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{insp.}

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Does anyone else have these moments where you just stop and think about the fact that you devote DAYS of your life and mind and soul to a pairing of fictional characters??

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Some Bellamione never hurts.

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idk guys

idk

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lol u gay bro

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Stereotyping Fans

Fans as “fanatic”. I came across a book by Joli Jenson that talked about fans and fandom as pathology. She was looking at fanatic and hysterical behavior of fans. She noted how in the 50s there were fan-girls for Elvis, and now how there seems to be the same phenomenon with current television celebrities, sports, etc. What we think of as fans, in her argument is actually something obsessive. But not just obsessed as us fans may think we are with our ships and OTPs. At the start of the book Jenson begins making the argument that fan culture is dangerous. For example, she mentions people getting “rowdy” at sporting events and fans who try to harm the object of their obsession. She considers a non-dangerous lover of something as an “aficionado” rather than a fan.

She states:

“But there is another key distinction being made between the fan and the aficionado. Fans are believed to be obsessed with their objects, in love with celebrity figures, willing to die for their team. Fandom involves an ascription of excess, and emotional display – hysterics at rock concerts, hooliganism at soccer matches, autograph seeking at celebrity sites. Affinity on the other hand, is deemed to involve rational evaluation, and is displayed in more measured ways – applause and a few polite ‘Bravos!’ after concerts; crowd murmurs at polo matches; attendance of ‘big-name’ sessions at academic conferences.” (Jenson 20)

I personally thought this was really classist and seemed to take the notion of a fan to the extreme. While many of us may claim to be obsessed with our favorites, most of us are not what she is describing. However, as you read further she notes that she recognized what she stated was problematic. Instead she starts critiquing the way that fans are typically described by those not within the community. She claims that the “us” vs. “them” mentality does more harm than good. Particularly when fan behavior overlaps with behaviors that many do in their everyday life. She compares it to how she feels about academia.

She states:

“Were I to call myself a fan, I would imply that I am emotionally engaged with unworthy cultural figures and forms, and that I was risking obsession, with dangerous consequences. I would imply that I was a psychologically incomplete person, trying to compensate for my inadequate life through the reflection of these figures and forms.” (Jenson 23)

She goes on further to note how she believes that fandom is actually a good thing and that people should spend more time trying to understand it rather than criticize it.

“Fandom is an aspect of how we make sense of the world, in relation to mass media, and in relation to our historical, social, cultural location. Thinking well about fans and fandom can help us think more fully and respectfully about what it means today to be alive and human.” (Jenson 27)

I really liked how she approached this topic. Though ideas around fans and fan culture is evolving, there are still many people who view fans as the “other”. This argument shifts the claims made against fans back to those spewing it.

Sources:

Jenson, Joli. "Fandom as pathology: The consequences of characterization. "The adoring audience: Fan culture and popular media (1992): 9-29.

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Rawrr 

 Asami Sato, Pirate Captain~ : *

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All I want for Christmas is you.  This is December, Faberry Xmas Suggestions.  Bow by Anonymous Anon asked me “Quinn wakes up to find Rachel sitting under the Christmas tree with a bow on her head.” but I though about a Rucy :) like this, so … why not? Sorry for the little low quality here, it’s tumblr’s compression.  tools: photoshop CS3, wacom Intuos (tablet)

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How would you define a fan? Is it someone who actively consumes some form of media for a certain amount of time? Or is it someone who casually watches something with interest?  Does someone need to watch/listen to something to become a fan or can they be a fan by engaging with other fans in fannish practices like fanfic? What are the ramifications of expanding the term fan? What are the problems that arise if the term becomes too specific? 

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Our Rights, Our Wrongs

Sweet Disposition: Collab with kimnrowdy

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“There’s lesbians in it” is a primary motivator in getting me to watch a show

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You and your friend when someone insults your ship

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Home became apartment 303. Home became Oliver Hampton, and everything he represents, and Connor wouldn’t have it any other way. [x]