UW1020: Media Fandom

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Almost There: On Putting the Final Touches of My Paper

So, the semester is nearly over. Meaning, that my paper will soon be submitted and finished, at least for now. I think that the final steps of editing are, perhaps, the most interesting. It’s as if you’re putting the final touches on something that you’ve nurtured, formulated, and grown. I like to equate final draft edits to polishing. 

At this time, I am in the process of reviewing the nitty gritty. In other words, reviewing my sources, my citations, making sure no comma, period, apostrophe is out of place. Glossing it all together into one clear, final, project. Emphasis on final, thank goodness. 

I think that this is one of the longer period of time I have spent on a paper. Sure, I have written my fair share of 10-15-20 page papers, turned them in, and gotten my grade. But, this has been a truly intriguing process and one that differs greatly from my “usual” methodology. I think I have come away with quite a few tips that I will work into my writing process. I quite liked putting the aspects of the proposal together. Although a bit more refined, the proposal is akin to an outline and provides you with a solid starting point for your rough draft. I think that this is something I will increasingly integrate throughout my progressing academic career. 

I also was able to work with a new citation format. Chicago is straightforward enough, but I’ve never worked with the Author-Date subformatting. Rather, I’ve only been acquainted with the Notes version, which differs pretty significantly. 

I guess, this is all sort of one giant stream of consciousness, but I like being able to reflect and go back and deconstruct my process. So rarely am I given the time to put so much thought into my arguments and my papers. It’s certainly been a useful experience, and I am thrilled to (soon) present my final product. 

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Coming Together: Community in Crisis

Just recently, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Amazon Studios announced that they would make available the theater production of Fleabag to help raise money for Covid-19 relief charities. This small but simple act embodies the kind of community and essential preservation of art that continues to sustain individuals during periods of tragedy. 

"I hope this filmed performance of 'Fleabag' can help raise money while providing a little theatrical entertainment in these isolated times," Waller-Bridge said in a statement. "Thank you to all our partners and to the creative team who have waived their royalties from this production to raise money for such vital causes in this unbelievably challenging situation. All money raised will support the people throughout our society who are fighting for us on the frontlines and those financially devastated by the crisis, including those in the theatre community."

The stage show is available starting Monday via Soho Theater's On Demand streaming site in the UK and Ireland. On April 10, it will be available for two weeks on Amazon for residents of the UK and United States. All proceeds from the 48-hour downloads will be split between charities, including The National Emergencies Trust, NHS Charities Together and Acting for Others. Some of the money raised will also go to the Fleabag Support Fund, a newly established charitable arm that will give grants to freelance theater workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Right now, it is imperative that leaders in all sectors of life rally support for those in need. Similarly, it is the responsibility of every individual to practice safe protocols and to prioritize the health of our most vulnerable populations. The internet is an especially useful resource to help bridge communities in this period of social isolation. By preserving our passions and redirecting focus to our interests and shared experiences and delights, we can help ease internal anxieties and unite in the face of uncertainty. 

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Week 12: The “Bad Feminist”

Now that I have submitted my first draft, I wanted to reflect on my findings and particularly those findings that surprised me. I was fairly certain of the direction that I wanted to pursue in my paper. Yet, when I was writing it and looking for more content, I sort of stumbled across a really important moment and conversation that I felt was vital to the cohesiveness of my argument. Fleabag does not necessarily advertise herself as the perfect feminist, and this is really important. Why? Well, in an age of such diverse experiences and backgrounds, it is hard to pin feminism to simply one concrete image. The truth is, many women, including myself, struggle to reconcile our own identities and thoughts with the “traditional” feminist agenda. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has spoken publicly about her experience with feminism -- how she often felt that she was “letting feminism down” by acting in ways that might be seen as “bad.” 

I suppose the message that I am truly interested in, and trying to convey here, is that “bad feminism” isn’t bad at all. Rather, “bad feminism” merely equates to authentic feminism. The most feminist thing a person can do is to live as their authentic selves in opposition to the restrictive female structures that seek to define our experiences. The kind of feminism that seeks to persuade female behavior is no better than the societal pressures that attempt to contain the modern woman. Feminism now must prioritize the individual’s wellbeing and authentic experience over one concrete set of values or practices. This is the fourth-wave. 

