Hetaquette

Anonymous asked: Did you recieve any negative feedback about your SS Panzer Division Prussia cosplay?

None, actually. But I made a point to not wear it outside of con. Needless to say, I probably won’t wear it again anyway.

Anonymous asked: Do you think the Hetalia military uniforms should be avoided in cosplay?

It’s really up to the individual. If it’s something you really want to do, all I’m saying is that you should be prepared for negative feedback from others. I’m not saying this will always happen, but only that if it does, you should show that person respect. It really just depends on how much you want to avoid that situation altogether.

Anonymous asked: If a non-convention goer or anyone who is not familiar with Hetalia is offended by a Hetalia costume and approaches the cosplayer about it, what is the best way for the cosplayer to handle it? What can the cosplayer say and do to help disfuse the situation? When I ask this question I am mostly thinking of any of the military-like costumes or especially the German/Prussian WW2 themed uniforms.

Handle it as calmly and politely as possible. Explain what you’re dressed for and why, and if it still bothers them, just apologize. Yes. Apologize. Even if you feel like you shouldn’t have to. It could offend someone for any number reasons (especially when it comes to triggering uniforms such as SS), and that alone is reason enough to apologize. Be polite and don’t come off as defensive. Just be prepared for a lecture and listen. Don’t interrupt them or try to correct them. Once they’ve said what they’ve needed to say, apologize. You could even tell them you’ll rethink your costume choices in the future if you want. It’d make them feel like you care about their opinion, which you certainly should. But the best way to avoid this situation altogether? Don’t wear a uniform. The nice thing about Hetalia is that it’s been around long enough for the characters to accumulate other clothing designs for your cosplay options.

samiamnot13 asked: (Sorry if I am waking you XD It's 1 am in my neighborhood XD) Thank you for responding! And thanks for this blog! I like all the etiquette it has given me on what to do and what not to do! I will be using many of the things on the blog as a basis for the Hetalia Day I am running this year! Thank you again :D

No problem! It’s 1am here too. I’m glad my blog helped you and good luck with APH Day!

samiamnot13 asked: I wanted to do a female version of Rome cosplay. Out of everything, I'm a little nervous of cosplaying not only my own interpretation of a female version of the Ancient Roman Empire but also being around Hetalia cosplayers. What should I, as a fan scared many times by the fandom, be ready for? (If you say pictures, I know that already XD)

I don’t think even the most critical people would say anything to your face, but if you do happen to get ugly looks thrown your way, ignore it. It’s really not worth worrying about. Be confidant and rock it. So long as your cosplay and characterization looks like effort was put into it, that’s what matters.

skylightpirate asked: Not strictly pertaining to Hetalia, but pertinent all the same. I heard someone at school say, "Stereotypes aren't racist" and I'm wondering what your thoughts on that are. Obviously there are times that stereotypes are really would be racist, but is it necessarily true/false in most cases?

It really depends on the context and how they are being used and towards whom. A stereotype by itself isn’t racist, it’s a bias. But they can’t be used in a racist manner.

k-josephine asked: I just want to express my appreciation for the fact that this blog does, in fact, exist.

Awesome! I’m a little frustrated with myself for not being too active, though my life outside tumblr has changed quite a bit and I’ve been a lot busier. But I’m always willing to answer questions when I have the chance!

slytherin-tardis asked: Hello! I really want to cosplay Prussia when I'm older, after I finish growth-spurting, but my parents won't allow it. They say the military outfit could offend non-Hetalians, and I could get in trouble for wearing it in public. Since I won't be wearing medals, ribbons, swastika, or offensive symbols, it should be okay, right? Thanks for the help!

Military outfits in general can make people offended. While it may be difficult to get around this with Hetalia, I think this post will give you some good insight as to how some of the Japanese cosplayers choose to get around it.

Anonymous asked: I have a question about accents! Lately, a friend of mine has been practicing an accent to go with her cosplay of New Zealand, but she tells me that she just can't get the hang of it... That got me thinking, though. I've heard lots of cosplayers of characters speak with very distinct accents like English, Russian and German before. Whether or not they're accurate is left up to the listener in most cases. But I'm curious to know where the lovely admins of Hetaquette stand when it comes to accents

While I do like accents, I don’t think they’re absolutely necessary when cosplaying. Also, I’d be rather careful with them when talking to people who may not know what Hetalia is or are perhaps from another country. A really bad/stereotypical accent could come off as mocking or offensive, so if you really feel the need to use an accent, I’d say you should use it sparingly and not at anyone you don’t really know.

Was at a con as Italy and had a friend as Germany. Anyways this girl was bothering us to do fan service for her. She said “I want some Gerita please” My friend and i poliety turned her down explaning, “Well we are not comfortable to do fan service. So sorry but no.” This person would not leave us alone it got to the point where we decied to tell con staff what was going on. Needless to say she was asked to leave. If any insane fan makes you uncomfortable then go to con staff.