Sometimes, in fandom, we just want to write id-tastic fic that rolls around in tropes that might be viewed as problematic. But we donât want to address the problematic side of things in this particular fanwork; we just want to roll around and wallow.
It is considered courteous to give readers a heads-up via use of AO3 tags. I propose a tag that signals that a given fanwork is for rolling around, not giving a measured evaluation of anything. The MCU has carved out a space for this sort of fic with the âHYDRA Trash Partyâ tag, for which I commend them. Trash Party is a bit too specific to cover all of the ground Iâm thinking of here, though; I propose âDead Dove: Do Not Eat.â
For those of you not familiar with Arrested Development, Michael Bluth finds a paper bag in the freezer labeled âDead Dove: Do Not Eat.â He opens the bag, finds a dead dove, and reacts as follows:
[gif of a white man saying âI donât know what I expectedâ in a deadpan manner]
The âDead Dove: Do Not Eatâ tag would essentially be a âwhat it says on the tinâ metatag, indicating âyou see the tropes and concepts tagged here? they are going to appear in this fic. exactly as said. there will not necessarily be any subversion, authorial commentary condemning problematic aspects, or meditation on potential harm. this fic contains dead dove. if you proceed, you should expect to encounter it.â
(more at KnowYourMeme: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/i-dont-know-what-i-expected)
