Rules on Booth babes/ Cosplayers?

[Jerry]

Saw this interesting article on my usual e-mail list as of this morning:

Article Reads:

"Not the Girls!!!" Booth Babes Booted...
http://www.hardestlevel.com/717691499/not-the-girls-booth-babes-booted-for-being-too-revealing/

Short of it is, see the girls of the cosplay/booth babes advertising a new game called "Blood and Soul" [I guess from the creators/ artist from Magna Carta Series] where the girls costumes are a bit revealing. So after this particular convention implied specific rules:

This year, regulations were put in effect for booth babes that at least 1/3 of their back needs to be covered, girls cannot be wearing bikini tops/bottoms and have them be showing, and their pelvis needs to be covered.

So since these girls supposedly didnt adhere to these rules they were asked to leave the convention.


What do you guys think? has cosplayers and/or booth babes gotten out of hand?

What is and isnt respectible for men or women cosplayers to show off?

[PyronIkari]

It should just follow decency laws. I mean, if it's not illegal to wear outside, it shouldn't really be illegal to wear inside.

But that's talking legalities. If you were to move on to "taste" and "respect" then that's a whole 'nother story.

[Kuromi_Kat]

First time I am going to say this, I agree with PyronIkari. I mean it IS a public place. If it is children that Fanime is worried about, they see worse at beaches. If it is not illegal out side.

I mean cosplay is suppose to be dressing up like an anime character you like. So why put restrictions on that. Well Ok excuse me, within reason. I mean if someone is cosplaying as Yoko Littner from Gurren Lagann then, uhm choose a different shirt haha. Or a larger bikini top XD, just to be sure your breasts dont fall out.

But still.

[Kertus]

First time I am going to say this, I agree with PyronIkari. I mean it IS a public place. If it is children that Fanime is worried about, they see worse at beaches. If it is not illegal out side.

I mean cosplay is suppose to be dressing up like an anime character you like. So why put restrictions on that. Well Ok excuse me, within reason. I mean if someone is cosplaying as Yoko Littner from Gurren Lagann then, uhm choose a different shirt haha. Or a larger bikini top XD, just to be sure your breasts dont fall out.

But still.

QFT

[Tony]

[chair hat off]
I must be getting old: I just want to pinch her cute little cheeks (the ones on her face, guys) and give her a nice warm coat!

Personally I see no reason to go beyond the legalities for this sort of thing. That's not to say that I like all of the boundary-pushing costumes people can come up with, but if I had to make a blind decision, I would go for permissiveness.

After all, one doesn't have to be naked to be sexual, and one doesn't need to wear Nazi regalia to be offensive.
[/chair hat off]

[PyronIkari]

Realistically yeah, fitting in legalities is nice. But then there are those borderlines that are really inappropriate and the what not.

Most obvious example I can come up with was "Towel Rei" from Acen 2001. She walked around in panties and had a towel draped around her shoulders covering her chest(although some people said she had a bikini top on just in case, I doubt that was the truth, seeing that I saw her multiple times and there was no way). Technically, she was covered, and many can argue that the towel covered more of her than some bikini tops do.

Would this be allowed?

Out of good taste and nature... no it shouldn't. Even if legalities DID stand on it being legal (which I'm not sure legalities would stand on), out of good taste it shouldn't be allowed. Even if it's a family oriented convention, even if it wasn't... it's just not tasteful.

Acen staff did force her to go back to her room and put on clothes.

Then we get to the broader range of taste. The idea is the same though, people that purposely whore for attention, good or bad. The Ayanami cosplayer was actually rather attractive, which was why people questioned the act. Had the girl been ugly and overweight, I doubt anyone would have said anything to her at all.

Which leads to the fun fun fun debate of Man-faye.

Man-faye was banned from Anime Expo... twice, because they felt that his costume was inappropriate for the convention. Funnily enough there were girls wearing far less clothing, and exposing themselves far more within his vicinity almost every single time staff approached him. I was present for a few of them as my ex-manager was a friend of his. One time was at the Anaheim walkway between the Hilton and the convention center. There were approximately 6 girls cosplaying the DOAX series. One girl popped out of her top and pretty much exposed everyone to her right breast. This happened no more than 5 minutes before staff approached Man-Faye and told him he had to go change. Staff was present when the girl popped out of her swimsuit, and nothing was done about it.

So the obvious reasoning... Man-faye is a hairy guy, the other was a (in this case I wouldn't say attractive) proportioned female. Not to say that Man-faye didn't do anything inappropriate, as in one incident, he lifted his leg and his testicle popped out of his shorts in the dealers hall.

So what was done right, wrong, inappropriately by staff? There is no realistic line of what is allowed and what isn't. And of course most of it will have to be just done on eye and on the spot based on taste and reasoning. But when obvious bias will be played on subjects like this. Guys will get away with far less than an attractive female. And unattractive females will get away with far less than attractive females. It sorta just goes in circles.

