meta rec - I probably shouldn't post about this, but... (Merlin fandom)

I probably shouldn't post about this, but . . . by linaerys regarding the Merlin fandom in response to thingswithwings post on Merlin (linked in entry).



This is pretty much a lot of what I wanted to say on the subject after reading thingswithwings's post, but a.) I am not even in the Merlin fandom and have only watched a little of the show, so authority, see I have none and b.) I'm not terribly objective since I was in comments there and being sane, I'm not going to post on something when my feelings are hurt or blah blah whineycakes.

It's more--I'm not sure I have the right to take it personally when I think there was actual escalation involved, and I'm not entirely sure I'm not to blame for getting frustrated with the concept that seemed to be running through the essay and much more specifically in comments regarding a social obligation not to be fannish on source text that's problematic. So, yeah. I'm still reading through it to make sure I didn't misinterpret, but it's still bothering me, because a.) really, no, fans are not now responsible for the creators actions and b.) I'm not comfortable fans themselves be judged by what they are fannish about. I know there are exceptions to this--I can think of several off the top of my head I'd find problematic, like fangirling Nazis, because it's not a good post unless I can Godwin it--but I'm also extremely wary of skating toward your kink is not okay.

Like I said, linaerys said it far better and more clearly than I can.

Comments

[out-there.livejournal.com]

I'm still reading through it to make sure I didn't misinterpret, but it's still bothering me, because a.) really, no, fans are not now responsible for the creators actions and b.) I'm not comfortable fans themselves be judged by what they are fannish about.

*nods* It's just... weird. I mean, my current favourite shows? Are Prison Break and Entourage. Now, iwth the first there are wildly unbelievable plot-lines, torture, truly skeezy characters and a lack of blondes (no, really, it's all brunettes and darker. Any recurring female character apparently cannot be blonde. This fact amuses me for no good reason) and I know that. I know the writers are slightly crack-addled and the show sometimes makes very limited sense, but it has a great sense of tension, an awesome respect for capable, intelligent characters and William Fichtner. It makes me feel fannish and want to write about it.

Entourage, on the other hand, I love reading about and I love watching. Despite the swearing, the high level of racist, homophobic, sexist jokes and language, and the way that the men treat and talk about women as little more than sex objects. (They all occasionally fall for a girl, but about 90% of the women you see in the show are just there for a quick one-night-stand and get no personality/anything else.) And yet, it's a funny, interesting show that I adore. The characters are surprisingly well-rounded and feel realistic, and I love it.

If the show itself -- or particular characters on a show -- have certain attitudes I don't agree with, it doesn't automatically mean that I have a moral obligation not to like it.

Alternatively, just because a show does certain things right doesn't mean I have to like them. I mean, reality TV has to get two thumbs up for showing a range of people (different races, sexuality, personal lifestyle, etc) but I don't personally like it. I'd rather watch something with a script and a plot. And no-one can argue with me that I'm obligated to support *entertainment* I don't personally enjoy.

Which is, y'know, a long-winded way of saying: each to their own, dude.

[seperis.livejournal.com]

This. I have fanned problematic texts and as it is the nature of the world, will fan problematic texts. Nothing makes me itchier than the moral obligation stick of poking. Just no.

This is my short WHEE for your comments. How is everyone able to express perfectly what I spent five comments saying over there? Gah.

[out-there.livejournal.com]

I have fanned problematic texts and as it is the nature of the world, will fan problematic texts. Nothing makes me itchier than the moral obligation stick of poking.

Exactly. Moral obligation is *subjective*. Everyone has slightly different ideas about what is, and what is not, "right" and "wrong" and morally judging other people (on anything, but especially on something as community-based, enjoyment-driven and downright personal as fandom) doesn't lead to an environment where you can relax and share. It leads to an environment where everyone watches their behaviour and self-censures before the rest of the community does it for them.

(We already have a place like this. It's called "offline life". If moral obligations were enforced on fandom, we'd eventually lose the porn. Not because porn would be deemed "wrong" -- because those of us writing it don't feel that way about what we write -- but because feeling judged stops people from stretching their boundaries and trying something new. It stops people from showing too much, being too personal, exposing themselves in their writing. In my opinion, that would be the worst thing that could happen to fandom.)

How is everyone able to express perfectly what I spent five comments saying over there?

Because we're preaching to the choir. Easy to find/get to/stumble across the point when you know people will listen and think, instead of jumping on the attack. (Feeling judged = less creativity. That is the summary here.)