Geek Babble—Return to Otakon in a Pandemic

I completely checked out regarding Otakon 2019. I had big plans for convention write-ups, pictures, and even video. Then burnout hit me hard and I didn’t upload a single thing from the con. Otakon 2020 was cancelled because of the pandemic. I might have been able to write something regarding Otakon 2019 to make up for missing the 2020 convention, but again burnout struck. It finally hit me– I’m just burned out when it comes to convention coverage. Maybe it’s because I feel like I’m not working as quickly as the big outlets. Or maybe I’m torn between what should be a vacation and what should be work. Either way, I came to the realization that I was done covering Otakon as an event for Damage Control for the foreseeable future. My mind just isn’t up to it anymore especially after I landed steady full-time work.

Perhaps I could do a convention report much like Alex has done in the past. It would only be one article instead of a series like I had been doing. If a con report for Otakon 2021 pops up in a few weeks you’ll know that I found a solution that works for me.

I am nervous about this upcoming convention. I alluded to this in yesterday’s Quarantine Control. When I made my plans to attend in May, the United States was on a good trajectory regarding the pandemic. Now we seem to be going in reverse because of the dogged determination of so many people to avoid getting the vaccine AND refusing to wear a mask while in public. Is it any surprise that a highly contagious variant of an already contagious virus has taken hold?

Otakon made the decision to eschew vaccination requirements and attendance caps. Social distancing doesn’t seem like it will be practiced. The only bright spot is that temperature checks and masks will be required for entry into the convention, and that mask wearing will be enforced. That decision alone will keep many people away because they either feel proof of vaccination should be a strict requirement or others refuse to wear masks. Thankfully, masking mandates in Washington, D.C. have returned. Personally, I’ve never stopped wearing a mask publicly despite being vaccinated. I’ve heard the great lengths people are willing to go in order to fake vaccination cards and that killed some of my faith in humanity. Even if breakthrough cases among the vaccinated are rare and tend to be on the mild side, I’d rather not take that risk just because a mask is slightly uncomfortable.

I don’t know what Otakon will bring in terms of attendance and masking compliance, but I will be there to note it in some form. Additionally if numbers continue to trend upwards as we get into fall, Otakon might be the first and last major convention to open its doors in 2021.

Here’s to hoping for an enjoyable and safe convention. (Alex might have made the right call.)

Related posts:

Geek Babble: Otakon 2018- Only Some Convention Panels for You Geek Babble — Another Year, Another Katsucon Geek Babble — Otakon 2014! Geek Babble- Anime Central 2015