alexandrafandomstudies

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https://pin.it/4McTRMlPS

FAN WORK 4

For my Pinterest board, I chose my fandom (Kardashians). I chose these images using the media-centered framework. The Kardashians started with their original show, KUWTK, back in 2007. Since then, they have expanded to all social media platforms, had various spin-off shows, and signed with Hulu to create a new show called 'The Kardashians.' They have developed due to the changes in the media. The media, different platforms, and content have contributed to the evolution of the fandom. Fans consume Kardashian-related media content across various platforms such as television, social media, websites, and magazines, so I included pictures of their social media platforms, TV shows, advertisements, companies, magazine covers, (etc).

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My experience with my fandom differs from other Media experiences in that my fandom is a reality TV show. I have watched all the Kardashian episodes/seasons, and so I have seen most of their life on TV and how they have all changed throughout the years. This shapes my identity because watching a reality show that spans 14 years makes me almost feel like I know them in real life. I enjoy watching a TV series multiple times because every time I watch a series for the second or third time, I notice things I didn't see/realize the first time I watched; I have watched every single Keeping Up with the Kardashian episode as well as their new tv series on Hulu the Kardashians. I also am involved in online fan communities (Reddit), where they discuss all things Kardashians/Jenner and reviews of their companies and brands. I also do follow the Kardashians/Jenners on Instagram. Regarding fan merch, I do not buy their specific merch. However, I have purchased items from their brands (818 Tequilla, Good American, Kylie Cosmetics, and Skims). 

I have included some of the accounts I follow as well as my favorite scene from KUWTK. 

Fandom sometimes has a culturally constructed binary of "us" vs. "them." For my fandom, the Kardashians, there are differing opinions or interpretations within the community; sure, fans may be fans of one of them but not the other, and fans like each of them differently. One may not be a fan of the Kardashians and the TV show but likes one of the Kardashians in particular. This can stem from various factors, such as disagreements over canon material, character arcs, or personal preferences regarding relationships or fan theories. Within these binaries, people can align themselves with groups based on their beliefs or preferences, contributing to a sense of belonging and identity within the fandom. 

I think the distinction between the "obsessive loner" or the "frenzied fan/hysterical crowd" and how there is "a thin line between 'normal' and 'excessive' fandom" can apply to my fandom. There are die-hard Kardashian fans; people stalk the Kardashians and attempt to get into their private property to see them and track their whereabouts. I am not an obsessive fan. I enjoy the Kardashians and find them entertaining, but I realize they are celebrities, and there is a lot I don't know about them and don't care to know. I enjoy the entertainment of the show, and that's about all. I don't need to compete with other people about who knows more or who knows the Kardashians the best and is the biggest fan.  

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Fan Work 3

The Kardashian family is known for their immense wealth, extravagant and materialistic lifestyle, and numerous business ventures. I choose songs that relate to an economic framework. The songs that I selected analyze and highlight consumer culture and critique the pursuit of wealth and fame. By examining and noticing the themes through music and these songs, we can understand deeper the consumer behavior and societal values that drive economic activity. These songs talk about money, wealth, extravagant lifestyle, being famous, and the struggles that come with fame and having money.

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KUWTK Game

Move the game pieces around the board to play. Each piece in the game is interactive and can be moved.

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Fan Work Assignment

Fan Work #1

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Fan Work 1

Fan Work #1

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What Is Fan Labor?

When I think of labor I think of physical and or mental exertion for a specific purpose which can be either earning a living or producing a good/service. When I think of work I think of physical or mental effort to achieve a purpose or result. Work can involve a wide range of activities either for personal fulfillment, to make a living, community service etc.Work does not necessary imply employment or compensation like labor. When I think of the Kardashian fandom I think of consumer labor as the fans are purchasing products that support and engage with the Kardashians. I also think of emotional labor as fans have lots of emotions and feelings in regards to the Kardashians and either defending or criticizing them. I feel good about my fan work . I would say this assignment is considered work and not labor. My favorite part about creating it is the creative aspect and designing the cookbook the way I want.

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Week 3 Post

I would apply Queer-Analysis to analyze the Owl House. The Owl House puts LGBTQ characters front and center as the main characters. The Owl House doesn't treat any of the characters differently or portray them in a different light, instead it normalizes the LGBTQ community and portrays it as widely accepted. This show widely represents queer individuals and emphasizes that they are just like heterosexual individuals when it comes to finding love and having relationships.Nothing really stands out to me when I was searching the fandom on Tumblr. There were lots of images and lovey/romance posts. My favorite episode so far was episode 1 because I like Luz and her character and how she gets lost trying to get the book back and then ends up in a mysterious portal.

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owl house gang <3

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Unfinished lumity for @immediocregoodbye

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Fandom Scavenger Hunt

Sub-culture of the Fandom. This is an example of a subculture because it is the KK web game which has become a popular way for fans to play a game pretending to be one of the Kardashians.

I also chose a screenshot of the account of norisblackbook which this account went viral on one of the episodes of the Kardashians. This account is run by a fan who leaks and shares info about the Kardashians.

Fan Art Visual. I chose this visual because of the aesthetic I think it looks cool and there were a lot of these types of visuals on fan pages on instagram.

Merch that is ridiculously priced. I found this selfie taken by Kim K and is being sold for $500.

Fan Art (Video) I chose this video because the Kardashians are known for there iconic quotes and memes and this is a video that was on a fan page and is a compilation of clips of the Kardashians and what they have said.

Fan fiction that focuses on a minor part/person/idea of the media. I chose this fan fiction because it focuses on "Kelsey Jenner".

FanFiction Tags

Queer Theory. For queer theory I found an article that was written by a fan and discusses how gender and sex are portrayed in the Kardashians. Caitlyn Jenners experience of transitioning on the show and how queer theory was introduced into the show through Caitlyn Jenner.

Economic Criticism. This article was written by a fan. It talks about how the Kardashians have had a huge impact on the economy and that the fan base are the ones who are keeping them relevant and wealthy.

Finding much of this information was challenging because most Kardashian fans like certain family members individually, not the whole family.

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Khloe is an amazing mom & auntie ❤️

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Post #2

I chose the article Class,Capital, And Collecting in Media Fandom by Lincoln Geraghty. The main point in this article was discussing the importance of class, distinction, and subcultural capital within fan identity/communities. I agree that people have looked to celebs, tv/media stars, and public figures as a way of forming and identity and connection with other people. This article is critical analysis because it is breaking down and exploring the way fans identify and form relationships and communities.

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Post #1

My main takeaway from the chapter is that there is a lot of personal bias. People choose the media they like and consume because it relates to them. It important to be aware of these different biases. The article address the ethical concerns of online fandoms and the potentials harms. Informed consent was also mentioned in this article and how its important that all participants consent, there needs to be awarness around not abusing ones role as authority and nor manipulating the subjects, and informed consent needs to be established.