On Fandoms

     Ah yes, the widespread topic of where one's loyalties lie as far as books, movies, TV shows, and what-have-you are concerned. (Stories. The word I'm looking for is stories. That covers all four of the things I just mentioned.)

     Loosely defined, a 'fandom' is a collection of people who are fans of something. I've fallen into many fandoms over the years, and find it hard to answer when people ask which ones I'm in. Inevitably I forget a few when listing them all off. Several of my fandoms include: the Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia, Doctor Who, Anne of Green Gables, Tangled(and other Disney movies), the Princess Bride, Les Miserables, Star Wars, How to Train Your Dragon, Ranger's Apprentice, and the list could go on and on...

     I've heard it said that a person's favorite character is often who it is because he identifies with them the most. So too, people have the strong desire for a story they relate to. We may not live in outer space or Middle Earth or Narnia or a galaxy far far away, but that isn't what makes a story relatable or not. People fall in love with stories that contain real life situations, not because the places are familiar. The world may not be full of people running off on quests, but it is full of friendship and choices and people in need of a hero. C. S. Lewis said, "We read to know that we are not alone." And that is completely true. That is what catches people's hearts in stories; the feeling of being understood because 'oh look, someone else is thinking in just the same way I do, and they have the same problems I do'.

     Not only do fans have things in common with the characters in a story, the people in each fandom often have a lot in common with each other. (They at least have the similar enjoyment of whatever it may be.) Fandoms are inviting. Who wouldn't want to band together with a group of people who appreciate the same type of story as you? Shared excitement over things is an important form of support. It's encouraging to know you're not the only one crazy enough to want to live in other worlds and befriend made-up people.

      People express appreciation of things in different ways. Within fandoms, there are various outcomes of people voicing their delight uniquely. Some dress up as certain characters, a few write fan fiction, others draw fan art. The diversity of humans is so glorious, and we can enjoy each other through giving support.

      For me, a successful story is one that inspires me, and a successful drawing is one that does the same. Fandoms are a way for people to rejoice together over imagination and emotion and artistry. They provide a platform of common ground, from which the 'members' can inspire each other and dig deeper than surface level, analyzing the innermost parts of whatever-it-may be, and sharing excitement over it.
Without shared joy in stories, we might think ourselves more alone than we actually are.

     What fandoms are you in?


     P. S. My very cool friend has started a vlog on YouTube. You should check out her first video and subscribe so that you can stay tuned for further epicness. (And also perhaps follow her on all those different social media things she has.)