As conventions start to open back up again, there are several factors that cosplayers may want to consider. Although it feels like there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, that doesn’t mean that things will instantly go back to normal. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our world in so many unexpected ways, we may not fully realize just how different things will feel until we venture back out into the pop culture scene.
Living through a pandemic has been very heavy and burdensome for many people, and it’s likely something that we may need help figuring out.
Adapting to change
As we venture back out into those familiar convention halls, it’s important to keep in mind that things may not look the way they once did. For example, although most Americans are expected to be vaccinated by the summer of 2021, the use of masks at conventions may be required well into 2022. Many conventions will be reopening at a limited capacity and with social distancing rules in place. This will undoubtedly change the landscape of conventions and how we cosplay.
If you are someone who struggled with the changes during the pandemic and have been impatiently waiting for the world to go back to normal, it may be difficult to find out that the world is not what it once was. Vaccinations will not magically get us back to where we once were. Being able and willing to adapt to the changes presented will make dealing with the new normal easier to deal with.
Staying Healthy and Safe
Not every city or state has the same Covid-19 policies and precautions. Things may change from convention center to convention center. Ultimately, it is up to the attendees to stay informed and make the decisions that are best for themselves and the people around them. It’s up to each cosplayer to make sure that you are well aware of the precautions, if any, that are taking place at the con you attend. Also, it is important to take into consideration the possibility of potential risk factors you may be bringing back from a convention to your loved ones at home.
Seasoned veterans of the convention scenes are well aware of how easily “con crud” can spread. “Con Crud” is convention slang for any illnesses (such as colds, flu, digestive issues) that cosplayers and convention attendees contract while going to conventions. Tips for staying healthy at conventions include being fully vaccinated, wearing a face covering, maintaining social distance, avoiding touching your eyes and face, washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding handshakes. And it should go without saying, if you are sick or not feeling well, stay home. And remember that public water fountains are out. Make sure you take a refillable water bottle with you.
(FOMO) Fear of Missing Out
For many, cosplay provides a sense of community that they haven’t had since high school or college. As things start to open back up, there will be people posting their cosplay and convention adventures on social media. As those things start to happen, the fear of missing out can start making its way into your life.
FOMO is not new to cosplay or the cosplay community. Conventions are joyous celebrations of fandom and pop culture, and it’s very tempting to want to be everywhere and not miss anything. Don’t let your fear of missing out put your health and that of your loved ones at risk. If you are not fully vaccinated, if those around you are not fully vaccinated, then going to a convention could put you at risk.
Budget wisely
Additionally, it’s hard to ignore the financial hardships that so many Americans are facing due to the pandemic. Cosplaying and conventions were never cheap to begin with and this could cause an issue for some people as they try to attend cons again. Trying to make or buy new cosplays in time for conventions may not be as easy for some people as it was before the pandemic. This can cause a great deal of anxiety and disappointment for people who really want to partake in the cosplay festivities and maybe can no longer afford to do so.
As much as we all want to support our local conventions and geeky exhibit hall vendors, don’t put yourself in a financial bind just to keep up with other cosplayers who have more disposable income than you do. The pandemic has taught us a lot about the economic inequality in our country. Be thoughtful with your spending as we start on the path to economic recovery.
Changes in the cosplay community
Not everyone may be ready to run back out to the convention scene. With just over 545,000 Covid-19 related deaths in the United States and 2.74 million deaths worldwide, it’s safe to assume that many cosplayers may be wary of returning to conventions right away. The grief of losing loved ones, friends, and neighbors to the pandemic and economic hardships due to the pandemic will no doubt change both the mood and atmosphere of the first few conventions.
Be mindful of those who may not be as eager as you to run back in. Accept that people in your cosplay community may have different priorities now. People you once saw regularly at cons may no longer be with us. The dynamics in your community may likely change.
Hugging and handshakes among cosplay friends may no longer be the norm. After a year of social distancing behaviors (mask-wearing, standing six feet apart, no touching), it may not feel natural to start hugging people and shaking hands the way it once was. Respect the boundaries of the people in your community and be sure to communicate your own boundaries.
Dealing with Disappointment
Being disappointed that things have changed is valid and understandable. It’s ok to mourn the loss of the way things were. Honor that and acknowledge that disappointment. And take this opportunity to reflect and understand the root of that disappointment. Ask yourself exactly what is disappointing to you. Are you disappointed that wearing a mask will make your cosplay look less accurate, or that you may be less recognizable? Are you disappointed that the cosplay meetups you once enjoyed will not be the same due to social distancing restrictions? Perhaps your social circle has dwindled or is looking very different than it once was? There are plenty of things to be disappointed about. Understanding what is disappointing will help you in dealing with that disappointment.
Once you have identified these disappointments and honored them, it is important to find a way to move away from the negativity of dwelling on these disappointments. Instead of constantly focusing on your disappointment, try reframing how you talk about the disappointment. Be mindful of the things you say to yourself and others when you are discussing changes in the cosplay community and the convention scene. If you find yourself saying things like “This sucks, this is the worst, I hate this, it’s not fair,” try to find ways to reframe that thinking into something more constructive.
Being Prepared
Being prepared goes a long way in making sure you aren’t disappointed when you return to conventions. Visit the website of the convention you are attending before you commit to going. Take an interest in their social media posts so that you are caught up on all the latest changes. Look for changes in cosplay policies and social distancing policies. Adapt your cosplays so that they are in line with the policies of the conventions you are attending. This is a part of adapting to change. We don’t want to wallow in it. Seeking out a professional to help us through any number of things, including feelings of loneliness, fear of missing out, or fears of venturing back out into the world is the best way we can help ourselves make the best out of our new normal.
Temple of Geek is an Amazon Affiliate and earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
For more cosplay and convention coverage check out:
San Diego Comic-Con postponed until 2022, smaller fall event planned
Anime Expo 2021 event to be held virtually, July too soon for safe opening
The Comic Con Handbook: Things You Need At EVERY Convention
Cosplay Positivity and Fighting the Pitfalls of Cosplay Unhappiness
Thank you for this thoughtful article!!