DeLa Doll on Blackface in Cosplay: “If you’re afraid to address this topic… I’m really not afraid to lose you as a fan”

The cosplay community is diverse and colorful, full of people of all backgrounds, professions, and fandoms. Unfortunately, as of late, the community has been at differing opinions on how to deal with cosplayers who choose to use blackface in their cosplays. Now, the common reason these blackface cosplayers give as to why they choose to use this systematically racist makeup is for the sake of “accuracy.” However, using a racist form of theatrical expression that is steeped in historical oppression is not needed to put on a cosplay. You can be “accurate” without using people’s race and human skin tone (people are seriously trying to compare Blackface to painting your skin blue/magenta/emerald) as a costume or accessory. One cosplayer has joined in standing up against blackface in society, and I had the opportunity to interview DeLa Doll. Age: 24Favorite Quote: “Dan Nicky Your Bobbies”What do you do? I’m a writer and cosplayer, currently in school majoring in General Education with a minor English Lit (and a bunch of education, art, and communications credits because I love everything and have changed my major more times than you can count on a single hand). Black Nerd Problems: Please tell us a bit about yourself! DeLa Doll: I’m a huge fucking dork who likes to research and learn about literally any and everything for fun. I really really like Prince and Nirvana. My favorite anime is called Red Garden and I’ve only met one other person who has even heard of it. Hipster status o…