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Week 11: Starting My First Draft

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately about the drafting process and how I want to structure my paper. I think that the proposal was definitely useful in organizing my thoughts and getting all of my ideas down in once place. Nevertheless, I think that there is something different, and perhaps even intimidating, about formulating those ideas into a final product. 

While I was working, I referenced my proposal on several occasions. It was convenient to have some preliminary thoughts already fleshed out. However, I felt like something was missing — as if I needed some sort of connective tissue to finally tie all of my ideas together into an actual paper. Eventually, I did experience a sort of “light bulb moment,” when all of the parts just seemed to click together and make sense. Moving forward, I would definitely say that I have a clearer, more precise sense of where I want to go with this paper and how I intend to accomplish that goal. Just the step of moving from the proposal to a rough draft can seem daunting. However, the draft, at least in my experience, manifests itself as a more refined, polished, and connected version of the proposal. It takes an abstract idea and turns it into a logical, followable argument that can then be presented to others.

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Week 10: What A Crazy Time To Be Alive -- How Simple Things Can Unite and Sustain During Tragedy & Crisis

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about tragedy and specifically the stress and anxieties we feel during times of unprecedented loss and confusion. It’s funny how often people have said to me: “during times like these, it’s important to find joy in the little things.” And, admittedly, they have a point. Whether it’s curling up with your favorite book or watching your favorite TV show, it’s imperative that we have these cultural anchors to keep us sane and to preserve our humanity. Often times I think it is easy to dismiss these cultural products as mere “entertainment.” We see them as a simple past-time or a hobby. However, I think that in these periods of instability and uncertainty, we need these simple joys to cherish and hold onto. We need to continue to spread love and understanding and unity through shared values and interests -- and that is precisely what a fandom does. It’s a community, a place where people are joined by their shared admiration of something of value, something that makes them feel. It is a positive outlet for discussion, empathy, and support. Although our future may seem compromised at the moment, these not-so-small consolations can help sustain us through the next few months as we continue to face this tragedy together. 

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Week 8: Breaking Down Feminism

I think that often times it’s easy to get caught up using broad, blanket terms without fully understanding or defining their meanings. I would argue that such is the case with “feminism.” Because it means so many things to so many different people, it is often hard to pin down the more intricate details of what this term encompasses. Generally, it is understood that “feminism” refers to the empowerment and equal treatment of women and the belief that women are capable, strong, and independently valuable. However, there is a lot more to this term than one might initially realize. Feminism is historically significant and has experienced several notable “waves” of development. Each of these waves bring different aspects to the discussion of feminism, such as the separation of women from being viewed as property or the introduction of women to the labor force. Nevertheless, I think that while writing a proposal and crafting your research paper, it is important to designate what your key terms mean to you and how they can provide context to your paper. Perhaps this seems overly simplistic. However, it really can make all the difference, especially when working with a dense, multifaceted topic that is prone to varying interpretations. 

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Week 7: Female Recognition in the Entertainment Industry

Part of the appeal of Fleabag, I suspect, is its dry-witted, coy, but also insanely raw nature. This unique, quirky tone is made possible by the brilliant writing of writer and creator, Phoebe Waller Bridge. Prior to the 2019 Primetime Emmys, Fleabag was hardly a household name, and while the series is on the rise, it certainly maintains its status as an obscure comedy choice. While many were shocked that Fleabag took home awards for Best Comedy Series, Best Female Lead in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, its most loyal fans rejoiced at the series’ broader recognition. 

In a male-dominated entertainment industry, there has been increasing controversy surrounding female equality of recognition, particularly in the writing and directing fields. The Fleabag fandom is deeply passionate about feminist issues. Additionally, they are outspoken advocates of female empowerment, constantly challenging masculine-imposed standards. Fleabag, the character, is deeply unapologetic. She is unfiltered, crass, and often crude. But there’s something magnetizing about this unleashed female persona. Fleabag possesses many of the qualities of her creator, and I think that drawing from this place of experience and authenticity lends itself well to the credibility and appeal of the show. 

