The Cringeification of Costumes

CREATOR NEWSLETTER


There are swathes of creators whose whole content strategy revolves around reacting to “cringe” content. YouTube, in particular, thrives on being a bit of a freakshow. As YouTube essayist Contrapoints points out in her essay about cringe, this kind of voyeuristic content is often fueled by an “obsessive and addictive contempt” for the people whom cringe-crusaders mock. 

A simple scroll through the internet will reveal some interesting internal struggles these internet Scrooges are facing as Halloween time rolls around. Some Redditors think dressing up at all on Halloween as an adult makes you stupid, saying, “Halloween adults are just as cringe as Disney adults.” Incredulous arguments abound over whether or not it’s “cringe” to cosplay on Halloween. One confused Quora user asked, “Does using a Sonic costume for Halloween make you a furry?” I don’t know, does it matter? 

Halloween is an interesting time, as sexy costumes, anthropomorphism, pop culture eclecticism, and make-believe are not only tolerated but encouraged. Sexy Sonic the Hedgehog. Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy. Uwu cat girls and Naruto stans — these are the types of characters we’ve come to expect during the Halloween season. In fact, it becomes a bit taboo not to dress up on Halloween. 

“Why is it cringe when we do cosplay but it’s not when y’all dress up as characters on Halloween?” one creator tweeted yesterday. Why indeed?

Furries, bronies, Disney adults, weebs — you name a costume-related niche, there’s an army of “cringe”-hating, snarky Redditors dedicated to making them feel bad. While cosplay has become more normalized in recent years, with some of the most popular creators on the internet proudly showing off their nerdy wares, there’s still a bit of a stigma around the practice. Patch O’Furr, the journalist behind the furry news blog Dogpatch Press, told Passionfruit “double standards” about costuming reveal underlying prejudices, and “the lack of awareness is a little ironic” at times online.


THE COMMENTS SECTION


To his point, “cringe” haters often justify their bullying and harassment with moral condemnations. Even cosplay sometimes faces criticism of “not being safe” for kids. These kinds of moral arguments trickle down to even the most normie kinds of Halloween costumes, with women, in particular, getting slut-shamed for daring to wear a sexy costume on a night out.

Look, the internet is all about performance and spectatorship, and sometimes, it’s okay to joke about uniquely odd behavior. I too indulge in a little cringe humilitainment from time to time. (If you’re looking for some true Halloween horror today, O’Furr recommended this video about some intra-fandom discourse around disgusting costumes… look at your own risk).

But, the internet has taken cringe content too far. And with Gen Z being the least confident generation yet, fueled largely by the rise of social media algorithms that prey on our deepest insecurities, there’s certainly a fear this issue is just going to get worse. 

However, paradoxically, young people tend to be more tolerant and supportive of non-mainstream interests and identities. The internet has allowed people with niche interests to find safe places to express themselves. It’s a place to build a community around the taboo, the occult, the cult classic, the freaky, the silly. The internet very much embodies the spirit of Halloween in that way.

Halloween happens to be one of my favorite holidays. I love everything witchy and ghoulish. I’m a big fan of unhinged, feral goblin and gremlin energy. Storytelling, fantasy, magic, make-believe — these things are incredibly human and beautiful. And while the internet can be a cruel and unforgiving place, you can rest assured that from me, there’s no judgment. Whether you’re rocking a bubblegum pink Barbie outfit, a cunty French bed bug costume, or a full-on werewolf fursuit today, I salute you.


THE AUTHENTICITY DEBATE

The Latest MrBeast Debate Proves You Should Always Question What You Watch

mrbeast debate genuine content

Unlock your creative potential with Skillshare

Skillshare is a learning community for creators of all levels. You can find a variety of online courses to fit your needs, whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to improve your content creation skills. Sign up today and get one month free plus 40% off.


IN THE BIZ


TIPS & TRICKS

How To Use Your iPhone As A Webcam

Your streaming camera might already be in your pocket.

By John-Michael Bond, Passionfruit Contributor

how to use your iphone as a webcam

THE DARK SIDE

djerf-avenue-drama-explained - featured

Djerf Avenue Drama Explainer: Why Creators Are Mad at the Company and What They Can Do About It

Djerf Avenue’s creator drama explained.

By Veronica Ramirez, Passionfruit Contributor


BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME GOES TO…


HALLOWEEN MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Gen Z Creators Are Embracing Brain Rot

    Gen Z Creators Are Embracing Brain Rot

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #293 | Nov. 26, 2024 Recently, the term brain rot has evolved from a basic synonym for being chronically online, to a fully-fledged meme and ironic slang language. Words like gooning, rizz, sigma, gyatt, and skibidi have formed a new cultural lexicon that’s shooting content creators to popularity and permanently warping online and offline…

  • Alan’s Universe Is Expanding

    Alan’s Universe Is Expanding

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #292 | Nov. 21, 2024 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor CULTURE Why Coca-Cola’s New Ad Highlights AI’s Uncertain Future Creators are bracing for impact, but should they be?  By Lon Harris, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED If you’re a professional (or semi-professional) content creator, then you’re going to want the best editing software for your…

  • The Troubling World of News Influencers

    The Troubling World of News Influencers

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #291 | Nov. 19, 2024 Yesterday, the Pew Research Center released a report offering insights on the growing role of creators in the news landscape. The report analyzed over 500 “news influencers” covering topics like current events and civic engagement, who each had over 100,000 followers across major social media platforms. It also studied…