Really, no one likes seeing the fatties cosplaying really scandalously clad outfits, but are they allowed to? And in the same suit, what about attractive females? What draws the line between too scantily clad and just scantily clad enough?

YAY FUN FUN FUN TIMES



Appropriate for a con?











But yeah. There's hundreds of lines that can be made on what's inappropriate or not, beyond just "the costume". One can say every one of those shouldn't be allowed, and can be allowed at the same time.

[Kuromi_Kat]

Realistically yeah, fitting in legalities is nice. But then there are those borderlines that are really inappropriate and the what not.

Most obvious example I can come up with was "Towel Rei" from Acen 2001. She walked around in panties and had a towel draped around her shoulders covering her chest(although some people said she had a bikini top on just in case, I doubt that was the truth, seeing that I saw her multiple times and there was no way). Technically, she was covered, and many can argue that the towel covered more of her than some bikini tops do.

Would this be allowed?

Out of good taste and nature... no it shouldn't. Even if legalities DID stand on it being legal (which I'm not sure legalities would stand on), out of good taste it shouldn't be allowed. Even if it's a family oriented convention, even if it wasn't... it's just not tasteful.

Acen staff did force her to go back to her room and put on clothes.

Then we get to the broader range of taste. The idea is the same though, people that purposely whore for attention, good or bad. The Ayanami cosplayer was actually rather attractive, which was why people questioned the act. Had the girl been ugly and overweight, I doubt anyone would have said anything to her at all.

Which leads to the fun fun fun debate of Man-faye.

Man-faye was banned from Anime Expo... twice, because they felt that his costume was inappropriate for the convention. Funnily enough there were girls wearing far less clothing, and exposing themselves far more within his vicinity almost every single time staff approached him. I was present for a few of them as my ex-manager was a friend of his. One time was at the Anaheim walkway between the Hilton and the convention center. There were approximately 6 girls cosplaying the DOAX series. One girl popped out of her top and pretty much exposed everyone to her right breast. This happened no more than 5 minutes before staff approached Man-Faye and told him he had to go change. Staff was present when the girl popped out of her swimsuit, and nothing was done about it.

So the obvious reasoning... Man-faye is a hairy guy, the other was a (in this case I wouldn't say attractive) proportioned female. Not to say that Man-faye didn't do anything inappropriate, as in one incident, he lifted his leg and his testicle popped out of his shorts in the dealers hall.

So what was done right, wrong, inappropriately by staff? There is no realistic line of what is allowed and what isn't. And of course most of it will have to be just done on eye and on the spot based on taste and reasoning. But when obvious bias will be played on subjects like this. Guys will get away with far less than an attractive female. And unattractive females will get away with far less than attractive females. It sorta just goes in circles.

Really, no one likes seeing the fatties cosplaying really scandalously clad outfits, but are they allowed to? And in the same suit, what about attractive females? What draws the line between too scantily clad and just scantily clad enough?

But yeah. There's hundreds of lines that can be made on what's inappropriate or not, beyond just "the costume". One can say every one of those shouldn't be allowed, and can be allowed at the same time.

You are really harsh, but yeah you actually have a good point. I mean walking around Fanime, I dont see anything TOO TOO bad, but you know there are some costumes I say to myself "Is that... appropriate?"

Banning the Man-Faye is a little harsh, but you know... it depends how exposed he was, I have walked around the con wearing nothing but a net shirt, skirt, and of course shoes... not one ever bugged me: so what was the problem with the Man-Faye?

In my opinion you should be able to wear a bikini, if your a guy you should be able to dress like Man-Faye. As long as you are decent and nothing pops out that should be covered... you know private areas, I think we know what they all are, so no need to list XP
As far as Man-Faye, I believe that was handled properly. It seems like a good costume, but he should have had clothing that fit him better :/. Although I dont know the full situation XP... So I will admit, I dont have much room to talk >.<

[xxxplizit (pogi1kenobi)]

Banning the Man-Faye is a little harsh, but you know... it depends how exposed he was, I have walked around the con wearing nothing but a net shirt, skirt, and of course shoes... not one ever bugged me: so what was the problem with the Man-Faye?

The mentioned testicle pop-up was one incident.  The other being the erection incident in 2005.

In 2006 and beyond, I don't recall any more controversial issues with Man-Faye.

[Jerry]

If anything... why couldn't we have more "wardrobe malfunctions" with our cuter more attractive female cosplayers? :P 

[AngelWings]

Because of a very wise investment in massive amounts of fashion tape!

