Fandom is something we're all fairly prone to, but some of us take it too far. A number of years ago, Anime North had its annual pinata bash, where whichever character was voted the most annoying of the year was made into a pinata and consequently destroyed.
It just so happened that the chosen character that year was Relena Peacecraft from Gundam Wing. Apparently, some fan decided to go wild and threw a temper tantrum. This is where fanboy or fangirl becomes fanatic. This is where we all have to learn to draw the line and stop. It's one thing to be a fan, it's another to be a general disturbance and annoyance to those around you.
People are going to make fun of your favourite characters, shows, and mascots. You, the fan, may not like it, but you have no right to throw a tantrum over it. Masquerades, among other events, are screened for offensive material, so there's some assurance that whatsoever is shown will in fact be tasteful. If it actually wasn't, then someone has the right to complain. But the joking defacement of a character is not justified means for being angry.
The same applies to talking with your friends or bothering cosplayers. Don't act like a know it all or a brat. You won't win any points and you don't look cool. All you're doing is satisfying your own standard, which no one but you generally cares about. You can criticise, but do it constructively. Yes, there are things which suck, horribly. But it won't help to just degrade the product. Instead, talk about improving it, in a courteous way.
The same advice applies to those receiving it. Responding negatively and acting as though the person is somehow insulting won't help you either. What if there really is something you should be paying attention to? It works both ways.
Yaoi fangirls, not everyone likes your hobby, get used to it. Yuri fanboys, not everyone likes your hobby, get used to it. DBZ fans, a lot of people think DBZ is a pretty terrible show, get used to it. Fushigi Yûgi fans, Miaka is, in fact, annoying. Get used to it. You can have your opinion and argue the fact, but don't throw a tantrum or act like a spoiled brat.
Fanaticism and fandom are two different things. Learn the difference and show restraint. |
