I'm a devoted fan of several fandoms, with Disney being my main obsession. Disney holds a special place in my heart as it encompasses many of my favorite interests, such as Disney Studios, Broadway, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, Pixar, and more. My love for Disney has only grown stronger as I've matured. My collection of Disney-themed items is extensive, including a bookshelf stocked with Disney-related books, various props, a closet full of Disney-themed clothing, and even a phone case of different Marvel comics.
Fandom has certainly served as a means of psychological fulfillment in my life, and I believe this holds true not only for fandoms but also for obsessions, hobbies, and passions. Whether one enjoys painting, crocheting, reading, binge-watching shows, or immersing themselves in films, they are engaging in activities that bring them joy. Arguably, life lacks meaning without some form of enjoyment, and fandoms offer that enjoyment and fulfillment to individuals who might otherwise be lacking it.
I am particularly enthusiastic about fictional realities, specifically fantasy worlds depicted in films, television series, and books. Often, it can be challenging to articulate one's own feelings, emotions, or experiences, but it can be equally relentless in recognizing these aspects in others. In media, like the fantasy worlds I adore, complex aspects of life are often simplified; for instance, in Star Wars, the portrayal of the division between light and dark is a clear-cut example. Objectively, only two sides exist, right or wrong, but in reality, much of life dwells in the gray areas. I find that many, including myself, seek reflections on their existence in these fictional worlds, searching for answers to make sense of the complexities of the real world without facing real-world consequences.
Take, for example, Star Wars and the character Anakin Skywalker. Many would categorize him as a hero turned villain, and while that's accurate, he, like real people, is not one-dimensional but a multifaceted individual who makes decisions that aren't always black and white. I tend to fixate on fictional characters who I believe reflect aspects of myself, or at least, I aspire to adopt their approach to life. Characters like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, Rapunzel in Tangled, Katara in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ahsoka in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and numerous others have influenced my personality in ways that have blurred the line between fantasy and reality. I've developed surrogate relationships with these characters to better understand myself and the person I aspire to become.
These surrogate relationships with characters or fandoms stem from our need for comfort, akin to our inclination to revisit the same films, books, or television episodes for the sake of nostalgia. Our generation often seeks comfort in reanalyzing these projects associated with safety, comfort, and simpler times. Fandom can offer solace during difficult days, moments of struggle, and bouts of self-doubt. When I'm having a bad day, simply thinking about a beloved character, listening to my favorite songs, or watching a cherished childhood film with my family can instantly transform my mood and behavior for the better.
Fandom has the remarkable ability to create an intimacy that transcends barriers of race, ethnicity, age, and background. If forming a connection with a character, a fantastical world, or a fandom brings happiness into the lives of others, then the way it takes shape shouldn't matter. I am a fan of many things, and my fandoms often serve as a form of compensation, and I wholeheartedly embrace that. Some individuals might argue that I've moved beyond the bounds of typical fandom and across the line to excessiveness, but I beg to differ. It raises questions as to why society normalizes certain interests, like men's enthusiasm for football, complete with Superbowl parties while labeling girls wearing pink to the Barbie movie as excessive. Thus, creating a double standard that unfairly criticizes one person's passion while celebrating another's, solely based on societal acceptability versus fandom participation.
I would like to clarify that while I consider myself a fan of certain fandoms, I don't actively participate in their online communities including creating fan content. Instead, I express my fandom through offline means, such as buying merchandise related to the shows, films, books, or characters I love and displaying them in my room. Although, I do occasionally follow, or check the Instagram of the actors and other individuals involved in the projects I watch. I also enjoy discussing my fandoms with friends and family rather than engaging in online discussions or digital communities. Privacy is important to me in all aspects of my life, not just within fandoms. I maintain strict privacy settings on all my social media accounts, including Instagram, Pinterest, and Spotify, ensuring that my boards, playlists, and posts are only visible to a select few. Choosing the format for this assignment was challenging because, although I have published articles and podcasts in the past, they have always been in a professional context rather than a personal one. Ultimately, I decided to write an essay because, as a writer and journalism major, it allows me to maintain a level of anonymity while still expressing my opinions wholeheartedly.
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