Fangirl (noun): a female aggressive fan
People tend to believe that is the right definition of a fan girl. They may have their opinions set, but they are far from right. I have enough practice in the art of being a fangirl. I don't see it as a bad thing really. I see it more of a blessing in disguise. I could be obsessed with drinking or drugs, instead I am more passionate about my bands and music. Mom, you should be thankful of this even though you judge me on a daily basis. We're just another stereotype.
1. We aren't legit crazy.
We might tend to go overboard, but it's because we love something. Who are others to judge our happiness. We just come off strong to people who don't understand the way we feel.
2. We aren't all middle schoolers or those pretty Tumblr girls.
People tend to believe that fangirls are all middle schoolers. That's way far off. Yeah, there are a lot of young fans but when you look at the grand scheme of things, there's a lot of older fans too. I always have loved my music but I didn't really start getting into fangirling and getting into following tours and such until I was older and could afford to do so. We also don't look like those perfect girls who look like they could be models. We are normal people, just like you.
3. We all don't scream every time we think we see the people in the bands.
Honestly, I want to punch all those blood curdling screamers. It's annoying. Like we get it, we're at a concert for *insert name here* you don't have to scream every time they move a microphone. They will be coming on soon, save your voice. Yeah we cry, whatever, I've had happy tears at a concert. You do you, I'll do me.
4. We aren't all trying to be groupies.
It isn't just about the looks. I mean, hey I wouldn't mind grabbing multiple band members by the face and kissing them but that's not all I care about. There is more to fangirling than looks. We care about the lyrics, the music, and the band members. I have met some of the sweetest people who have been band members. They aren't just objects, they are human beings with hearts (well most of them at least).
5. It isn't always just about the band.
Some of the coolest people I have met are because of bands. I will forever be focused on the music and the bands, but it is cool to have new friends that understand you and your fangirl tendencies.
6. Our whole closet isn't band merch.
I would say about 75% of it is, though. Nothing is easier than throwing on a quick t-shirt or hoodie. So why not rep some of your favorite bands while doing it? They usually have cool designs to choose from too.
7. We aren't only in it for the boy bands.
The biggest music misconception I've seen for fangirls is that they only care about the mainstream boybands. I mean, they are talented. I won't lie, I am super far up One Direction's butts (even post break up), especially because Harry Styles (am I right)? That doesn't mean that we don't listen to other music. I actually listen to more pop punk, emo trash type music. Watch me follow those bands like it's my job. A fan girl can be dedicated to any type of music.
8. We aren't all broke (for the wrong reason)
Have I spent a lot of money on concert tickets? OH ABSOLUTELY!!! That doesn't mean I am broke because of bands though. A lot of us are smart about our money when it comes to concert tickets. Yeah we might go see a band 3+ times on the same tour but a lot of us know how to find pretty decently priced tickets.
9. Sometimes being called a fangirl can be offensive.
Honestly, I've come to terms with being referred to as one. It isn't a bad thing. I like my bands, so what? But it can become rude sometimes. People have this misconstrued outlook on what being a fan girl is and just think we're crazy. We're just a bunch of mostly normal with a passion for music.
10. We are aware that we have no chance with the guys in the bands.
Listen, as much as I would totally be okay with Luke Hemmings or Brian Dales being my boyfriend, I know that I never have a chance. You'll see signs at concerts that say "OMG I LOVE YOU MARRY ME PLEASE" because that's just what people do. Ninety-nine percent of us know that we aren't going to ever marry those beautiful faces, as for the 1% that are in denial, I am sorry for them.
11. We respects the bands privacy.
Yo, I get it there are some creeps in the world that know things like, where exactly someone's flight is or the information on a person's birth certificate, but that's not how most of us are. I could probably find out that information if I wanted to, but I am not going to, that's just weird. We get that they're normal people just like us. They have a normal life outside of touring and special events. Let them be. If you see them in public just say hi and let them know you're a huge fan. They are more likely to be 100% nicer to you and really appreciate it if you're not hounding them, screaming like a maniac and begging for a photo.
12. We aren't stupid.
Seriously though, do not underestimate us. We are very talented individuals that are good at finding information fairly quickly. Fangirls are a key demographic to driving a lot of music culture nowadays. They buy tickets, merch, and support bands through social media. We know what we are doing to help bands succeed (along side their awesome talent). We also don't revolve our lives completely around these bands. We go to school to be successful and work like any normal driven human being. How else am I going to afford my concert tickets?
13. We actually don't care what you think.
I have had people tell me for as long as I can remember that I have a problem and that I need to stop. Why should it matter as long as I am happy? Oh wait, it shouldn't. We don't care what you think about our lives, you live yours and we will live ours in our musical heaven.
