On the internet it is hard to ignore the multitudes of fandoms that exist and even harder to ignore the fans of them. Although, the term “fangirl” is not as popular as it was a few years prior, the principle is still standing.
Tons of people flock to a certain subject, such as a movie franchise, book series or television show and pour out their enthusiasm.
Whether you refer to these people as fangirls, stans, or simply fans, our generation is no stranger to devoted people who take admiration to a new level.
Every generation has it’s group of big fans. Whether that be the Beatle mania of the 1960’s, the Star Wars buffs of the 1970’s, or the NSYNC fans of the 1990’s, large fandoms have almost always been around. Because of this, you would think older generations would understand completely when teens enjoy bands or a movie franchise. However, many older folks frown upon these fans and categorize them as “crazy teenagers.”
What people do not realize is that there is nothing wrong with being a huge fan of something.
Books, television shows, movies, anime, comic books and many other platforms of entertainment serve as an escape for people. They can help people get away and escape their everyday lives. They can inspire people to achieve goals. They can teach people that they are not alone. They are more than “just television shows” or just a “book.”
Television shows such as Glee, has been ridiculed for their cheesy content and have been very problematic in some areas, yet have still managed to greatly impact viewers lives. This show featured an openly gay character and later went on to have several members of the cast be LGBT+ characters. This television show proved to be more than just a television show, it was a platform for gay youth around the world see a character being portrayed that was more than just gay.
Movie franchises such as The Avengers, may be looked upon as just a superhero movie, but again, they can be much more. If someone is having their own personal strifes, they can watch superhero movies and get away from those issues. Instead of dwelling on problems and things they cannot change they can watch these action stars save the world, despite not being able to do it themselves. Believe it or not, people can gain strength from fictional characters.
Hopefully, in the future adults won’t frown upon younger generations for being huge fans of different things. In this society, it is practically expected for teens at one point in their adolescence to have that one thing they are really into. Yet there is still criticism from elders.
It is completely normal to be a fan, stan or fangirl, and do not let anyone tell you anything different.