[udonoodle]

i think banning should pertain to the cosplay, rather then then babeness of the babe
cosplayer girls should dress according to their character
not just for the sake of showing off some skin
if the character doesn't wear a bikini and kitty paws
don't wear them

cosplay what you want to cosplay...but don't become a joke or a walking pornstar

there was this amazing stripper at AOD that first wore a kimono, and then a leather suit, and then a bikini, and then a sheer veil
a good cosplay should not be banned...but good underwear should

[ichigocorcor]

If those girls had modified their character's costume to show more skin, then i could understand why there may be an issue.

But yeah, cosplay's all about dressing up like a character. Costume-play. Some people like to "play" by walking around in something they normally wouldn't have the confidence to wear. if they maintain accuracy, then it's kinda prejudicial to ban them.

[Eeri-chan]

I think a big part of the problem is that America was founded by the Puritans. You look at the way we are, how uptight we can get in regards to sex, sexuality, the naked body and you can see a complete lack of openness. And then you look at the double standards put in place--while I can understand, for safety reasons why a woman might not want to walk around topless outside, the prevailing thought is that it's treated as vulgar, whereas a man can do the same and not be treated as such. By having breasts we suddenly need to cover up.

Sex is treated as a no-no topic. It's a behind closed doors and people shouldn't actually enjoy--well, maybe men can, but women? No way.

And if a woman wears clothes that are too revealing for a costume, oh my! I think, in terms of cosplay, it's a bit ridiculous. If you look at anime/manga, most women are depicted in very revealing clothing. Maybe not most, but a good majority of the clothes women wear is, which of course leaves you with the option of a revealing costume that's accurate or covering up. It's one thing to alter the costume so your butt is hanging out, and it's another to follow the costume to a T. I think the ladies in the first photo did nothing wrong. They are covered up for the most part, and it's really not that revealing. What's wrong with wearing a bathing suit indoors and away from a pool or beach?

Personally, I have no problems with any of these pictures, but I can see why conventions would get uppity about someone who is practically naked with only pasties and a thong that doesn't cover much on. While I'm all for freedom of expression and sharing the beauty of your body and not being ashamed, I can see why that might be too much. This isn't San Francisco Pride, or a peace and love event. It's a convention which is concentrated in a much smaller area, and it might not be safe to wear something that revealing outside in public. It's a sad truth, but a woman revealing any skin is automatically considered sexy, or a tease. It's immediately sexualised, and well, those pictures, I really can't argue that that wasn't the point, but it's not always the point, but it's still the reaction the world has.

[PyronIkari]

I think a big part of the problem is that America was founded by the Puritans. You look at the way we are, how uptight we can get in regards to sex, sexuality, the naked body and you can see a complete lack of openness. And then you look at the double standards put in place--while I can understand, for safety reasons why a woman might not want to walk around topless outside, the prevailing thought is that it's treated as vulgar, whereas a man can do the same and not be treated as such. By having breasts we suddenly need to cover up.

Sex is treated as a no-no topic. It's a behind closed doors and people shouldn't actually enjoy--well, maybe men can, but women? No way.

And if a woman wears clothes that are too revealing for a costume, oh my! I think, in terms of cosplay, it's a bit ridiculous. If you look at anime/manga, most women are depicted in very revealing clothing. Maybe not most, but a good majority of the clothes women wear is, which of course leaves you with the option of a revealing costume that's accurate or covering up. It's one thing to alter the costume so your butt is hanging out, and it's another to follow the costume to a T. I think the ladies in the first photo did nothing wrong. They are covered up for the most part, and it's really not that revealing. What's wrong with wearing a bathing suit indoors and away from a pool or beach?

Personally, I have no problems with any of these pictures, but I can see why conventions would get uppity about someone who is practically naked with only pasties and a thong that doesn't cover much on. While I'm all for freedom of expression and sharing the beauty of your body and not being ashamed, I can see why that might be too much. This isn't San Francisco Pride, or a peace and love event. It's a convention which is concentrated in a much smaller area, and it might not be safe to wear something that revealing outside in public. It's a sad truth, but a woman revealing any skin is automatically considered sexy, or a tease. It's immediately sexualised, and well, those pictures, I really can't argue that that wasn't the point, but it's not always the point, but it's still the reaction the world has.

And this thread too... it's almost as if you don't care to read the topic or point of the thread, but only want to speak your views.

The original argument of this wasn't about the sexuality and whether or not it's appropriate, but the basis of why it is allowed. The original basis was that at game shows, which is a business oriented event(despite what people think) things like that were seen as inappropriate. As it expanded, i even proved it wasn't about that sexuality is frowned upon, but how ugliness is frowned upon at most conventions. It wasn't about convention rules, but the general audiences response. Yet you still decided to go on this "PURITANS, AMERICANS DON'T LIKE SEXUALITY", and although this is true, had really 0 place in this discussion.

