I don’t usually post opinions on here, I reblog some that I agree with and can’t put into better words than the original writer, but this one I need to say.
If you are a gatekeeper of any fandom (or any space really) you are a bully and fuck you. If you follow me, you can go ahead and unfollow and even block me. How dare you treat new people to fandom (any people actually) like they are trash for not knowing as much as you about the fandom THEY ARE JUST JOINING.
For fandoms that have multiple types of media around it, how dare you look down at someone who has started their journey using a different media than you did (or the one you prefer now). You are alienating entire groups of people just because of a difference of preferred media and that is immature, classist, and ableist. Not everyone has the same means, access, or ability to experience the media you do.
How dare you stifle their creativity within that fandom (or at all). That could be something that saves their life (like it did mine). Especially in this time where governments around the world are trying to make certain types of creative expression illegal; people should have the freedom to create fictional content (whether through writing, drawing, making physical objects, etc.).
You, gatekeeper, are allowed to dislike certain types of media within your fandom(s). You’re even allowed to dislike certain creators, types of art, tropes within the fandom, ships, etc. but you don’t get to dictate to others and control the way they interact with the fandom.
You should be happy that more people get to enjoy the same fandom you do and if you think it’s only for certain types of people, well I want nothing to do with you. I truly hope that people’s first experience in a new fandom is NOT you, unfortunately I’m positive that for some you were. Creative spaces are meant to bring people together, not give you a pool of people you can fucking bully and shame.
For anyone who was part of a fandom and felt like they were in a toxic space or that members of that community were being hostile/mean to you. I am so sorry that you had that experience. There will unfortunately be toxic spaces within any fandom, but there are also really wonder spaces of compassionate and accepting people. If you had a bad experience and want to try again, I urge you to try to each out to others within the fandom that maybe you didn’t interact with. Don’t be afraid to unfollow or block people you don’t vibe with.
As a final note, I posted something on my personal social media the other day:
The world needs more people like Mr. Rogers and less bullies. Choose to be as much like Mr. Rogers as you can.
For those outside of the US, or folks who didn’t grow up on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, I highly encourage you to look up episodes. He was one of the greats of this world and is sorely needed in this current timeline.