The vibrant world of Cosplay has recently been shaken by the incident involving a male SM cosplayer. This event raised concerns about inappropriate behavior at cosplay conventions, potentially impacting the organization of future events in Hanoi. Surprisingly, there is also a faction that advocates for the continuation of the cosplay community under the slogan, “If I like it, I will do it.”
To counteract the negative actions that can harm the image of Cosplay in society, an admin from a cosplay group in Hanoi has proposed the establishment of a volunteer group dedicated to maintaining order at cosplay events in the city.
According to the announcement, the group will operate on a voluntary basis, consisting of about 20-30 members, who will not differentiate between professional cosplayers, event attendees, or staff (those assisting cosplayers). As long as there is enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to ensuring a positive image of the cosplay community, individuals can register to participate.
It’s noteworthy that the establishment of such volunteer groups is not unprecedented; a similar group, called Shield of Otaku (SoO), was formed in Ho Chi Minh City with the goal of maintaining order at cosplay conventions and protecting the rights of participating cosplayers. Together, this team has helped uncover various inappropriate behaviors, such as male students in suggestive costumes, roaming around to harass cosplayers and attendees alike.
Moreover, this volunteer group serves as a reliable channel for cosplayers to report any inappropriate behaviors they encounter during conventions, ensuring that the safety and comfort of all participants are maintained. The SoO team closely monitors events and promptly reports any misconduct to the organizers while also advocating for the safety of attendees and cosplayers alike.
In conclusion, if a volunteer group dedicated to assisting event organizers were to be established in Hanoi, it could effectively mitigate inappropriate behaviors and promote a healthy atmosphere for cosplay, an art form that has been cultivated over the years.
We hope that the future of cosplay events in Hanoi will flourish, supported by the enthusiasm of the community, ensuring that these gatherings can take place safely and positively.