[myrla]

Taking slight offense to #2, as there is a 12 year difference between myself and my fiance - I'm 31. Just putting it in perspective. Just because someone is younger doesn't mean you are "creepy". I can almost guarantee you that you wouldn't think that I am my age. I look much, much younger.

#1 is obvious no matter the age of the cosplayer.

[Washu Takahashi]

Sorry, didn't mean to offend > < And yes, there are definitely cases where it's not creepy at all, but I'm talking about that guy that basically "stalks" the group of 4-5 girls that look like they're 15 and you can tell from their faces and they're all uncomfortable and want him to leave. (And don't mean to just direct this at guys either, since I'm sure it would work with the genders reversed, you just don't see that as often) I rarely see stuff like this happening in general anyways, but just saying

[myrla]

Ahh. Fair enough. Though in that case, the stalked should contact IRT IMMEDIATELY!

[Mullenkamp]

If ACen wasn't early this year, I'd be 35 this time around... I went to Shuto Con two days ago, and got carded for a 16+ panel. I was like "Ha - I could go to this panel TWICE!" XD

It kind of comes in handy since I've been cosplaying Kotetsu from Tiger & Bunny for the last several cons - keeps me in character when I can be all "You kids these days..." And if I ever start *looking* my age, there are a few costumes I might want to do that would take less effort. In the meantime, because I'm short and don't look my age, I keep winding up as the "kid" characters when we do groups...

[YoungBirdcall]

Washu Takahashi, on 18 March 2012 - 01:24 AM, said:

I only have 2 requirements for older people cosplaying:
1. PLEASE wear something that's flattering and doesn't make us want to shield our eyes...(but this goes for all ages)
2. Don't be that creeper older guy that goes around following younger girls and hitting on them. Once you're over 30, you should start looking for appropriate aged women, not the ones that look like they're in high school
Other than that, everyone should be able to cosplay to their heart's desire! I'm sure I'll still be cosplaying when I'm 30+

These two requests could be applied to all cosplayers regardless of age or gender. Your singling out older cosplayers smacks of ageism.

[Dark Spellmaster]

YoungBirdcall, on 19 March 2012 - 11:44 AM, said:

These two requests could be applied to all cosplayers regardless of age or gender. Your singling out older cosplayers smacks of ageism.

Um Young, she does state that 1 goes for all ages, and 2 was ment for older guys that are stalking 15 year olds because they see them as matching the anime character they like. IE the Otaku that's seen as the "Creeper."

I don't think she ment it as agism.

[YoungBirdcall]

Dark Spellmaster, on 19 March 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:

Um Young, she does state that 1 goes for all ages, and 2 was ment for older guys that are stalking 15 year olds because they see them as matching the anime character they like. IE the Otaku that's seen as the "Creeper."

I don't think she ment it as agism.

Whether she meant it or not is inconsequential. The statement itself was inherently ageist, by virtue of the singling out of older people. That's just a logical truth. Granted, we're on a thread that discusses older people cosplaying, but to make a statement to the affect of: "older guys shouldn't follow people around" is ageist.

No people should follow people around. Period. Age has nothing to do with it. Are we to believe that a young man (or, conversely, a woman) following people that don't want to be followed is somehow less inappropriate than when an older person does it? That's all I'm saying. Statements like this one, that aren't overtly discriminatory but are still inherently so, are problematic for a number of reasons. I can't speculate on the intentions of the poster, but I can call a spade a spade, and that statement was ageist.

This post has been edited by YoungBirdcall: 19 March 2012 - 02:11 PM

[twoFathoms]

I'm glad to see there are some older people cosplaying as well. I'm 26, and the majority of my group of friends I am attending with are 30. Not that I didn't think there would be older people there, but I know it's going to be a younger crowd.

[cactusmomma]

Mother... my phone ate my entire post. Re-typing time!

The median age for con-goers is between 24-27.. the Voltron generation is growing up (but never really growing up. )..and since this was our childhood, we were never really grandfathered in by the likes of Adult Swim as the high school/college age is. I think there's actually more cosplayers over the age of 30 than not, but they're mostly on the SciFi circuits.

