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Fan Works Assignment: Star Wars/MCU

Web Series Video:

Fandom Cookbook:

Game Reskin 1:

Game Reskin 2:

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Fandom: The Game

Title- FanVerse: Unite & Conquer

Players can choose from 4 Characters:

1. Princess- A beloved character from a magical realm, representing fantasy and literature fandoms.

2. Singer- A pop sensation, symbolizing music and entertainment fandoms.

3. Player- A skilled athlete, embodying sports fandoms.

4. Guardian- A superhero with incredible powers, catering to comic and movie fandoms.

Narrative:

The FanVerse, a world celebrating all fandoms, is under threat by the Maelstrom of Discord, an entity feeding on division and negativity among fandoms. To save the FanVerse, the characters must embark on a quest to retrieve the Banner of Unity, hidden in various fandom realms.

Gameplay:

- Objective: Players race to capture the Banner of Unity (think capture the flag) from different fandom realms.

- Each realm presents challenges based on the respective fandom (e.g., puzzles in the fantasy realm, rhythm-based challenges in the music realm).

Win/Lose: 

- The first player/team to capture the Banner and bring it back to the central FanVerse hub wins.

- If players succumb to toxic behaviors (e.g., loose challenges, spreading hate speech, etc.), they lose the ability to navigate certain realms or face penalties.

Incorporating Different Fandoms:

- Realm Diversity: Each realm represents a different type of fandom (literature, music, sports, sci-fi, etc.), offering unique challenges and environments.

- Crossover Challenges: Some challenges require collaboration between different fandom representatives, emphasizing unity across interests.

Toxic Fandom & Anti-Fandom:

- Engaging in toxic behavior (like spreading hate speech or divisive actions) penalizes players, hindering progress or abilities.

- Anti-Fandom Obstacles: Certain realms may have traps or obstacles embodying anti-fandom sentiments, requiring players to overcome prejudices or biases.

Vision Board:

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Ethics and Platform Analysis

Our group's chosen case study centered around the "Gentleminions" TikTok trend, which gained popularity with the release of the 2022 film "Minions: The Rise of Gru." This trend kicked off when a group of high school students shared their experience of attending a screening post their school formal, all dressed up in formal attire. In our discussions, we delved into the impact on stakeholders, particularly movie theater companies, who lost money due to them denying entry to dressed-up attendees, regardless of their intentions, whether disruptive or not. Our consensus leaned towards the belief that everyone should have the freedom to express their personal style through clothing, an aspect we explored through the right lens.

The most prominent affordances of this trend included its remarkable shareability, as it spread through news outlets, Reddit, and popular social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. Additionally, it gained affirmation from the official Universal and Minions Twitter pages, which publicly acknowledged and embraced the trend. Universal even issued a tweet expressing their appreciation for the trend, encouraging its continuation throughout the movie's release. The discovery of this trend by a wider audience was fueled by its presence on these various forms of media. In terms of background affordances, taggin enabled followers of the trend to tag Universal and the Minions, thus further promoting the use of trending hashtags like "Gentleminions" on both Instagram and TikTok.

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1) How did you envision racial/ethnic representation in your society? If we're not "on earth" so to speak, how are you coding things for that representation to come across? If you didn't envision a diverse society, why? What's the story there, and how does it play into your overall "systems"?

In the world of Acios, racial and ethnic diversity can play a significant role in the story and society. Given that this world is a single country with a centralized empire, there will be prejudice and discrimination. The racial and ethnic representation can be used to explore issues of inequality, social justice, and unity within the society. Different villages could have distinct racial or ethnic demographics, which could influence their standing within the empire. For example, Ciosecreron and Eazoxis, the villages where the religion of Children of the Martyr is practiced openly, might be more diverse and accepting, while other villages may have a more homogeneous population.

In terms of storytelling, diverse characters and ethnic backgrounds can enrich the narrative by showcasing the experiences and struggles of different groups within the society. These characters could have unique perspectives and experiences, which can be used to address themes of unity and overcoming divisions. It's essential to approach this representation with sensitivity and respect to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or biases.

2) How about disability? How do you envision disability and access in your world? 

In a world recovering from an uprising and experiencing times of war, disability and access can be integral elements of the story. The prevalence of physical and non-physical disabilities can highlight the consequences of conflict and the resilience of individuals with disabilities. Mental disabilities can also be addressed, shedding light on the psychological toll of living in a tumultuous environment.

To make the world more inclusive for individuals with disabilities, the story can portray various characters who have disabilities, showcasing their strengths and contributions to society. The society could have support systems and accommodations in place for those with disabilities, or alternatively, the story could explore the lack of accessibility and discrimination they face. This can be an opportunity to create awareness about disability issues and advocate for inclusivity.

