Con Hot- Please Stop
A few months ago the internet exploded with the “Fake Geek Girl” uprising, and despite this uproar from some of the brightest feminists on the web, I still see people posting the memes on my Facebook. During that debate, I saw the term “con hot” used a lot. I’ve seen it typed on Cosplay forums and heard it whispered among crowds of outcasts who should know better. As I gear up to visit Phoenix Festival this May, my mind wanders to the apparent animosity against girls who Cosplay and I have to say, the idea of con hot isn’t just horrid, it’s stupid. Here are 5 reasons why we need to stop using the term “con hot.” This is mostly for men, but ladies, you are not exempt from this scolding.
1. Of course you’re going to find someone dressed in a costume from your favorite fandom more attractive than someone dressed in plain clothes. We’re attracted to people who share our interests. Sports fanatics experience the same phenomenon. That guy screaming at the TV in the Red Sox shirt with the unshaven face is rugged. That man in the Yankees shirt with the unshaven face is loud and slovenly. If you love Batman and a girl is dressed as Batgirl, of course she’s going to be more attractive in that moment than she would be in jeans and a t-shirt.
2. People get dressed up to Cosplay just like they would get dressed up for a night out. When I spend an hour on my hair, wear eyeliner, and put on lipstick three shades darker than would ever be acceptable in plain clothes, of course I’m going to be more attractive. I’ve put in more effort! Just like men look better when they wear a well-tailored suit and put product in their hair, we look better when we do our hair, nails, and makeup. Just because we look our best when we try, doesn’t give you the right to make snarky comments about what we must look like when we’ve just rolled out of bed. Men, you would be horrified if you were talking to a cute girl at your cousin’s wedding reception and had her dragged away by a girl whispering, “C’mon, forget that guy. He’s just wedding hot.” 3. Having an open, callous discussion about anyone’s level of attractiveness is just plain classless. Those “hot or not” sites make you feel dirty for a reason. Leave the catty “He/She is actually ugly, I don’t get why people like him/her” comments to Perez Hilton readers and teenagers. 4. Chances are, someone has judged you based on your appearance. Maybe it was in high school. Maybe it was in middle school. Maybe it was that old guy walking by the convention center who didn’t approve of your hair dye. How would you like it if someone called you ugly?
5. Not everything you think should be said out loud. I get that it’s natural to judge beauty. I get that we all find different things attractive. Still, not everything you think should be said out loud. So, the next time you see a girl (or a guy) in a well-made costume, even if you’ve undressed them with your eyes and decided they aren’t really that hot, shut your mouth. As Thumper’s mama said, if you can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say anything at all. Reduce Worldsuck by only putting positive things out into the atmosphere.