Wikipedia defines "Fandom" as, "a term used to refer to a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the object(s) of their fandom and spend a significant portion of their time and energy involved with their interest, often as a part of a social network with particular practices..." In today's world, you may find that most people you meet consider themselves to be in a fandom of some kind. They will stem from TV shows, movies, celebrities, books, video games, sports; basically anything and anyone that cultivates a large fan base is considered to have a fandom.
Fandoms often are branded as geeky. As I have discovered through interviews of proud fandom-affiliates, this stigma doesn't bother them very much. They have benefited from the fandoms in their personal lives so much that the "geekiness" isn't even registered as an insult. We (because I affiliate myself with many fandoms as well) consider the terms "nerdy" and "passionate" to be synonymous. To be nerdy about a book is to be passionate about and invested in its message, author, characters, plot, and even the little details that are only discovered after re-reading the book multiple times. One interviewee said that he doesn't get questioned for his reasons for being in his fandoms because his friends and others that he associates himself with are already a part of those fandoms and the general fandom life. He likes to stick with people he shares common interests with, and I think most people can relate to that.
Fiction changes lives. People find themselves attracted to it because they feel a desire to escape reality and delve into worlds and lives that are not their own. In addition, the people in the fiction world speak to that which the fans aspire to be. The strength of character, compassion, wisdom, and morals of a protagonist can be incredibly appealing for people to emulate. Specifically, Deadpool has the ability to make anything funny and is incredibly witty. Percy Jackson and Harry Potter are loyal almost to a fault. Dean and Sam Winchester beat all the odds and continue to fight for what's good, even though their lives get progressively more difficult. Captain Jim Kirk doesn't believe in a no-win scenario and will persevere through anything. Many of my friends and family members find connections through adventure and high fantasy sources. Several adventure and fantasy books and movies, Lord of the Rings especially, really focus on the journey rather than the destination. This trilogy, alongside other franchises, highlights how the characters conduct themselves along that journey and the choices they make. This makes the reader or viewer reflect on how they conduct themselves when facing difficult times and can actually make them change their ways.
An interviewee shared that people find solace in the fact that everyone in the fandoms are so accepting, and they all just want to share their knowledge and love for the fandom. The fandoms that the fans love most are ones that they can connect to on a very personal level. In the same interview, the fan shared that the TV show Agents of Shield made an impact on her life because it teaches the viewers to accept themselves, and stand up and protect the people they care about. In a society where you're made to believe that you aren't good enough for whatever reason and need to change, this message is necessary for people of all ages. The Harry Potter franchise teaches us that love is the most powerful magic, and with everything that is happening in the world today, we could all use a little more love. These sources of fandom and many others share messages that make the world a much better place.
All in all, whether you prefer to read the books or watch the movies, the fiction world always has its arms wide open for newcomers. The fandoms that have stemmed from this beautiful world are ever-growing and have changed many lives for the better. Friendships develop, passions are discovered, and they just make people happy. Join a fandom. Discover worlds that make you really think and bring you joy. It's worth the time, I promise.