3) In what ways could these things ^, plus whatever government or economy you put in place, make your world's fandom more inclusive? (pretend you get an HBO series or a movie trilogy deal that takes place in your world)

If my world was adapted into an HBO series or movie trilogy, I would cast a diverse range of actors which can authentically represent the racial and ethnic diversity of the world, hopefully resonating with a broader audience. Additionally, Including diverse characters with unique backgrounds and experiences can provide rich storytelling opportunities that appeal to a wide range of viewers. The struggles and triumphs of these characters can resonate with different audience members. Addressing issues of prejudice and discrimination within the story can promote awareness and encourage conversations about real-world issues. The fandom can become a platform for discussions on social justice and inclusivity. If characters with disabilities are included, it's essential to portray their experiences realistically and sensitively. This can raise awareness about the challenges individuals with disabilities face and the importance of creating an inclusive society.

Image generated using the prompt "map of a world in war time where one country is split into 7 divided villages, with fences and all in various states, one village pretty with a busted mansion and other villages in poverty. all the villages are far from each other and takes a train to travel to each," by Adobe Firefly, 2023 (https://www.adobe.com/sensei/generative-ai/firefly.html).

World Building

Gods/Religion:

Those who follow the Children of the Martyrbelieve children should be protected and revered.

Religion is frowned upon in this world, so worship is done in secret, practiced by all villages but only practiced openly by those in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis.

God + Goddess: main objective is protecting children from harm.

Choher, God of Children & Thasyn, Goddess of Children

Government:

The government is an Empire run by a man named Lux Ebonywood (25) who inherited the position through his family line. Although Lux holds symbolic power, his younger brother Nikolai Ebonywood (19) holds ACTUAL power over the country’s citizens.

There was an uprising amongst the people 50 years ago where the Ebonywood family murdered a village full of children to end the uprising. Lux continues to hold the mindset that brutality is the way to run a country while his brother, Nikolai, does not.

The Ebonywood family controls the whole country and enforces their laws by rewarding villages with luxuries for good behavior and stripping resources from those who rebel.

Culture/Social Structure:

Family for those in Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is purely biological while family for those in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis is wilely different. It’s common for a family unit to be a mix of biological children and those picked up off the streets.

Success in Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is rising up in rank while in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis, survival is success.

Geography:

The country, Acios, is split into 7 villages (Afela, Brizeron, Ciosecreron, Dizeth, Eazoxis, Flazokor, & Gliocreth).

One of these villages, Afela, is the capital of the country which houses the battered Ebonywood mansion.

The whole country is still recovering from the uprising but some of the villages still appear as if the uprising just ended (Ciosecreron & Eazoxis) while others are battered, but functional and full of luxuries/resources (Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth).

*It should be noted that citizens in Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth stand by Ciosecreron & Eazoxis but follow Ebonywood rule to better their communities*

Travel between Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is easy but it’s difficult (besides for Afela) to travel to Ciosecreron or Eazoxis as its closed off to the general public.

Magic:

N/A

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Ableism & Disability Erasure in the MCU

1) Where and how do you see ableism and/or disability erasure in your media AND in the fandom for that media?

-This includes visible and non-visible disability

One of the most glaring issues is the underrepresentation of characters with disabilities in the MCU. While there are some exceptions, such as Tony Stark's PTSD or Bucky Barnes' metal arm, characters with more visible disabilities are rarely featured as superheroes or central characters. This can send the message that disability is not compatible with heroism. When characters with disabilities are included in the MCU, they are often portrayed using stereotypes or clichés related to their disabilities. This can reinforce harmful assumptions. In some cases, characters with disabilities may be included as tokens to appear inclusive without meaningful representation. These characters may not receive the depth or development they deserve like Clint Barton and Makkari. 

In the fandom for MCU, some fans may continue the erasure of disability in their fan fiction or fan art by ignoring or downplaying characters' disabilities. While creative freedom is important, it's crucial to be mindful of how such portrayals can perpetuate ableism. Ableism can also manifest in discussions within fandoms, such as using disability-related slurs or making derogatory comments about characters with disabilities. These actions can be hurtful to disabled fans.

2) What are some ways that we can make fandom more accessible?

It's important for both creators and fans to be more aware of ableism and disability erasure and work to promote meaningful representation and inclusion. This might involve advocating for better representation through social media, creating and sharing fan content that portrays characters with disabilities in respectful ways, and actively working to make fan spaces and events more accessible for all fans.

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World Building

Gods/Religion:

Those who follow the Children of the Martyrbelieve children should be protected and revered.

Religion is frowned upon in this world, so worship is done in secret, practiced by all villages but only practiced openly by those in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis.

God + Goddess: main objective is protecting children from harm.

Choher, God of Children & Thasyn, Goddess of Children

Government:

The government is an Empire run by a man named Lux Ebonywood (25) who inherited the position through his family line. Although Lux holds symbolic power, his younger brother Nikolai Ebonywood (19) holds ACTUAL power over the country’s citizens.

There was an uprising amongst the people 50 years ago where the Ebonywood family murdered a village full of children to end the uprising. Lux continues to hold the mindset that brutality is the way to run a country while his brother, Nikolai, does not.

The Ebonywood family controls the whole country and enforces their laws by rewarding villages with luxuries for good behavior and stripping resources from those who rebel.

Culture/Social Structure:

Family for those in Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is purely biological while family for those in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis is wilely different. It’s common for a family unit to be a mix of biological children and those picked up off the streets.

