Trash Taste | Sep 19, 2020
I get excited about the weekend these days because I get to be intellectually involved in a conversation about anime and otaku/weeb culture through a podcast hosted by three anime youtubers called, “Trash Taste” (link above for the recent one)
Their recent episode has challenged my thoughts about fandoms in general due to how interesting their opinions are and it got me wondering…What if, instead of focusing on a certain fandom. We dissect the idea of fandoms in general?
Today, I want to get into the bones of fandoms and understand what makes them tick. I want to comprehend the nature and behavior of the most vocally extreme people and journal down my own understanding of this ecosystem of fandom culture.
This is just for the thumbnail.
Now, before you raise your pitchforks…
I am aware that by reputation; Tumblr, Reddit and Twitter is the most toxic place to discuss fandoms but, this is too good of a subject to not extend and discuss about. Also, side note. Most of these observations will be based on my own personal experiences. Which is safely ranged from the big fandoms to the small.
Also, just to address this out there. This is just one Multi Fandom Chameleon’s opinion and views so…chill out.
Let us begin...
- This topic requires Alcohol -
I think the best way to start is to understand this topic is to ask; “what is a fandom?” Well, a fandom is a devoted group or community of people who is passionate or sometimes, over passionate about a certain…thing. Be it a show, a book, a person or a subject.
These devoted disciples religiously follow the subject from the end product to the behind the scenes trivia and openly declare their hearts to LOVING and I mean loving the said subject.
While it is acknowledged that the podcast is solely focused on just anime. I can say that it is the same in all corners in terms of fandom culture. From it’s core, to the toxicity and the cultural behavior of said fandom. Listening to the episode, despite being told to not take the conversation too seriously. It Made me wonder;
“Why is it, that when we talk about Fandoms. Its always the toxic stuff?”
My theory, is that regardless if you are a newbie casual or a Multi Fandom Chameleon. (MFC) I see it the same way like how that one video from College Humor does. Where they compared Geeks (or nerds but, that’s a little bit mean) to Religious People.
While it was intended to be a joke, I do find it to be a fun angle. When you connect the dots and compare the notes, you might find that the two sides are very much the same because in some strange way, it kind of is. Part of what makes a fandom is, at its core. About having meaning in life and devoting to it as an escape from the void of emptiness. In summary, a person is into a certain piece of media because…*Bangs the table* It hits different.
To a MFC, which are most people. We recognize the enthusiasm and the devotion as a “hit the right spot” moment because, sometimes…you want to have something that is the “whole package” of excellent and all inspiring. This can come from several factors like; how the characters are written, how the setting is special, how the supporting pieces compliment the end product and some other factors.
To get the point across, the story about how Connor mentioned that he was “that JoJo fan” is something I and many others can sympathize with because WE used to be “that so-n-so fan”. The obnoxious, reference dropping, living and breathing fan who cares about nothing else but just that one thing. When a show is just so good and so personal, it does bring the devotion out of you. Is it bound to be inherently toxic? No. I don’t think so.
To say that a certain piece of media is toxic because the fandom is toxic is like comparing apples to oranges. The media itself does not represent the fandom and the fandom does not fully embody the media itself. Which to Trash Taste credit, they did mention that.
What’s so jarring to me is how the podcast willingly roasts other fandoms and their own fandoms (JoJo’s) but there seems to be an imbalance of calling out the toxicity but not mentioning the benefits. (at least, not enough) As mentioned earlier, the boys were well aware that Twitter is the worst way to exhibit a fandom but…then again, all of the examples come from just Twitter alone. Some came from Reddit and YouTube videos but, majority of the toxicity came from Twitter.
While I know that its just an episode where they “speak out of their ass.” or “joshing around.” But I would not want to do that to this topic specifically. I genuinely want to know more about their opinions because its a topic that resonates with so many of us and may even be a “to quote” moment to build an even healthier fandom. To the past, the present and the future. Personally, I would encourage a longer discussion about the pros and cons because, the fanbase itself needs to hear it and even we, the normies need to hear it.
- I’m just trying to eat my pasta! Can you NOT right now! -
Now that I think about it, a better question to ask about the toxicity in fandoms is this particular question that I would raise to anyone who calls a fandom, toxic.
