Fandoms and You
Being a kid in
college is all about finding out what you like, dislike, and what you can
listen to in polite conversation without losing your cool. You’ll be around
different people talking about a variety of subjects, from TV shows, to bands,
and even Professors that people prefer, etc…
An example that I
think is relevant as an example would be the fact that Doctor Who is back on
the TV channels, now will into what is actually the middle of its 7th
Season. The series is awesome, however it is a show that is also highly dependent
on understanding certain aspects of the series: The Doctor has changed actors
many, many times because he undergoes ‘regeneration’ after he dies, ie: the
show pops in a new start when the previous one wants a way out. The Doctor (
who is an alien ) always has a human companion with whom he shares his
weird/amazing adventures.
I have encountered
people who lovingly welcome newcomers into this fandom while on campus here at
UTT. It’s a popular show, has a lot of fun, geeky appeal, and it’s a hoot.
Sometimes, however, people go too far into their ‘fandoms’ and they can become negative,
even rude, when somebody disagrees with something about the show while engaging
in conversation. Or, worse, sometimes people ridicule and scoff at others for talking gleefully about their favorite things/hobbies. While I have always been a very large believer in the fact that most people don't care about D&D enough to mock it, I have on occasion heard the rare jape or mocking comment from a person. While it doesn't expressly bother me, it can bother others and it might
I must also admit - I have been the mocker, on occasion. I have never meant anything outwardly by my tone except to be overly dramatic for comedic flavor, but I have insulted people's own fandoms because I might not have A) Liked the writing style of the book somebody talked about, B) Disliked something because of an external factor irreverent to the fandom in question, or C) I was inadvertently just being an ass. This has been very big with Twilight and ( sometimes ) Harry Potter. I need to always be aware that people don't find me funny all the time and that not everyone needs my comments. My writing this blog is to make sure people I know are aware that if I can't tolerate that from others, I shouldn't do it either!
This example might
seem silly ( it’s a TV show, after all ), but think about how many other
subjects people can also classify in the same genre/group as being a Dr. Who
fan:
--- Religion
--- Sports Teams
--- Politics
--- Which of the Beatles is best [ the correct answer is Ringo, but I digress ... ]
We love, well, to
love things. We enjoy becoming a part of things and bringing new people into
them. It allows us to share what is meaningful to us with others, and to bond.
College is all about bonding, and on many levels.
Still … please be
aware when your love for something starts to infringe on the beliefs and
opinions of others. I am allowed to believe that David Tennant and Matt Smith
are better actors as Doctor(s) than Christopher Ecclesteon … but I’d never tell
somebody their opposing view is wrong – it’s a matter of taste.
Welcome and embrace
new subjects, new fandoms if you will, and always treat others like you’d want
to be treated here on campus!
1 comment:
This was very well written, Michael! I happen to love Doctor Who, so I was excited to see your first picture with this blog.
You are absolutely right in stating that we don't always realize how our words will be accepted by others, and that is something that we need to watch. I hope you're having a great end to your semester!
-Kat
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