(no subject)

[kujimiko.livejournal.com]

I have a big big problem. I have a huge desire, no, dream to go to Anime Central. I was going to wait until highschool but that is two years away (My main choice for highschool has an anime club unlike my other choice not coed and it sucks).  I decided I was not going to wait any longer when my math teacher said he was missing a day so he could go there.  I have to get their somehow because it may be my only chance to enjoy my hobby.  But..

My parents are extremely out of it when it comes it anime. They are always like, "Are you cousins still playing Poke-Gi-Oh! or Yugimon whatever it is?" I seriously can't have them be there with me. Also I am only 13. I also have no friends that like anime or manga. They actually kind of make fun of it asking why I spend all my time drawing Chinese people (I have questioned their friendship many times). I would be alone. Rosemont is extremely close to my house though. My parents could go out to eat or something while I was there (I would need them to drive me).

So...would you let your only child who is 13 go to Acen alone and pick her later. I am very responsible and would have a cell phone. I have no convention experience at all. Can you..

go for only one day and enjoy it all since I won't be getting a hotel room?
enjoy it without friends? (See above)
be in a cosplay photoshoot if not with anyone?

I also have the trouble of actually asking my parents. I am very shy. Extremely shy. My parents know I like anime and manga (I have about 10 How to Draw Manga books) but they don't know that I spend my time watching AMVs or reading fanfiction. I believe that they would be happier if I was into normal stuff aka Fallout Boy I hate them sooo much. Then again they say I can tell them anything and have asked if I have any interests and all since I am not the athletic or social type. I am just afraid they will be embaressed and all. They are always doing personal things and stuff. Why can't I do something that I enjoy for once. I want to bring out my inner fangirl, get manga and DVDs, and buy a real forehead protector and not have to make a homemade one out of foil tape and an old T shirt like I am.

Ok, I will shut up now. Please help for me and others otakus in hiding.

Comments

[i-will.livejournal.com]

Maa... as a 20-year-old with a little sister (15), I wouldn't let you go. Even if you have a cell hpone, there are still creeps who will see a young girl by herself and think "oh boy raping time!" Sorry. I just... don't think it would be good. But then, I'm a little over-protective. *remembers random guy at con asking her sister for a picture and then seeing that his shirt said 'I seem to have lost my virginity, can I have yours?' and seethes* As for your other questions....

I haven't been to a con by myself, but... it probably wouldn't be too fun. You need people to squee with. And then there's the creepy stalkers, like this guy we took a picture of and then he was like 'can I float with you?' Creeepyyy. We ran. So yeah, I dunno, it... probably wouldn't be too great. But then I wouldn't know, personally.

You can totally go for one day. It's cheaper to do, too.

For cosplay photoshoots... you can ask groups if you can be in their pictures? Or have someone else take your picture. Be careful about your camera, tho. Thieves an' all.

*must sound very cynical D:*

[allenwalker.livejournal.com]

I've been to conventions without parental supervision at the age of 13. Although, I did have friends go with me. And it'll probably be more fun if you do have friends go with you. But, sure, going for one day can be great! I've done it numerous times. Most cosplayers are fun people and would probably love to take pictures with you. =D

I just think it might be better to bring a friend, but hey, I suppose you could always friend someone there. ^^

[goodbye--kitty.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't let you go/go if I was in your situation. It partly comes from my extremely sheltered childhood and lack of cell phone until after I graduated from 8th grade. I wouldn't feel safe leaving my 13-year-old kid in a place full of strangers, dressed up as "chinese people" and surrounded by others dressed similarly (taking the position of your parent(s)) And the fact that you're really shy, i mean, I can't picture someone of your age and personality having fun at a con without at least a couple familiar faces.

P.S. OH I totally share the whole "parents hate anime" thing. My dad calls it "Kagemusha" (alteration of Inuyasha, cause that's the first anime my little sister flipped out over). They think it's a waste of time, and believe its the cause of 'imaginary' falling grades and apparent 'lack' of friends. Bugs me too - I can't have a desktop or watch an AMV or have an anime sketch on my desk without being ridiculed. Parentally Oppressed Fangirls Unite!!

[lezbonojutsu.livejournal.com]

Duu-hude. Your only 13? When I was 13, Anime Conventions werent even on my mind. Though, at the ripe ol' age of 15, I gotta say I share your same passion to go to one x3 Im gonna wait till highschool though, (Im only in grade 9, started school late .0.) or probably even later then that. I wouldn't let my 13 year old cousin go to a Convention alone, way too many perverts out there :/ Though Im very shy and controlling, so.. x3

And I agree with both you and goodbye__kitty. My mom still thinks all anime is either Sailor Moon or Pokemon xD She's totally against Naruto, cause I "waste" my money on the manga, video games, dvds, plushies *cough*. But yes! Parentally Opressed Fangirls (Or the POFs, *snicker*) Unite!

