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The Power Of Fandom

Except when it emotionally destroys you.

Annie Lieber

Jun 19, 2017

Brandeis University

282

As I write this article, I have one of my favorite episodes of "Doctor Who" playing in the background (Boom Town, if anyone's wondering). This marvelous British TV show was not my first foray into intense fandom, and I doubt that it will be my last. Sherlock, Harry Potter, Nerdfighteria. Fandom is an intense, varied thing. But, it is not all composed of screaming young people (mainly those of us with two X chromosomes) who devour any and all morsels that we can get.

Fandom is powerful. It is comforting. It is not just something for crazed fans. Fandom actually does a lot of important things.

1. Gives people a sense of belonging

Fandom makes people feel like they belong in the world. It helps connect people through conventions, the Internet, and through other sources. I actually made my first college friend via fandoms because we both geeked out over the same Internet things. It gives you something to do, whether it's watching videos on YouTube, trading theories with friends, or just reading fan fiction. People are able to see themselves in characters.

2. Tackles important issues

Fandoms tackle important issues. Whether it's through direct discussion or metaphor, issues of the day are shown in fandom. Whether it's the Vlogbrothers discussing important events and decreasing world suck, Harry Potter tackling racism, or Jane Austen tackling class issues (which still resonate to this day), fandom helps you think about what's going on. Fandom is not going to just make you flip out over your OTP; it makes you think.

3. Gives you someone to look up to

One of the reasons certain pieces of entertainment garner such huge followings is because people can connect with them. Who didn't want to be Hermione Granger or Minerva McGonagall? The Doctor teaches you how to be adventurous and creative, yet demonstrates how flawed people can still be good. Let's be real: what Jane Austen fangirl didn't want to be Lizzy or Jane Bennet once upon a time? I still do.

4. Takes you other places

Just about every episode of Doctor Who does this. Even episodes that are just inside the TARDIS are an adventure (it's bigger on the inside!) Getting lost inside a book or video allows you to travel to other worlds. Just watch a Thoughts from Places video!

5. Gives you hope

Fandom provides hope. For only a little bit, it helps you forget about any stresses and troubles in your life. Plus your favorite characters screw up. A lot. Like a lot a lot. Or act downright stupid.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

The Power Of Fandom

Except when it emotionally destroys you.

1. Gives people a sense of belonging

2. Tackles important issues

3. Gives you someone to look up to

4. Takes you other places

5. Gives you hope

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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