Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Cosplayers often go to great lengths to embody their favorite characters, replicating costumes, mannerisms, and sometimes even physical traits. However, in the quest for authenticity, lines can be crossed that provoke heated debates. This is the situation with the beloved animeMy Dress-Up Darling, which has been embroiled in a similar controversy that once generated intense discussion about Robert Downey Jr.’s role as Kirk Lazarus inTropic Thunder.
In episode 11 ofMy Dress-Up Darling, Marin Kitagawa’s desire to portray the tanned-skinned character Veronica as accurately as possible led her to consider ways to darken her skin for the cosplay. In this pursuit of authenticity, Marin accidentally walks into one of the most controversial practices in entertainment — what is often referred to as “blackface” in the West.
Marin Kitagawa inMy Dress-Up Darlingand the Issue of “Blackface” in Cosplay
InMy Dress-Up Darling, Marin decided to tan her skin to portray one of her favorite characters, Veronica; something she believes is crucial for capturing the character’s essence. However, this decision of hers falls into a problematic area that many cosplayers and performers have struggled with over the years. While Marin’s intent is rooted in admiration and accuracy, her approach unintentionally echoes practices that, particularly in the West, have long been associated withracism and cultural insensitivity.
Moreover, Japan itself is also no stranger to racism and colorism controversy. In Japan, Marin’s actions can be connected to the subculture of “Ganguro”, a fashion trend that involves darkening one’s skin. While not directly connected to blackface, this practice still invites controversies about how skin tone is used as an exaggerated fashion statement or a form of subversion within certain Japanese subcultures.
Ganguro is a component of the broader“Gyaru” fashion movement, and it involves darkened skin paired with bold makeup and flashy outfits. The Gyaru culture has problematic undertones when it uses darker skin as a tool for rebellion against societal norms, implicitly associating darker skin with thugs in the process.
The Elusive Samurai Getting Crowned the Summer Anime of 2024 by Fans is Pushing MAPPA and Ufotable to the Side for Another Studio to Rise
Whether in a Western or Japanese context, Marin’s cosplay is problematic on many levels. In both cases, whether intended or not, the act of changing one’s skin color for a role or character reflects a broader, ongoing conversation about race and representation in media.
Navigating the Controversy ofMy Dress-Up Darlingin a Globalized Media Landscape
The debate overMy Dress-Up Darlingfinds an unexpected connection in Hollywood withRobert Downey Jr.‘s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus inTropic Thunder. To play a Black soldier in a Vietnam War movie, Downey’s character, an Australian method actor, changes the color of his skin in the movie.
The film itself is a comedy, mocking the lengths some performers have to go through in order to advance their careers, butDowney Jr.’s portrayalset off a heated discussion over the morality of wearing blackface in any setting, even a comedic one.
Matt Damon, Steven Spielberg, and the List Goes on: Robert Downey Jr. Completes a Side Mission Before He Turns into Doctor Doom by Entertaining Stars With McNeal
In a world where media and fandoms are increasingly global, it’s crucial to recognize the cultural contexts and histories that shape perceptions of race and representation. Marin’s cosplay inMy Dress-Up Darlingmay not have intended to evoke controversies, but this incident points to a larger issue: the need for awareness and sensitivity when it comes to portraying other races or people of different colors in entertainment.
While cosplay and acting allow for creative expression, they also demand an understanding of the historical and cultural implications tied to those transformations. Both Marin Kitagawa and Robert Downey Jr.’s characters serve as reminders that even well-intentioned portrayals can stir up controversy when deeper issues of race and representation are involved.
My Dress-Up Darlingis currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
More from Moumita Chakraborty
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
‘To Be Hero X’ Season 2 Needs to Give a Redemption Arc to Its Most Wronged Character
‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Surpasses ‘Frozen’ and ‘Your Name’ as Japan’s 4th Highest-Grossing Film
Recommended
Bridgerton’s BTS Moment Proves the Netflix Show Is Against James Cameron’s Ways
Fallout Season 2 Release Date Confirmed: 5 Post-Apocalyptic Shows to Watch While You Wait For Peak Cinema
Kevin Hart Is Trading Dwayne Johnson for Another WWE Star in New Netflix Film
Perfect Match Season 3: How Did Ollie Propose to AD?
Severance Season 3: Why Isn’t Ben Stiller Directing? Details Inside
Timo Tjahjanto Shades Keanu Reeves Film: Why is Nobody 2 Not a Desperate John Wick Ripoff?
My Dress-Up DarlingTropic Thunder