[tomato-uchiha.livejournal.com]

I know exactly how you feel dear, when I was 13 I had no friends into anime except this one girl who was a grade below me...but she only liked it because I did. I've always been shy at school and pretty much in everyday social expreiences except when I'm around a handful of my friends.

I don't know if I'd let you go in that situation...it's kind of hard for me to picture it from your parents point of view, because naturally I don't really know them well enough.

If I were going to animecentral, I'd most certainly offer my guidance, but unfortuntely I'm not. But remember dear, in a matter of time you will be able to go to cons. They will keep happening, so there's no need to be too upset if it doesnt happen. Although it's frustrating...

good luck to you! :)

[caligogreywings.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, most cons have policies that will not allow kids to wander without parental guidance. I could be wrong...

However, going by yourself at 13 might not be a good idea. Most pre-teens and young teens that I've seen around cons have been... hyper and somewhat clueless, and that's not always a good thing at big gatherings like Acen.

[shinjirou.livejournal.com]

Do you have any older relatives, cousins, friends of the family that you are comfortable with who might perhaps be willing to be a lax chaperone? I myself am twenty and as far as planning to see Dir en grey in New York, while I come from Massachusetts, my mother suggested her close male friend with NY street savvy go with, despite my age. It's simply a matter of feeling safe, having a fallback net and someone to help out if you come against a situation you are unsure with.

[cutemew.livejournal.com]

Haha, I went to my first con by myself when I was 15... but on the first day, I hung out for most of it with my 18-year-old friend...

Then the second day I went around with my 7-year-old sister (yeah, I know, what?! I guess 15 is old enough to supervise a little kid...? I duno, my parents are still leery about letting me stay home alone, and I'm 18 now. I dunno how they let me take her by myself...)

Then the third day my parents and sister tailed me around the con. Which was pretty useful because they held places in several autograph lines while I stalked out Yoshiyuki Sadamoto *_*

Er.. but yeah, 13 is a bitttt.. young. Conventions tend to attract a few weirdos, so I'd be a little worried. If you could grab a couple of friends to go with you, I'd probably be okay with it if I were your parent. You could just tote your parent(s) along with you... They probably won't have to buy a convention badge if they're just keeping an eye on you from the perimeter...

[rinnychan.livejournal.com]

I probably wouldn't let you go, but that doesn't mean your parents would feel the same way. I meet lots of people at cons, really nice people my own age very easily, so you can definitely have fun even if you come alone. If you stay alone, it's not as fun. People are the best part of the con!

If you're only going for one day, definitely go on Saturday and try to stay as late as you can. The good stuff happens Saturday night! And photoshoots are done in big groups, you don't need to bring anybody with you.

[rinnychan.livejournal.com]

They have parental consent type forms that say if you're under 18, the parent agrees that the con has no responsibility for them.

[cutemew.livejournal.com]

hehe, I first learned of Anime Conventions when I was 13 and entered high school.. *gurgles* they haven't left my mind since

[domlandbubbles.livejournal.com]

This is something you really need to discuss with your parents and not strangers on the internet.

[shiroukotori.livejournal.com]

Amen to that.

[dusk.livejournal.com]

I understand that you're shy about asking your parents stuff, but this is really something you should be talking to them about. You're just going to have to get up the courage to talk to them. As for myself, I don't think I'd let a kid or go myself at the age of 13. If you can bring your parents along, not only is this a perfect opportunity to explain to them why manga isn't just stupid 'Chinese comics', but you will also have a chaperone for the day.

[deathpicnic.livejournal.com]

I went to AWA when I was thirteen with my twelve year old friend and did just fine, so it's possible. As for your questions - 1. yes, 2. possibly, & 3. I don't suggest you attempt cosplaying unless you have actual, decently-made costumes (foil tape & old t-shirts sound questionable). In theory you could cosplay in a crappy costume for purely self-enjoyment, but if you want recognition & stuff, it'd be best to go in a well-constructed outfit. There are also people who would ridicule you brutally if you donned an awkward looking costume, so just a note of warning.

Keep in mind, though, that it's not going to be this... fantasyland. @__@; Especially if you're shy like you said, I'm not sure if it would be as heavenly of an experience as you seem to expect, unless you're one of those who all of a sudden open up to random strangers, as long as they share a certain interest. Granted, a lack of complete socialization would also eliminate most of the potentially dangerous situations, but at the same time would probably bar you from a lot of opportunities. Another thing is buying stuff - a decent shopping spree with cosplay equipment, books, & posters will run you at least $100, especially if you purchase things that Barnes & Noble or Borders wouldn't stock. Convention-going is an expensive hobby. ~__~

To sum it up - if you're mature, go for it, but don't expect eternal ecstacy. It's only a couple of days, anyway.

[fatesong.livejournal.com]

I'm 13 as well, and am going to the SakuraCon next week.

Are parents even allowed to leave there kids alone? I thought they had to stay on campus.

[fatesong.livejournal.com]

Seconded.