Cosplying a loved princess
So, I was around Puerto Rico comic Con today with some friends and family and decided to dress as my favorite princess, Mulan (In case you were around as well, I was the one with the pink fan and Cri-kee on her phone.) More than one person who took a picture with me told me that she was their favorite princess as well. One in particular kept me thinking.
This girl approached me and told me that, even though I was obviously not the real thing, she wanted to thank ‘me’ (Mulan). She told me that, as a young girl, watching the movie had changed her perspective on what a girl can do. She felt empowered. Mulan wasn’t her favorite just because she was a pretty Disney Princess, it was her favorite because of what she represents.
At the time, I was at a loss for words to be honest… But I completely understand her. I cosplayed Mulan at her lowest, when she meets the matchmaker. Mostly because I’ve always loved that dress… it’s kind of iconic for this character, but this scene in the movie teached me something very important. You’re not always going to fill other people’s expectations, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never find success. The matchmaker told her she would never bring honor to her family, by the end the emperor himself gives her his blessing. She’s a smart, strong willed and clever woman who finds herself along the jurney. To me, that’s empowering.
There are many characters that at some point define a persons point of view of the world, so keep that in mind when you cosplay them. They mean a lot to someone out there. And to you kind stranger, I’m honored that you approached me in such a way and I’m happy I did justice to a character that means so much to you.
