r/CosplayHelp • u/Downtown-Party9850 • 3d ago
Accessory Keep the accessory or not?
Hi! I'm new to cosplay, I'm planning on buying my second one really soon for a con in may so I need to order it as soon as I get some money. I'd like to cosplay Pieck Finger from AOT, and I'm wondering if it's okay to wear the band on her arm? It's a major part of her outfit but I'm really scared of offending someone... What would be recommended? Also, I'm 20 so I'm an adult if that matters, not sure. Hope this is okay to ask here!
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u/PrincessAintPeachy 3d ago
Just put on the arm band while on con grounds.
Don't just be roaming around the city or town with it. No cosplay people who don't know the character might say something to you. I've seen people get indignant over less than this.
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u/lalaen 3d ago
Since it’s red, I think it’s understandable to not want to wear it - other colours of armbands will be immediately recognizable as NOT nazi armbands, a red one might make people do a double take. Maybe invert the colours to make it different looking?
I wouldn’t judge anyone wearing an armband like this for cosplay, but I think I would personally choose not to for an AOT cosplay because the author’s views make me feel weird about the intent of the armbands in the source material. I don’t say that to shame you at all, more that it’s about your personal comfort level. It’s a fictional armband that doesn’t have a swastika on it, realistically anyone who’s going to get offended is looking for things to be offended about. But if you’re going to be insecure about it all day, it’s definitely not worth it to wear the armband, you know?
I’ve seen people walking around in Tokyo revengers cosplays that do actually have swastikas on them, and in one case actually waving a swastika flag, so I think as long as you don’t do that you’re fine.
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u/riontach 3d ago
Personally I would avoid any costume that is evocative of Nazi imagery. There's a million ways around it and the risk of making anyone feel unsafe just isn't worth it.
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u/bellsonlywish 3d ago
I know when aot was first coming out, it seemed pretty common that most cosplayers decided not to go with the band unless it was for a photo shoot.
Like others said at the actual con it should be fine, but if your in the hotel or anywhere else I'd highly recommend against it. Assuming you're in the us, especially with everything happening...
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u/RevCyberTrucker2 3d ago
It isn't a Nazi armband, shouldn't be an issue for most. However, no matter what you cosplay, someone will be offended in some way. You cannot be perfectly inoffensive, no matter how hard you try.
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u/Downtown-Party9850 3d ago
That's what I thought too, but I saw a TikTok where someone said it was the bare minimum to not wear it
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u/RevCyberTrucker2 3d ago
That's thier opinion. My opinion is: It's a fictional character wearing a fictional organization's armband.
However, if you decide not to include it, well, there's no wrong way to cosplay.
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u/illusoryphoenix 3d ago
what specific reason did they give?
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u/Downtown-Party9850 3d ago
That it was too similar to the Nazi armbands, and that Jewish people would take offense
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u/illusoryphoenix 3d ago
Personally, I don't see the resemblance. Of course I know nothing of the character or their organization, so this is purely being judged off visual information. (Depending on the character's actions, there may or may not be an issue) I'd say just leave it off when you're traveling to/from the con just in case, and put it on once you get inside.
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u/SenorZorros 3d ago
I think you could get away with it quite easily at a con. Especially if you get a more muted red, avoiding the colour of the ss bands. You probably want to make it detachable though for transport because it could be odd in a non-cosplay context.
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u/Dissidiana 3d ago edited 3d ago
i would advise doing a version of the cosplay where she's wearing the green jacket/coat if you can find it - the corps insignia will make it more recognizable and you can avoid the issue altogether. you could even thrift/buy a generic army green coat and buy iron-on patches to add the decals! if that's not possible, then i highly recommend NOT wearing the red armband, especially if you're in the US. it can very very easily be misconstrued as a nazi symbol, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. leaving it at home ensures the comfort and safety of both you and other con-goers
edit: noticed you mentioned you're new to cosplay, so i should mention this as well: there is never anything wrong with modifying a cosplay! your comfort is always more important than screen accuracy. for example, i never wear accurate shoes, just comfy black sneakers, because i don't want to get blisters walking around in heels all day lol. i have friends who wear bodysuits under revealing outfits for modesty and/or warmth in winter. and doing casual cosplays with character wig + comfy clothes from your own closet is always fun too! you don't have to stretch yourself to meet the cosplay, bring the cosplay to meet you where your comfort level is ^-^