The cast of The Originals.
The rise of online message boards in recent years has been significant and, in many ways, wonderful. They allow people with the same interests to connect, making it easier to find others who share your enthusiasm for a particular TV show, movie, or book. Think of that awkward moment when you’ve gone on about your favorite series too long, only to get a bemused stare in return. Online, you don’t have to deal with that; you can find like-minded individuals who get why you’re passionate.
However, this world of online discussion isn’t without its downsides. A troubling trend of bullying and immature behavior has emerged, especially on platforms like Twitter, where groups gang up to target other fans, writers, and even actors. What should be a space for intelligent discussion has instead become a breeding ground for belittling and negativity. The anonymity provided by the internet lets people say things they would never dare to say in person.
What happened to civil discourse? Often, when I turn to message boards to discuss a recent book, film, or TV show, I find less intelligent conversation and more people ready to attack any differing opinion. It’s like they’re just waiting for someone to disagree so they can pounce. Why? Just because someone holds a different perspective.
Here are some fan behaviors that I find particularly irritating or juvenile, from mildly annoying to downright over the top:
1. “If you didn’t like [episode], you’re not a true fan.”
This is frustrating. Since when does being a “true” fan mean you have to love everything about a series? Everyone has the right to their own opinions and to like or dislike aspects of any art form. Just because someone criticizes one episode doesn’t mean they’re not a fan.
2. “If you don’t like [episode], you should stop watching.”
If someone truly hates a show, they probably will stop watching. However, sometimes people continue to watch out of loyalty or hope that it will improve. Telling someone to stop watching is unnecessary.
3. Cinema Elitism: “If you don’t like this film, then you don’t understand great cinema.”
This elitist attitude is condescending. Differences in opinion don’t equate to a lack of understanding or intelligence.
4. Calling a female character you don’t like a “Mary Sue.”
The term “Mary Sue” is overused and often misapplied. It’s become a catch-all insult for any female character someone dislikes, whether she fits the definition or not. This criticism frequently borders on sexism.
5. Overuse of “deus ex machina.”
This term is thrown around too often, often by people who don’t fully understand it. Just because the resolution of a plot is surprising or unconventional doesn’t mean it’s a deus ex machina.
6. Calling writers lazy.
Most writers are far from lazy. Just because you don’t agree with a creative direction doesn’t mean it’s the result of laziness. Criticism should be fair and constructive.
7. Over-the-top shipper speak.
While enthusiasm for character relationships is fine, excessive use of acronyms and excited reactions can make discussions hard to follow and less meaningful.
8. Shipper wars.
Everyone is entitled to their own preferences. Fighting over which couple is better is unnecessary and detracts from enjoying the show.
9. “But they’re like brother and sister.”
This phrase is often used to downplay a relationship that someone doesn’t support, and it’s usually not accurate. Characters with romantic tension are not “like brother and sister.”
10. Reacting only from a shipper’s perspective.
While it’s fine to root for relationships, getting overly aggressive when things don’t go your way isn’t productive and can negatively affect the show’s creative decisions.
11. Trying to force fanon into canon.
Everyone likes to imagine their own outcomes for shows and characters, but trying to force creators to adopt fans’ interpretations can be disruptive and counterproductive.
12. Personal attacks.
When discussions devolve into personal insults, it’s both hurtful and unproductive. Everyone should be able to express their opinions without being attacked.
13. Attacking the actors, writers, directors, etc.
Criticizing characters is one thing, but attacking the people behind them crosses a line. This kind of behavior is mean-spirited and unnecessary.
14. Boycotting film adaptations based on casting choices.
Refusing to see a film because it didn’t cast your preferred actor hurts the movie’s success and the future of similar adaptations.
15. Rooting for movies, shows, or books to fail.
This negativity serves no purpose. If you don’t like something, it’s best to just not watch or read it rather than hope for its failure.
16. Belittling other fandoms.
Everyone is passionate about different things, and belittling someone else’s interests is unfair and mean.
To sum up, this blog isn’t meant to attack anyone but rather to shine a light on some negative behaviors within fan communities. We’re all guilty of some things on this list at times, and that’s okay. But let’s strive for more friendly, intellectual discussions and leave the mean-spirited actions behind. What behaviors or expressions in fandom do you wish would go away? Let me know in the comments.