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Week 6: Gathering Research

One thing that really stood out to me during the research process was the importance of using very specific, key search terms. I’ve never really run into this issue before, but especially when you’re researching for something that is very niche and not extensively written about, it is SO IMPORTANT that you are selecting your search terms carefully. It definitely took a lot of trial and error on my part. Often times just searching the name of the series or a main character isn’t enough. But, I think that the beauty of this process is that it really forces you to boil down your argument to two or three key search terms.

Oddly enough, this significantly helped me shape my thesis. By forcing me to consider carefully what words would yield the greatest number of results, I was able to articulate my argument with greater precision. Eventually, it all seemed to accumulate in one pure moment of clarity, and made crafting my proposal so much easier. I’m a big believer in mulling over ideas for an extended period of time. I think that a truly good argument is one that must be considered, processed and revised. I have definitely gained a newfound appreciation for the research process and the intricacy that goes into crafting a sustainable and strong argument. 

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Week 5 Crafting My First Proposal: A Reflection. Also, Feminism.

So, I just finished writing the first draft of my research proposal, and I am FINALLY feeling like I have my ideas all sorted out. In the beginning, I was struggling to focus my argument, particularly due to the sparse amount of  literature that exists on my fandom. But, after doing a lot of thinking and spending a few hours searching for the perfect articles, everything just seemed to fall into place. THANK GOODNESS.

That being said, the topic I chose is something that I am really excited about. I think I realized early on that there was something special about Fleabag, but, to a certain extent, I wasn’t quite able to pinpoint what it was. I think that now, after doing some more research and diving into the fandom, I am realizing that the beauty of Fleabag is its originality and the way it champions this unfiltered, unapologetic woman who, despite her failures and misfortunes, still manages to remain unencumbered by the awkwardness and horribleness of life. That’s some #relatablecontent. But all joking aside, Fleabag is the strong feminist role model we all need in our lives. Being feminine is about being strong and brave and doing what makes you happy regardless of others’ preconceived notions. Being feminine isn’t just one thing, and I think that that is the most powerful thing that Fleabag can teach us. 

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Week 4: What’s Up With the Hot Priest? *Spoilers*

The Hot Priest, who features in season 2 of Fleabag, is unequivocally a fan-favorite. The dynamic between Fleabag and the Hot Priest is one of the central themes in season 2 that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as we anxiously await the inevitable consummation of their relationship. Topics such as religion, celibacy, and love weigh in as they carefully skirt back and forth between friends and potentially something more. The beauty of their relationship is the genuine friendship and support that serve as its foundation. Fleabag first meets the priest at a time of genuine and profound loneliness. These two kindred spirits bond over their shared cynicism and pessimistic sense of humor. 

As the Hot Priest gradually becomes integrated into the family’s broader dynamic, we see, for the first time, a consistent ally, someone who remains, throughout the season, in her corner. It’s a refreshing change of pace considering the never-ending family turmoil Fleabag seems to endure. However, I think that the most significant aspect of their relationship comes to light in the final two episodes of the series. The Priest sees Fleabag. Their love for each other is undeniable. And yet, in the end, he chooses his greater love for God over their relationship. The spirituality of this moment is both heartbreaking and a sheer testament to the brilliance of creator Phoebe Waller Bridge. The general consensus of fans is that it could not have gone another way, which I think is a rare phenomenon. Despite our despair at the series’ finale, we accept and rejoice in the perfection of this moment. It feels real. It’s not artificial or synthesized, and it avoids the trap that so many shows seem to fall into -- the need to wrap everything up in a neat, pre-packaged bow. Fleabag’s ending mirrors that of life -- nothing is perfect, everything is messy, and yet we, as individuals, must move on with our lives and accept that nothing will ever go as planned. 

