Before launching into this firestorm of absolute ridiculousness, it should be made clear that fandoms can be wonderful, safe places for fans of a particular novel, film, video game, etc., and they often serve as a means for many people to meet potential companions and forge lasting relationships. It also creates a gathering of like minded individuals that can now share fan art, headcanons, imagines, and other kinds of fan content that can serve as the source of a fandom's livelihood, especially when the wait for new seasons is painstakingly long (looking at you, Sherlock). Tumblr is a popular site for this kind of activity, as is Ao3 (Archive of Our Own), and for the most part, these kinds of places are perfect for anyone searching for fellow members of a certain fandom, looking to find and make friends through shared love of whatever it is that they happen to lose sleep over.
(http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/701489-the-lion-kin...)
Recently, however, fandom activity has gotten out of control, in that harassment is running rampant and it has become some sort of new normal for content creators to receive anonymous, hate-fueled messages. I've seen some blogs take this kind of event in stride, claiming that the first hate message is some sort of milestone--a write of passage for online artistry--and while I was pleased that they weren't impacted by the attacker's words, it is disheartening to think that the berating of artists is becoming something that is expected whenever a series becomes popular, especially on the Internet. In a cesspool that large, nasty comments are bound to exist, granted, but said angry typists should consider the fact that these artists cannot read their minds and, thus, cannot fulfill every unrealistic expectation that has apparently been set for them.
First and foremost, it must be stated that these insane fits are literally surrounding works of fiction. As a creative writing student and aspiring author, I completely empathize with feeling that certain characters can feel real or provide inspiration, but at the end of the day, the distinction must be present. If that line in the sand doesn't exist, things can get messy, fast. It's all well and good to joke about a character, claiming that he is your "beloved son," or any other terms of endearment, but if someone happens to imagine this favorite character in a different way, it is not your responsibility to correct this person because, really, the person you're perceiving as an enemy isn't technically incorrect. They're fictional characters; anyone can do with them as they please, and it is not your job to police these kinds of portrayals. If you don't like that specific artist's content, don't visit their page. Or, if you must, block them, if you're on Tumblr. Don't repeatedly walk into a zone wherein you know you're going to be irritated and then be shocked when, lo and behold, you're irritated. That's on you, pal.
Some members of your fandom will have differing headcanons, and this should be encouraged, not fought. This shows diversity, which is amazing, especially when discussing a character that everyone loves because now, through the magic of everyone's unique interpretations, this character has become even more complex than before. Additionally, this shows the true talent in the creators of the character, in that so many people resonated with him/her/them, resulting in so many people attempting to answer unsolved mysteries about them/her/him. So, if someone happens to headcanon, say, Lance McClain (Voltron: Legendary Defender) as pansexual, while another views him as bisexual, the two should not bicker amongst one another. Instead, come together through the magic that is Lance.
(https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/lance-mc)
This Tumblr post must be addressed:
(https://onsizzle.com/i/l-64-9-19-am-rules-for-stev...)
Absolutely. Not.
There aren't any rules of cosplay, and no fandom or members of any fandom should feel that they have the power to tell others in their community how they can portray characters. Skin color, body type, and sexual orientation have nothing to do with the characters they people choose to become for that convention or photoshoot. This is another instance wherein multiple people have been harassed due to the fact that some members of their community felt that the cosplayer's version of the character didn't live up to their standard. Here's something to remember, though. Cosplaying is something that requires a great deal of guts, and when people are constructing their outfits, their perceptions of the characters are the most important. They cannot read your mind because they simply aren't you.
If you're unhappy with someone's cosplay, why don't you step up the plate and create your own version?
The final point to be made is about the creator's of these novels, shows, and other texts that we love so much: they are not our personal media slaves, and they do not live to serve us. Their stories belong to them, and fans should never act entitled. They don't owe us anything; if they kill a character that you loved, for the love of all that is holy, do not give them hell. They know what they're doing. Additionally, if the author, musician, etc. decides that they want to go in a differing direction than what the audience is used to, support them. Or, if you don't like that direction, leave the fandom. Do not accuse the creator of selling out or pandering simply because you're unhappy. The world does not revolve around you, nor does your favorite series.
Being in a fandom does not excuse anyone from being an all around douche canoe. Stay in your lane, and know that you can enjoy your favorite content without ruining the experiences of others.