It comes down to actual taste, conventions aren't going to attack anyone JUST BECAUSE their costume is revealing, but based on taste of the matter. There's a difference between a revealing costume, and something distasteful just to show off the body.

So again... I don't even see the point of your post.

[Admiral Donuts]

Having someone dress up as a character they love who doesn't wear a whole lot is one thing. Dressing up as a character because you like that they don't wear a whole lot... that's a gray area. Wearing a yellow tube tube top, booty shorts, ears, and painting your cheeks red and saying you're "sexy pikachu" is getting away from the spirit of cosplay.

[Salty Pearl]

Realistically yeah, fitting in legalities is nice. But then there are those borderlines that are really inappropriate and the what not.

Most obvious example I can come up with was "Towel Rei" from Acen 2001. She walked around in panties and had a towel draped around her shoulders covering her chest(although some people said she had a bikini top on just in case, I doubt that was the truth, seeing that I saw her multiple times and there was no way). Technically, she was covered, and many can argue that the towel covered more of her than some bikini tops do.

Would this be allowed?

Out of good taste and nature... no it shouldn't. Even if legalities DID stand on it being legal (which I'm not sure legalities would stand on), out of good taste it shouldn't be allowed. Even if it's a family oriented convention, even if it wasn't... it's just not tasteful.

Acen staff did force her to go back to her room and put on clothes.

Then we get to the broader range of taste. The idea is the same though, people that purposely whore for attention, good or bad. The Ayanami cosplayer was actually rather attractive, which was why people questioned the act. Had the girl been ugly and overweight, I doubt anyone would have said anything to her at all.

Which leads to the fun fun fun debate of Man-faye.

Man-faye was banned from Anime Expo... twice, because they felt that his costume was inappropriate for the convention. Funnily enough there were girls wearing far less clothing, and exposing themselves far more within his vicinity almost every single time staff approached him. I was present for a few of them as my ex-manager was a friend of his. One time was at the Anaheim walkway between the Hilton and the convention center. There were approximately 6 girls cosplaying the DOAX series. One girl popped out of her top and pretty much exposed everyone to her right breast. This happened no more than 5 minutes before staff approached Man-Faye and told him he had to go change. Staff was present when the girl popped out of her swimsuit, and nothing was done about it.

So the obvious reasoning... Man-faye is a hairy guy, the other was a (in this case I wouldn't say attractive) proportioned female. Not to say that Man-faye didn't do anything inappropriate, as in one incident, he lifted his leg and his testicle popped out of his shorts in the dealers hall.

So what was done right, wrong, inappropriately by staff? There is no realistic line of what is allowed and what isn't. And of course most of it will have to be just done on eye and on the spot based on taste and reasoning. But when obvious bias will be played on subjects like this. Guys will get away with far less than an attractive female. And unattractive females will get away with far less than attractive females. It sorta just goes in circles.

Really, no one likes seeing the fatties cosplaying really scandalously clad outfits, but are they allowed to? And in the same suit, what about attractive females? What draws the line between too scantily clad and just scantily clad enough?

YAY FUN FUN FUN TIMES



Appropriate for a con?











But yeah. There's hundreds of lines that can be made on what's inappropriate or not, beyond just "the costume". One can say every one of those shouldn't be allowed, and can be allowed at the same time.

I really hate to say this, but if I'd have to choose I'd much rather have to deal with an attractive cosplayer dressed inappropriately. ;_;
I'm such that sounds extremely shallow, but that's how I feel about it. Though no matter what I still think there are some boundaries to how much of someone's boobs or crotch I'd like to see in public.
I feel like if it suits the character [like in Gurren Lagann or Final Fantasy] and it suits your body type, go for it. But if it's overkill, and makes the wearers and other people feel a bit awkward, don't do it..

[EvilBunnyKid]

Respect the character.  Cosplay doesn't have to be spot on, but cutting the fabric body coverage in half is pushing it.  It is fact that "Sexy" fan cosplay is more popular then the original. But if you notice that thats all they really see them as, sexy, and not really the character.  If you have to change the character just to get more attention then your missing the whole point of cosplaying.

Cosplay for the love of the character and the anime.

[Salty Pearl]

I couldn't agree more, Evil Bunny. : 3
The whole idea of modifying a character to suit your slooty needs demotes cosplay credits no matter how you look at it really...

[LadyGlitterbow]

Really? I find this ridiculous! I have seen way worse at conventions, and they are covered up enough. You would see more at a beach or pool. And parents should know there is going to be some questionable attire at conventions.

[chaosord]

This whole thing is a, "Gasp, they are showing SKIN! WILL SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!" BS that just p*sses me right the frak off.

What is wrong with the human form? Why do kids need to be protected from seeing what they already have and see every time they, the kids, shower?

Just so sick of people hating the human form, both male and female.