Cosplay is... cosplay. An expression of self through a character. Not every cosplay is going to be “film grade” or even accurate. Sometimes that’s an issue of money or skill, sometimes it’s because a person didn’t care about getting the original designs from the estate of a dead production designer, and they just know their favorite character wears a “brown” jacket. Sometimes that means reimagining a character or playing them as though they are a different gender etc. and sometimes for some people it means making a costume “sexier,” or modifying some element they don’t like.
When it comes to the commoditization of the female (or male- but female is more common,) form that’s a slippery subject. If a woman decides she wants to show off her body- it isn’t empowering to women to tell her to cover up, since you’re taking away her choice. Now- there is a case for exploitation such as when a woman is or feels forced to do so- but... that’s tricky too. Many, especially younger heterosexual men, will flock to a woman in a skimpy outfit over even the most skillfully reproduced costume that isn’t as sexual. But that’s what they like. They like women’s bodies. If women are showing their bodies- they want to see and they appreciate it.
Of course there is a line between acknowledging and accepting that heterosexual men will like scantily clad women and creating a social expectation or a “free pass” for behaviors crossing the line from an appreciation of the female form and the objectification of women- but again, that’s a fine line to walk. So in the end, one has a choice regardless wether they wish to make $100 spending 3 days flipping burgers, make $100 for a few hours wearing a scant outfit and signing pictures, or make $100 in 2 minutes take off their clothes.
While this seems exploitive and in some ways can be- ask this- is it really, or is it another possible opportunity? If we say: “well, rent needed paid and this was the only way...” ok. Maybe there is no other way that person could make the amount of money they needed. But- what if they didn’t have the opportunity and the physical assets to be considered or be profitable doing that? Then they simply would have no way of making the money at all. So while it’s ideal to have more options- many people do not have the option of relying upon their looks for attention or money.
While they might prefer an other opportunity, that isn’t the case. So in life we each play to our gifts. If you have a good eye and understand lighting you might make a great photographer. If you have a good voice you might become a singer, if you are funny you might be a comedian and make friends with you humor. If you have a body you may or may not use that to gain friends and money.
You know what, the model, Jessica Nigri, has to work to look like that. Yes she has a naturally pretty face and she probably bought her boobs, but I would imagine she spends a substantial part of her day in the gym. Yes, there is a lot of luck in being hot, but if I exercised to the point that I had bulging pecs and a six-pack, I'd probably spend as much time with my shirt off as possible.
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