal standard. Hebdige, however, argued that subcultures bring together like-minded individuals who feel neglected by societal standards and allow them to develop a sense of identity. The study of subcultures often consists of the study of symbolism attached to music, clothing and other visible affectations by members of subcultures, and also the ways in which these same symbols are interpreted by members of the dominant culture. Members of a subculture often signal their membership through a distinctive and symbolic use of style, which includes fashions and mannerisms. Affiliates of the cosplay subculture may profess their adoration of the character they are playing and the character's mannerisms as well; whereas others enjoy the assiduity and heed-fulness that cosplaying a certain character peculiarly brings. Whatever semblance of repudiation to anything routine or normality this discipline brings to the fore is the least of Erros' concern. As long as he enjoys and gets a charge out of the creative process in bringing these costumes to life he will unquestionably be a antsy fan to this ballgame with a fluster sense of achievement upon their completion.
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