What do I mean by this title? Well, it’s just some musing thoughts about what I’ve seen around the last few years or so. The growing sense of “I deserve this” or “Me first” attitudes–particularly when it comes to online sensibilities.
Much has been written around the internet about “trolls” that have a tendendancy to hide behind their keyboards. Saying things about people, or shows, or whatever, that they wouldn’t say to the a person’s face. The anonymity of being able to say things without fear of reprisals. I’m not totally innocent of hiding behind a screen sometimes myself. Getting into arguments and having them turn a complete 180 degrees from where it started (usually into insults). I can’t speak for others but the majority of the ones I’ve been involved with I’ve regretted after ending the conversation.
But the bigger aspect to online personas, is the ability to be “near” a celebrity. Someone that you admire, or respect. When social media started, it was a good thing. Celebrities of different levels would come online and interact with fans. Some doing question and answers on twitter, or facebook, or sometimes even braving tumblr. It was the start of an almost instant repor with someone you looked up to.
This grew into “fandoms” and an almost family like structure between people who are fans of the same actor\actress\tv show\movie. Whatever. The bonds grew as you got to know more people with similar interests. I’m not saying this was the beginning of fandom. It’s been around for a while, Star Trek in the 60’s is probably a good example of that. Even a lesser extent further back in the old Flash Gordon days. Although, I think Star Trek and Star Wars really kicked off the fandom connections. The ability to enjoy something, and being able to discuss it with people similar to you that also loved it.
Over the last few years, the word fandom has taken a turn. The almost family dynamic doesn’t exist the same way anymore. You can still have friends within the same fan base. But the majority of interactions now only relate to what character is shipping with who? Why aren’t these two getting together?
That’s fine as well, but when it starts to involve the actors themselves, and the cast, crew, and writers, of the show with threats, and hatred, and more. Then it’s gone too far. The growth of social media means that you have that interaction between showrunners, and writers now. It should be treated as a good thing. More often than not, it’s treated as a way to give instant feedback on why the show is bad. Why did you do that to a character? Why don’t you kill this character instead?
It’s not limited to one show either. I’ve seen it around for almost all shows that have a large enough following. This is where it comes down that age of entitlement that I labelled this post with. It is expected from people\fans that they have this level of access. It’s almost treated like it’s a human right. Why?
Is it any wonder why celebrities have started turning away from twitter? I’m not going to name any names, actors or shows, but people need to understand that it’s a privilege and not a right. You should have respect for the people that are bringing you this show\movie. (while I’m on that, pay for it and don’t download it, but I digress).
I’ve stepped away from a bunch of fandoms the last year or two. I miss it. The comraderie. The friendship. I’ve made some great friends out of fandoms, but I want the old way back. I want it to be like it was. The two fandoms that earned me the best friends came out of Stargate and Sanctuary. Sanctuary especially bringing together the idea that everyone is unique, and it is our uniqueness that should be celebrated and accepted.
#BringBackFandomStrength.
Well, that’s enough of my thoughts. My random musings. Do you agree? Do you not? Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts. Have you made friends in a particular fandom? Do you miss it?
Dreaming Screenwriter 