Success in Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is rising up in rank while in Ciosecreron & Eazoxis, survival is success.

Geography:

The country, Acios, is split into 7 villages (Afela, Brizeron, Ciosecreron, Dizeth, Eazoxis, Flazokor, & Gliocreth).

One of these villages, Afela, is the capital of the country which houses the battered Ebonywood mansion.

The whole country is still recovering from the uprising but some of the villages still appear as if the uprising just ended (Ciosecreron & Eazoxis) while others are battered, but functional and full of luxuries/resources (Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth).

*It should be noted that citizens in Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth stand by Ciosecreron & Eazoxis but follow Ebonywood rule to better their communities*

Travel between Afela, Brizeron, Dizeth, Flazokor, & Gliocreth is easy but it’s difficult (besides for Afela) to travel to Ciosecreron or Eazoxis as its closed off to the general public.

Magic:

N/A

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Fandom Culture Diagram

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Fan Autoethnography

I'm a devoted fan of several fandoms, with Disney being my main obsession. Disney holds a special place in my heart as it encompasses many of my favorite interests, such as Disney Studios, Broadway, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, Pixar, and more. My love for Disney has only grown stronger as I've matured. My collection of Disney-themed items is extensive, including a bookshelf stocked with Disney-related books, various props, a closet full of Disney-themed clothing, and even a phone case of different Marvel comics.

Fandom has certainly served as a means of psychological fulfillment in my life, and I believe this holds true not only for fandoms but also for obsessions, hobbies, and passions. Whether one enjoys painting, crocheting, reading, binge-watching shows, or immersing themselves in films, they are engaging in activities that bring them joy. Arguably, life lacks meaning without some form of enjoyment, and fandoms offer that enjoyment and fulfillment to individuals who might otherwise be lacking it.

I am particularly enthusiastic about fictional realities, specifically fantasy worlds depicted in films, television series, and books. Often, it can be challenging to articulate one's own feelings, emotions, or experiences, but it can be equally relentless in recognizing these aspects in others. In media, like the fantasy worlds I adore, complex aspects of life are often simplified; for instance, in Star Wars, the portrayal of the division between light and dark is a clear-cut example. Objectively, only two sides exist, right or wrong, but in reality, much of life dwells in the gray areas. I find that many, including myself, seek reflections on their existence in these fictional worlds, searching for answers to make sense of the complexities of the real world without facing real-world consequences.

Take, for example, Star Wars and the character Anakin Skywalker. Many would categorize him as a hero turned villain, and while that's accurate, he, like real people, is not one-dimensional but a multifaceted individual who makes decisions that aren't always black and white. I tend to fixate on fictional characters who I believe reflect aspects of myself, or at least, I aspire to adopt their approach to life. Characters like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, Rapunzel in Tangled, Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ahsoka in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and numerous others have influenced my personality in ways that have blurred the line between fantasy and reality. I've developed surrogate relationships with these characters to better understand myself and the person I aspire to become.

These surrogate relationships with characters or fandoms stem from our need for comfort, akin to our inclination to revisit the same films, books, or television episodes for the sake of nostalgia. Our generation often seeks comfort in reanalyzing these projects associated with safety, comfort, and simpler times. Fandom can offer solace during difficult days, moments of struggle, and bouts of self-doubt. When I'm having a bad day, simply thinking about a beloved character, listening to my favorite songs, or watching a cherished childhood film with my family can instantly transform my mood and behavior for the better.

Fandom has the remarkable ability to create an intimacy that transcends barriers of race, ethnicity, age, and background. If forming a connection with a character, a fantastical world, or a fandom brings happiness into the lives of others, then the way it takes shape shouldn't matter. I am a fan of many things, and my fandoms often serve as a form of compensation, and I wholeheartedly embrace that. Some individuals might argue that I've moved beyond the bounds of typical fandom and across the line to excessiveness, but I beg to differ. It raises questions as to why society normalizes certain interests, like men's enthusiasm for football, complete with Superbowl parties while labeling girls wearing pink to the Barbie movie as excessive. Thus, creating a double standard that unfairly criticizes one person's passion while celebrating another's, solely based on societal acceptability versus fandom participation.

I would like to clarify that while I consider myself a fan of certain fandoms, I don't actively participate in their online communities including creating fan content. Instead, I express my fandom through offline means, such as buying merchandise related to the shows, films, books, or characters I love and displaying them in my room. Although, I do occasionally follow, or check the Instagram of the actors and other individuals involved in the projects I watch. I also enjoy discussing my fandoms with friends and family rather than engaging in online discussions or digital communities. Privacy is important to me in all aspects of my life, not just within fandoms. I maintain strict privacy settings on all my social media accounts, including Instagram, Pinterest, and Spotify, ensuring that my boards, playlists, and posts are only visible to a select few. Choosing the format for this assignment was challenging because, although I have published articles and podcasts in the past, they have always been in a professional context rather than a personal one. Ultimately, I decided to write an essay because, as a writer and journalism major, it allows me to maintain a level of anonymity while still expressing my opinions wholeheartedly.