You know the term "bandwagon fan," right? It describes a person who only likes something because other people also like that same thing.
Baseball season is in full swing and I've been pretty invested. I holler and watch pretty intently. I still have to ask a lot of questions, but I'm catching on pretty quick. I even know the players now! A lot of the time I talk about the game even when it's not on, and honestly, I get some crap for it. "Since when do you watch baseball? Oh, you only watch because your boyfriend watches." That's where that term bandwagon fan comes in, and apparently, it's a bad thing.
Some people get really angry when you show signs of being a bandwagoner. Maybe you haven't been following a team or band since (before) they started doing really well. Oh, you haven't been listening to that band since they started posting covers six years ago? Nope, sorry, but I'm digging their recent stuff. You only like that team because they won that series? Nope, I just didn't know much about their stats until right now.
Yes, I started watching baseball because it's something my boyfriend really enjoys. I started playing video games because my boyfriend plays them. My favorite band is a group I had never heard of until I started seeing my boyfriend. In all honesty, a lot of the things I like now were things my boyfriend has liked and has introduced me to. There are things a lot of people have liked for a long time, but I'm just now getting into them. What's the point?
So, if I'm doing things my boyfriend enjoys so that we can enjoy them together, why does that qualify me as a bandwagon fan? Why am I branded with saying that it has such a negative connotation? I feel like so many people are so judgemental when it comes to liking popular things. But... aren't things popular because so... many... people.... like... them...?
If being called a bandwagon fan is what it takes to enjoy certain things with my boyfriend, so be it. I love finding new things that he likes that we can enjoy together and vice versa. I'm thankful to have found a new band that has music I connect with, and man I love rooting for the Tigers. Call me a fake fan but the joy of doing something with my boyfriend is true!
Quit dogging on me and go find something else to whine about.