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Week 3: A Reflection on the Fleabag Fandom

As someone relatively new to the Fleabag fandom, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I absolutely adore the show, but of course I, like so many others, suffered from many false assumptions regarding fan culture/fandom communities. Truthfully, I wasn’t aware that the Fleabag fandom was particularly active. Despite my love of the show, I had never sought out an online community of likeminded individuals. I think that this is one of the many benefits of living in a technological era due to the availability of resources aimed at formulating these connections worldwide. 

From what I have observed, the Fleabag fandom is filled with individuals who are passionate about sharing their interpretations and diverse perspectives. They are intelligent, poised, enthusiastic beings who are open to the free exchange of ideas. Although I am still a newcomer, I am excited to share in their conversations and hopefully immerse myself in the community experience. While still a bit hesitant, I think that this semester will be a valuable asset in learning how to empathize and research communities that are unlike anything I have previously experienced. I’m really inspired by the idea of a community united by love for a shared art. I think that it holds a lot of potential and can be a powerful way to make the world feel a little smaller and more personal. 

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Week 2: Let’s Talk About Intimacy

So, I think that Fleabag touches on intimacy in a few notable ways. First, the issue of intimacy is portrayed within the scope of its content. We watch as Fleabag grapples with her sexuality, the intimacy she holds for herself and her identity, and the closeness of her family (or not in some cases). However, there’s also a sense of intimacy that factors in when considering the relationship Fleabag maintains with the audience.

Throughout the series, Fleabag is careful to address the camera, speaking to some invisible force or being -- whoever that is intended to be remains largely ambiguous. Nevertheless, by addressing us directly, the show succeeds at building a sense of comradery. This is particularly clever for several reasons. It makes the experience feel immersive, like we as the audience matter or hold some special significance. In other words, we become a supporting character of sorts. We relate and sympathize, we experience the highs and lows in real-time. We are a constant companion, a sympathizing force. Her story quickly becomes ours, and we have no choice but to remain invested.

Interestingly enough, we are not the only one capable of tapping into this external realm, but more on that later.

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Welcome to My Blog: An Introduction to Fleabag and Some Thoughts on Modern Media

One of the issues with modern society, I suspect, is the sheer volume of content to which we are exposed. In some ways, it has made life easier. We certainly benefit from expanded access to news and information, a by-product of this “modern expediency.” And yet, I would argue that authenticity and creative ingenuity have suffered. Perhaps I should elaborate. Sure, engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers alike have been eager beneficiaries of this widely-accessible system. We’ve made more technological and medicinal advancements in the past few decades than ever before. And yet, it has become increasingly difficult to differentiate between this “noise” and the genuine, real, authentic writing that serves to educate, to make us feel, and to provide us with outlets for individual and collective understanding. I would argue that Fleabag is one of these rare gems that accomplishes just that. 

I rarely use the term “perfect tv,” as it is so easy to find flaws with just about any sort of media nowadays. Of course, television is a product of humanity, and therefore it is not unreasonable to assume that such perfection will never be achieved. Yet, Fleabag manages to check all of the boxes for me. It’s universal in a way that can be applied to so many individuals. It’s the type of content that you can take to heart, internalize, and use as an arena for philosophical and moral experimentation/improvement. Perhaps this praise might seem “too good to be true”. Yet, I think that the moral of this story, and what I am particularly trying to get at, is that it is important for us to spend the time sorting through all of this “stuff,” because ultimately the pay-off makes us more complex, educated, and active human beings. Find a series, a book, a television show, a movie and let it become for you this arena to explore. Learn from their mistakes and share in their triumphs. This is so important, and I truly believe that it is our responsibility not to become mindless consumers. Pay attention, as media is not solely intended as a superficial past-time. 

There is a reason that we create works such as these. They build understanding, teach empathy, and promote engagement. They touch upon difficult subjects such as love, family, grief, and tragedy. 

The purpose of this blog is to engage with Fleabag, the series, through analysis and careful observation. However, in the process, I am hoping to explore the true depth behind our fascination and love for storytelling and what makes a work “beloved and universal” in the eyes of its fans.