The GEM Debate:
Are Men Taking Comic Con Fantasy Too Far?
Comic Con: a comic lover’s dream. You enter a fantasy world made just for you, you meet the famous people who have created that world, and you get to dress up and pretend for a little while that you live there. Well, here’s the gotcha. That world is smack dab in the real world and, yeah, that means real, well, realities.
Mandy Caruso tried to do just that. She went to Comic Con dressed as her favorite heroine and apparently the outfit caused quite a stir. How do I put this delicately? In an imaginary world she left little to the imagination (wow, I’m good!). Well, things didn’t go as she would have liked them to because the men at the convention ogled her and made comments that were quite offensive. During one interview someone asked about her cup size and she stormed out in the name of sexual harassment. I get that in this specific case, but in general I believe she and other women like her are wrong for not expecting some overzealous attention.
When Joelle and I headed to Disney Social Media Moms this year, I took her Tinkerbell costume with us. She was so freaking cute and people commented and complimented her on it all day. She was in a fantasy world, dressed as one of the characters, and caused a minor stir. These women go to these events and expect people not to comment on how sexy they look when they are the very embodiment of a fantasy fulfilled? I don’t get that. Going back to the Disney reference if Mickey Mouse shows up kids and adults alike swoon over him. They ask him weird questions and they feel as if they know him. How is this any different? Okay. It’s not these women’s jobs to portray a character, but they are grown and hopefully smart. I’ve got to believe that they knew someone would have something to say to them even though in all fairness the characters in the comic books almost never have to deal with how sexy they look.
So the question for you today is, are these men taking it too far are are these women being unrealistic in their expectations? Am I setting the women’s movement back any? Should guys realize they are talking to real women and behave accordingly? Should these women dress less provocatively? Let me hear ya!
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Ella Rucker is a mother of a two-year-old girl and the guardian of two boys. She is currently working on dispelling the myth that being a “stay at home mom” has anything to do with staying at home. Ella moved from Ohio to New York City twelve years ago where she is currently assisting the head GEM and proving that sticking your neck out just might help you win the race. She loves to read about the “mental laws” and seeing them work in her life, but her greatest joy is laughing madly and wildly with her daughter who amazes her everyday. You can also find her writing for mochamanual.com or by following her tweets @ellalaverne.
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I went to the Comic Con in NY back in 2010. I dressed like this:
http://christinagleason.deviantart.com/art/Astra-Kezzek-with-Boltgun-184134388
I suppose it wasn’t as provocative as some of the other women’s costumes we saw, and maybe men tempered their tongue with my husband at my side, but the most salacious comments I got were about how amazing my boots looked. Of course, I don’t know what was going through the minds of all of the guys who asked to take my picture, but I was flattered. One of the promoters at the Fox booth took my picture and gave me some Jones soda and other swag for it while I was waiting in line for an Alien experience.
I think a bit of the objectification should be expected at Comic Con. Some guys may take it too far, like the one who asked about her cup size, but honestly…Why dress up unless you want to be noticed and appreciated? I mean, I could’ve worn different boots with my outfit – and my sore feet would’ve been happy for it – but I liked the way the five-inch heels made me look, and they made me more remarkable. I would’ve been upset if I hadn’t been complimented and asked for photos.
Nice boots! Thanks for the inside look. I definitely appreciate the feedback, Christina.
As a COMIC GEEK myself and a MALE, this a subculture for us. In the past few years I see this actually get more and more into the mainstream. COMICON SAN DIEGO becomes a destination and lucrative event. In today’s world where the recession is a reality and a work week can be challenging, its great to escape in the FANTASY temporarily. As far as “going too far”, I doubt its an issue as many are aware that the fantasy must end.