As far as older!creeper.. older people tend to be viewed more along those lines because of younger folks feeling safer around peers of their age range. Anyone over 5-10 years their senior and they're feeling awkward..especially when a person could be seen as another's parent. And yes, it's been repeated time and time again.. people need to be careful, regardless of age, sex, or creed.. a con may seem like a high energy, happy, funtime summercamp where mommy and daddy will never know that you're wearing THAT, but that adult you're freaking out over seeing cosplaying Boogiepop Phantom may just be able to save your weekend if you're in a pinch.

Just be careful in all you do, regardless and do not witch hunt.

[Mullenkamp]

cactusmomma, on 20 March 2012 - 12:52 PM, said:

but that adult you're freaking out over seeing cosplaying Boogiepop Phantom may just be able to save your weekend if you're in a pinch.

*thumbs-up* I've tried to explain the con atmosphere to people who don't go, and one of the things I mention is that while there are creepers and people who are looking to take advantage of others, the vast majority of congoers have sort of a "yay, people like me!" thing going on, and are helpful and protective towards each other. Granted, that's less about age than a general mindset (I do that to friends my own age too - sometimes they're worse than the teenagers), but those of us who have been around a little longer may have a bit broader perspective, we may have figured out a few things or had to deal with some nasty situations in the past...74 (<--like cats climbing on the keyboard while you're typing and apparently implying you're twice your age... hahahah.)

[cactusmomma]

Exactly! It's a simple case of whippersnappers vs old farts (kidding!).

Though, there are mature >25's and immature <25's..and there _is_ ageism all around. I've personally been mocked for being 'old' (I'm freshly 29, you chickenbutts.) and cosplaying, but you know? So what? I still share a love of the hobby, as well as for the works that I enjoy. Its fun to cosplay with my daughter and she's even brought some really good ideas for us to do together.

In the end, the hobby is for any and all ages. Have fun, learn new things, make new frends. Enjoy it.

[HaruHE]

I'm approaching my 30 year milestone, and you'd better believe I don't plan to stop doing what I enjoy for quite awhile. There's nothing wrong with anyone of any age doing an outfit that they themselves enjoy, there's no rule book on who can cosplay what, never was and there never will be. In the immortal words of my granddad. "When in doubt, ---k it." I personally enjoy seeing different age groups still enjoying costumes, whether they be old or young, so keep on keepin' on.

[Dark Spellmaster]

I like seeing older people cosplay, I like seeing families do it too. The only reason I asked this question is because of how some view cosplay as just a kids thing, like how some view halloween. To me, no matter the age, if you enjoy creating characters do it.

[Scott]

I went to a few comic conventions last year. Age for cosplay/costuming isn't noticed at those conventions compared to straight Anime ones (This Cosplay in America video shows many people who "grew out of" Anime conventions as they got older, or even just never was in that scene). They also seem to appeal more to entire families, so the parents have a chance to participate.

I guess most Anime conventions will be stuck in a certain demographic because of the American stigma with animation being for the young? Many Anime conventions seem to be transforming with the times, but in the opposite direction of comic conventions (Internet Meme and whatever else that draw that younger audience).

I think I'll try to take note of people at ACEN this year to kind of gauge the maturity factor. There was a thread on here recently about ACEN not having much Anime content for the older audience, maybe it has some truth just for how Anime conventions transform over time? We do easily see how series eventually die off in popularity and rarely see cosplay from them. Maybe it is partly because those people move on to more adult themed conventions.

[Neko_master_Luna]

I have seen many awesome family cosplays & older ones too over the years. Some times people who are older can spend the time & big bucks to make the better cosplay. Though some times the cheapest made cosplay for any age ends up being the best. I'm just curious, what age is the complainers? Also, if my Mom cosplayed, I'd be the happiest Daughter ever! She may not understand cosplay well, but she loves my cosplay, because she can finally see me a dress or skirt! Plus when allowed at work she will still dress up as some one for Halloween. It's nice to be some one else for a day or just to have fun. She once went as a mime for Halloween at work so she wouldn't have to answer questions for customers. It got chuckles out of them & she always took them to items.

[Dark Spellmaster]

I wonder if there's a sense of fear from older people, like they'll be looked down upon?

