Geek As Citizen

Fan I Am #7: Looking At Things With A Fandom Eye

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Viewpoint Telescope

After having discussed fandom, its role, and fandom as a culture, I want to share an interesting lesson that came from this analysis. This . . . really long analysis.

We may question the primacy of fandom as identity for some people – I certainly do. I think fandom can serve as a primary part of identity for some people who are intimately involved in the relevant material, industries, and so on. I do think it’s not a good idea for people not so involved as they can become disconnected and unaware, investing time in something for social benefits but no other.

But the thing is that there are fandoms that we don’t think of fandoms.

And they can be just as empowering – and just as messed up as any anime fandom or group of band followers.

Let’s talk religion and Politics.*

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Fan I Am #6: Fandom And Larger Culture

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Scientist Scope Technology Science

I’d like to take a break from my deeper musing on Fandom to look at how having a Fandom as an identity and as a culture really isn’t that different from non-fannish stuff.

Its probably easy to think of those that identify heavily as Fandom as different. After all most people, say, are not obsessed with “Sleepy Hollow”* Ergo fans are “different” from “other cultures,” which of course is basically bollocks because people are people. We’re just different people.

But when we step back from Fandoms we realize they really are their own culture, albeit embedded in a larger culture. Now, as I’ve argued, identifying primarily with that culture is not always a healthy or positive thing. But cultures they are.

Consider what they have.

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Fan I am #5: Why Identify As A Fan

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Book Shelf And More

So having thought about the kinds of fan, and why meltdowns occur, I keep wondering “why do people identify as fans so passionately?”

I mean in some ways it looks ridiculous to base part of your life on your love of Neon Genesis Evangelion*. Then you look at fanworks and giant conventions and fans turned pro and realize there’s something here. Fandom is a curious thing, and right when you wonder why the hell anyone would identify that way, you see something wonderful that makes you say “oh, I understand.”

However, as I noted, I think for many Fandom is more of a secondary identity than a primary. But why do people get so passionate? Why does it get so primary?

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