Y'all I'm - I'm so tired y'all
I get this often. It's understandable. I've said a lot in the past of how I believe no canonical age that can be proven - the same way there's hundreds of characters who's sexuality or nationality can't be proven.
But the problem is people saying things likes this and feeling no need whatsoever to back themselves up.
Hobie Has No Age, Stop Giving No Evidence.
[a SHORT RANT about the lack of evidence and sourcing within fandom - and the Hobie age discussion]
I genuinely believe you can headcanon him at any reasonable age (as in not 42 or 12 or something).
The problem with this is saying something like this as if it's definitive fact then making no attempt to back up your argument isn't helpful, okay, or appropriate.
In any context.
And it happens everywhere in fandom. All the time.
By saying things like this, or even stating objective facts about the world without backing yourself up with evidence, means you expect others to take you at face value with no additional questioning.
Which you should never encourage others to do. Which no one should ever do.
Once again, I believe you can headcanon Hobie at any age. I genuinely do not care.
I think he's 19-20.
I have evidence for why I think this.
Does this evidence mean I am 100% correct on his age and that I have the right to tell people otherwise?
No. Because it hasn't been confirmed.
But if you're going to tell me my stance is wrong, you have to be ready to engage with every single one of my evidence points so I can understand why it's wrong. You will have to present you own evidence, and defend it.
So often people will say an assertion objectively like this - and then immediately expect the other person to defend themselves.
Even though they haven't even defended their argument to begin with.
You don't walk up to someone and ask their name before you say yours.
You don't walk up to someone and demand their argument/rebuttal or submission to your opinion, without even stating the entirety of the opinion first.
This is something that is so common in this specific conversation - but it goes WAY outside if the realm of the ATSV fandom or even fandom in general.
If you state fact, an opinion, a rebuttal, a criticism, what have you - please back yourself up.
And I mean with screenshots and dialogue and gifs if you gotta.
In all subjects. All topics of all degrees.
I don't think Hobie has a canonical age.
I do think Hobie is around 19-20, in my interpretation. I have evidence that makes be confident and sound in my decision to write him as such.
And I think everyone holds the individual right to make such an interpretation for themselves.
But if you wish to engage someone else on how they interpret Hobie - engage them fully. Back yourself up.
Do not expect them to reply apologizing to you - because let's be honest. I feel like that's what y'all want and expect.
That when you say a one line statement like it's objective fact with no follow up, the expectation is for the other person to be like
'Sorry, I didn't know! I'll edit/take the post down now :) thanks for telling me'
Because really, what other answer can you give? Just saying 'Hobie is a minor' and nothing more leaves only two options: accept what they're saying as fact or defend yourself on why you think he isn't.
Y'all genuinely do not expect to be questioned.
ABSOLUTELY NOT - You better speak into the mic!!
Come with screenshots and script lines. And if you can't - Then it isn't true. And it isn't definite.
I will almost never accept something on face value without getting at least some form evidence from a reputable source. And I say almost because we all fuck up, but ideally I' m striving for never.
I've already stated in the past why I think this conversation is absolutely fruitless.
But if you want to engage in it regardless - or engage in any fandom discourse - Engage with it fully.
If you're going to engage me, engage with me fully. I'm completely open to talking about it and looking over any evidence you have.
But saying things like
- Well I know young people who look like him-
- I know young people who act like him-
- People are making him look older-
- He most likely has a fake ID-
None of that is evidence.
All of that is pure speculation. And there is a stark difference between justification and evidence.
If your justification isn't coming from the source material - the script, movie, or writers - it isn't evidence or proof.
You can use that justification to root your own interpretation - but once you make the assertion that he definitively is or isn't (which can't be proven) - at the very least, the burden is on you to provide evidence that is sufficient.
Doing stuff like this is so unhelpful.
Multiple times have I seen people ask how old Hobie is and someone will reply '17🥰' and the other person will be like 'okay thanks!!'
And I'm like '????????'
So that's it huh ... yous just... not gonna ask no follow up questions? we done here?
And the chain reaction just continues.
Not I, Not I! I'd rather die - for in these streets, you niggas lie.
Hobie has no canonical age or sexuality or heritage. He doesn't have a canonical middle name either.
Yet, people desperately try to make a definitive assertion on only one of those things - for the benefit of nothing but their own shipping -
And then they don't provide evidence.
Always ask for evidence.
In person too. I will speak from experience people get offended when you ask them "Where'd you hear that," or "Can I have a source, please? Text me a link." or "What's your proof?"
They take it as a question of authority or a lack of trust.
And maybe it is. Doesn't matter and I don't care. Questioning authority and not going off blind trust is good, I thought that's what we were told to do.
I find this so ironic to talk about right now - because just yesterday @layz-chipz (they're great check them out) was talking about potentially making a video essay about the Hobie age discourse, the futility of it and the fragility of the arguments.
And I can say it's a video that's sorely needed (no pressure though!) and a conversation that has unnecessarily dominated the community and conversation for way too goddamn long.
It needs to be - in the words of Hobie Brown - SQUASHED.
and to reiterate and make it clear - My issue it's not with people who think he's underage or a minor. Or people who do so without evidence.
My issue it's people asserting something, and then not supporting it directly after said assertion.
Hobie wouldn't like that. Hobie would want you to cite your sources. Or mind your business. Oh and-
IMO Hobie as of right now has no canonical age.
And if you read this far I love you
Anyway here's a really high res photo of Hobie and a meme i have no other place to use 😭😭
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