[Foques]

how can it be wrong?

Hell, when I turn 60-70, i'll buy me a wheelchair, shave my head, and move on as a professor X (or Ozwell Edward)

This post has been edited by Foques: 16 April 2012 - 02:22 PM

[magicalgamer]

Foques, on 16 April 2012 - 02:21 PM, said:

Hell, when I turn 60-70, i'll buy me a wheelchair, shave my head, and move on as a professor X (or Ozwell Edward)

At Gencon a few years back, I saw a pair of cosplayers as Gandolf and Saruman and you would have sworn they had a movie studio make-up crew and costume department following them around, the costumes were that good.

There is one girl I have seen who loves to cosplay. She uses a wheelchair and decided to deck out the wheelchair in a complete steampunk look.

Any person of any age can pull off any cosplay they want as long as they make a costume that fits their body. It is amaizing how good a costume will look IF it is properly fitting.

[LK4D4]

I am currently 31, and still cosplaying happily with my girlfriend. Although, it takes a lot of effort to get started and finish since I don't watch as much as I used to, so less reference and enthusiasm.

My current costume endeavor will be This Guy.

[manga1]

Hey since when is 30 old, yes it is creepy to see a 65 year old guy in lolita for no reason at all, but if its supposed to be a gag like he is with his daughter and granddaughter then that is an ocasion for comady, or applauding his bravery.

beside there are lots of characters that are adults that I play and will be able to do so for at least 20 more years since age is not really addressed in some things. and some kids in anime by the way are much older then they look chibbi usa for example is 900 years old, and lets not forget the cute lolita vampire characters that are centuries old, or yoda also 800 years old.

That said there is more then one way to skin a cat if you have a younger character and you have more wrinkles then a shar pie then think mask and makeup, or face cover, like a ninja, or something like an ambu black ops mask from naruto.

[Mullenkamp]

Or maybe the 65 year old guy just likes the fashion. Hey, I'm dressing up as cartoon characters, so I've got no room to judge.

[Dark Kanine]

I saw people in there 50s it looked and they did peach mario and luigi

[sweetbeanpaste]

The Fujoshi, on 13 February 2012 - 04:37 AM, said:

Doesn't matter if they are 60 or 12, as long as it's decent (as in it looks appropriate,) it's fine. That goes for any age.

Heck there was an elder Mario/Peach that were awesome.

THAT GROUP IS THERE EVERY YEAR AND I LOVE THEM

[LordFarquaad]

I agree with a lot of what most people are saying. Cosplaying at conventions and love of anime shouldn't have an age limit. The reason for conventions is to be around people that share the same interests as yourself and I think it's wonderful that some older folks (no offense) are there sharing in our interests being part of our world. At least they're respectful and not one of the people that drive by yelling obscenities at you while you're walking to the con. That happened a lot. With that being said I think it's awesome no matter the age.

[Jeff]

I don't think I'll cosplay when I'm ollld, but I will definitely wear a suit and look like a sir. But no one will take my picture

[Femme Fatale]

I see no problem with it. It shouldn't be a problem with anybody. I'm in this category, and I enjoy doing what I do. Do whatever you feel is right. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[ImNewHere]

I'm 35 and I was doing it in the Media Blasters booth, so you may have seen me there or in the dealer room in costume. I got a pic of the Mario group too.

[Audri]

Well it looks like I'll be 32 and cosplaying. Just need to figure out what I'm going to do.

[chainedbyroses]

30 is NOT old. You're only as old as you feel, and age is ultimately just a number.

I have friends in their late 30s and 40s cosplaying, and people think their late 20s, maybe early 30s. Likewise, I have had friends in their late teens be mistaken for 20-somethings and older. What it boils down to is effort put in, and if you can/how you do pull it off; make the effort to make it look good, and the rest falls in place.

Cosplay is basically like Halloween throughout the year, and NOBODY is too "old" for Halloween. >:D

[Santa Finland]

I saw a woman who was atleast 50 cosplaying Miku once. I thought that was really awesome. I'm 25 and sometimes I feel like an older cosplay as most of the ones I meet are teens. Although, I look really young for my age. People tend to think I'm 15-16.