Identity and Fandom: Part 3

This is the final part of a 3 part series on Identity and Fandom. 

I would recommend you read Part 1 and Part 2 first. 

The above is a picture of an article that is often cited by others
on the topic of fandom and problematic things
 but I can't find online :(

A year ago I was at a panel at C2E2 and someone said something like: 

Loving problematic shows does not make you a bad person

This is indeed good news since All Fandoms are problematic in some way. Yes, in this case I do indeed mean All. For some it is its representation of characters. For some representation of cast or crew. For some it is representation in writing or directing. For some it is how fans are treated. For some how fans treat others.... I think you get the idea. 

When something we love is criticized we often have a negative knee jerk reaction. We want to defend the honor of whatever we love, because when what we love is criticized, it feels like we are being criticized ourselves. 

Tonight I happened to be watching "Trouble with Tribbles" and happened upon a great example of this: 

Scotty: And I didn't see that it was worth fighting about. After all, we're big enough to take a few insults. Aren't we?
Capt. Kirk: What was it they said that started the fight?
Scotty: They called the Enterprise a garbage scow! Sir.
Capt. Kirk: I see. And... that's when you hit the Klingon?
Scotty: Yes, sir!
Capt. Kirk: You hit the Klingons because they insulted the Enterprise, not because they...
Scotty: Well, sir, this was a matter of pride.

We can feel that whomever is criticizing must not love our fandom like we do, or is not a "real" fan. But it is from a position of power to be able to love something while discussing how it could improve at the same time.

But what can you do when you are in the middle of that knee jerk reaction

• Take a deep breath
• Recognize that you are in the middle of a situation causing a knee jerk reaction 
• Listen to what was actually said:
• A simply statement like "x fandom could improve in its representation of x group" sometimes is heard as "x fandom is evil and all its fans should be burned at the stakes, attack them now" which is clearly not what was really said. Go back and spend time listening to what was really said.
• Realize that those who have had an experience are better able to point out flaws in how that experience is being represented.
• If you have not had a particular experience or do not belong to a particular group take a step back. You are less able to see the negative impact of how it was represented. You are not an expert on the topic.
• When in doubt ask polite questions such as "As someone who has had x experience how could it be better represented?" or "Would you be willing to tell me a little more about what you have experienced so I can understand it better?"
• Follow the Golden Rule and make sure any comments you make are of a tone you would want someone else to use with you.

As I said in the beginning of this post All fandoms are problematic in some shape or form but that does not make you a bad person for enjoying them. I have attended several panels and conferences which have looked at various fandoms from both a fan and an academic point of view and where great conversations occured on how we can make those fandoms we love better.

I have had the opportunity to watch fandoms I love, listen to criticism and over time improve in their representation. Constructive criticism can make Fandoms more welcoming and help make them safe places for all those who are involved. If you love something show that love by helping make it something that more people can enjoy. Share the love.

What fandoms (Shows, writers, directors ....) have you seen succeed in listening to complaints about representation and therefore improved in there representation.  Comment below.

Next Weeks Post will discuss DePaul University's: ​A Celebration of Star Trek which is occurring Next Saturday May 7th.