“What constitutes as toxic in a fandom?”
While I would love to bring out the tin foil hat and get to the conspiracy theories. The question is much harder to answer. A fellow YouTuber, Dangelowallace did an entire segment talking about how certain opinions about fandoms (in general) are right/wrong but…I disagree and agree a lot with him.
I think shipping is a good idea in an anime/animation fandom but not when you aggressively disagree and argue with someone’s taste. I think making outlandish theories are good because its all in good fun but not when the substance is weak. I think making references and quotes can be great but not when you do it to be obnoxious. I also think that fan art is good but not when you profit from it.
It does not matter what you think is toxic or not but to another fan, it could be fine, toxic or just straight up offensive. The best and recent example is with My Hero Academia fans. One incident mentioned was the case where, Horikoshi drew and posted a picture of the UA girls in swimming suits as a thank you note for the launch of MHA Season 3. Which is fine to a lot of people because, in context. Its a fan service and a thank you note.
Correcting a creator’s art because “you prefer it that way” is rude and disrespectful. Making fan art, of say. My Hero with Marvel characters is ok because its like, “the biggest crossover ever in modern media”.
Heh heh…get it? This was meant to be a joke. 👆
My point is, fandom toxicity can be both, universally agreed and disagreed based on the case that was proposed. TMI, but if you don’t like a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) fan art, then don’t find it or ignore the fan art. It has its own audience. If you love self-insert fan fictions. By all means, write away with a disclaimer.
The biggest problem with fandom toxicity and “woke” culture is that it often overlaps with each other almost all of the time. (at least, it does to modern media) So, once again. What constitutes as toxic? I think the best answer is to ask the question.
“what is, according to YOU considered as fandom toxicity?“
Fandoms are centered in the idea of a person’s admiration of a thing and when you multiply that with a community. It can either be unified and divided. Your behavior and opinions don’t entirely matter because it is just YOUR opinion. (That’s why React videos don’t matter to me) But, if you feel that your opinion is valid and you wish to address it to the Fandom. I would encourage you to talk about it. So long as you are civil and with prove. (even though I sometimes, love the outlandish ones) The idea of toxicity in a fandom is not as black and white as one may think.
Perhaps I’m reading too much into the subject but, I frankly think that Trash Taste opinions don’t matter to me or other people but, just to entertain and find some middle ground. I and many others decided to discuss them in the comments or for my case, this post. Which at its core, is fair use.
- We’re gonna Piss off everyone! -
So, where do we go from here? What’s really fun about this topic so far is just how divided and different it is. Like all things, its heavily opinionated. Its like a time bomb waiting to explode because its not as simple as cutting a wire. (wait…hang on!)
I do genuinely think that MFCs like me or some others find the ecosystem of fandoms to be really fun for exploration and documentation rather than ridicule because…at some point, we used to live in that ecosystem.
I love how the boys openly elaborate their points other than “your fandom is shit!” and nothing else. I would however, want a Part 2 where they talk about other fandoms. Speaking of fandoms, I read the comments and the r/ Reddit page to get some notes. There were so many takes that I agree with and some that I didn’t which could mean that I am biased.
It could be because I assume the worst on some cases but I’m sure, Fandom Toxicity often starts with one bad/toxic fan’s actions and behavior. That certain action or behavior will speak volumes higher than the slightly calmer and logical fans. It only takes one to destroy *Insert fandom’s* reputation but, I’m sure if I or even Trash Taste can speak some sense into the void of the internet and give our takes to maybe, slightly, tilt a person’s thoughts. Its a much better step forward for a healthier environment.
As a side and personal tangent, I am really happy that when I join the Riordan-universe fandom. I found a (usually) respectful and fun confession page where we get to talk about a certain confession and discuss among ourselves. The Daughter of Apollo and Daughter of Zeus are great admins. Keeping things civil and respond to ensure that it does not become a “ghetto” situation. I’m sure, no matter how big or how small a fandom is. There are good people in there. You just need to know, where to look.
So…uh. Sorry this took so long. I really hope we can keep this conversation going. Please chime in. I would love to hear from you. Anyways, I think I should just stick to one post in a week because as you can see…I overthink about stuff and love to talk about them.
Thanks for Reading.
- B -
