The Hypocrisy Of Anime Cons Banning Ahegao Clothing

Ahegao is an exaggerated “sex face” women make that originates in Japan. With their eyes rolled back and tongue sticking out.

Its become a meme in the anime community, and for the MOST part – anime fans don’t take this seriously because it’s not designed to be an issue.

But of course – for obvious reasons (especially these days) this might cause outrage with certain people. Whether they’re anime fans or not.

And while I wouldn’t be caught DEAD wearing Ahegao, I have to point out the hypocrisy with anime conventions banning Ahegao clothing.

⚠️Currently updating our cosplay etiquette rules for 2020 and we’re not allowing ahegao clothing at our future events because we are an all-age convention. Rules will be uploaded this week as we update our site but we thought we’d get this one out there so you have been informed!

— SunnyCon Anime Expo (@SunnyAnimeExpo) November 18, 2019

Back in November 2019 – Sunny Anime Expo (in Newcastle, UK) changed their policies.

As the Tweet says:

“because we are an all-age convention”.

Almost 4000+ people retweeted it, and over 24K+ liked it.

More anime cons have followed the herd since November 2019

POLICY UPDATE: We’ve given our existing rules for cosplay and clothing one tweak: Starting with #COAF2020, we will not permit ‘clothing with graphic sexual imagery to be worn on the convention floor.

— Colorado Anime Fest (@coanimefest) January 16, 2020

Colorada Anime Fest “tweaked” their policy on January 16th 2020, with a similar tweet.

Beginning w/ #AMKEthe13th, we will be adjusting our Costume & Clothing Policy: Graphic sexual imagery—such as ahegao and similar designs—is not permitted to be worn on the con floor. We are also providing a clearer diagram to illustrate permitted minimum expectations w/ cosplay.

— Anime Milwaukee (@Animemilwaukee) January 17, 2020

On January 17th 2020 (a day after) Ahegao.

And of course – why they’re banning it from their conventions.

Hello Attendees,

As we come closer to con we have reexamined some of our policies. We pride ourselves on being a family friendly convention, and because of this we have decided to follow suit of some of our fellow conventions and further clarify our Costume Policy.

— Anime Detour (@animedetour) January 18, 2020

On January 18th 2020 – clothing.

They even say “we have decided to follow suit”, so it’s no coincidence.

Protecting the children

From a “children’s” point of view, I understand why they’re doing this. And why other anime cons are following the herd.

If you’re going to an anime con with your kids (8 years old for example) you don’t want them being exposed to Ahegao clothing.

It might me humor to me and you, but it’s not good for kids to be absorbing that kind of… “content” we’ll say.

**But “sexual imagery” applies to cosplay, and the children exposed to it at cons**

Keep in mind that this was a cosplay from a major all ages con a few years ago. I don’t like ahegao clothes, but I hate hypocrisy more. The stereotype that guys who wear them are neckbeards/incels are why people want them banned, it has nothing to do with kids. pic.twitter.com/X5QYPOd0dK

— SlickRoach (@RoachSlick) November 23, 2019

This doesn’t apply to any of the cons mentioned in this post, but there are anime cons who are “for all ages” who allow Men and women to dress like this under the guise of “cosplay”.

It makes sense.

Cosplay is a high five for your favorite character, expressed through clothing. And that’s the intent.

But as we all know – cosplays that mirror characters with “sexual” clothing are no different to Ahegao faces on a T shirt.

Especially since one is brought to life and shows a lot of skin, while Ahegao is art slapped onto a piece of clothing.

Is THIS acceptable for anime conventions of all ages, with children walking around…. JUST because it’s cosplay?

Logic will tell you this is sexual just like Ahegao, and has an even bigger impact as far as arousal and “eye candy” these cons swear to protect children from.

Hence tweaking their policies.

Ahegao/cosplay

I just want to make sure I 100% understand. This is just for..unfortunate graphics on shirts/whatever else? Would still be okay If I wear a cosplay that is a bodysuit and fishnets? Just want to make sure before I finish it.

— мคⓇⓇ€ (@BlanketLord) January 18, 2020

Rather see that famous shirt then skimpy cosplay, your policy makes no sense, if you want to protect kids you must ban skimpy cosplayer’s also.

— Mr Senpai of Freedom! ❌ (@Fei_Xenogears) January 24, 2020

Anime Detour is an example of a con that makes my point about hypocrisy loud and clear.

There’s more than one argument to this topic. But all I’m saying is – if this is REALLY about protecting children, half-naked and almost naked cosplays should ALSO be banned by anime conventions. If we’re all for equality.

And not just the cons who’ve already done it, but upcoming anime cons in 2020 who decide to follow the herd.

And especially anime cons from 1-3+ years ago who are for all ages, and yet see no issue with cosplays of the “sexual” type. While demonizing Ahegao as if it’s the devil.