So a thing happened the other day on Facebook that I think explains better than anything else why I care more about people than about performatively disowning Harry Potter fandom (presuming by default that the person is not spending money on official merchandise.)
A guy(? That’s my guess, transmasc of the Victorian foppish variety) posted a video showing all the Slytherin themed clothing he can no longer wear in public.
The first thing was a scarf he liked that was warm. Which, okay. Personally I think you should wear your warm shit, climate change is no joke. But sure, fine, “lol find a new scarf transphobic loooseeer.” For the sake of argument, okay.
But the second thing he brought out was a Slytherin sweater that belonged to a friend who had died. He said the exact sweater had given his friend gender euphoria and that he treasures it for that reason. He wore it one day in memory of his friend, not thinking about the new meaning it’s taken on since, and people shunned him over it.
He no longer wears it. He is considering sewing a new patch over the snake so he can wear it in public again.
A Facebook friend did not watch the video and commented on my share with “I would readily give up fandom stuff. I’ve done it many times. I’m offended someone would say it was difficult.”
When I mentioned that the main thing that resonated with me in the video was the discussion of grief… silence.
Things like that are why I’m okay with cutting off your friends for not boycotting, but if their fandom stuff looks old I’m not gung ho about ending friendships.
You don’t know why that person has that unless you ask. If you’re super rude they’re not going to answer when you do.
It’s especially weird to see on Tumblr, the “there is no thoughtcrime” webisite. It’s like there is no thoughtcrime…
…as long as whatever you’re thinking about isn’t Snape meta.
