"Y'All Jus' Jellus!" The Scary World of Fandom

[alby]

Then it occurred to me that there might be some pride in these women when they say, "Oh, I love Gerard Butler? You've never heard of him? Have you seen 'Phantom of the Opera?' No, the movie. How about the second Lara Croft movie? No? Well, I think he's fabulous!" It's kind of like how snobby music fans like a band until they get a hit, and then the snobs don't like them anymore because they've "gone mainstream."

Good point. It is sort of like New Kids on the Block fans who were in love with Danny. He was somewhat fugly but instead of turning people off it made them think: hmmmm maybe I have a chance.**

Not that Gerard Butler is bad looking but it is sort of the same phenomenon.

**No offense to Danny lovers out there.

[Auroranorth]

The "Tarts" slogan which adorns much of it came about following an online discussion about what kind of biscuit or cake Butler would be. It's probably best not to delve too deeply.

These people scare me. Deeply.

[ownlife]

The Letterman Lady is beyond bizarre. Geez, I hope Dave has 24-hour security.

As for Gerard Butler, I first read those quotes as being about Rhett Butler and thought WTF? What on earth did that woman do with a mannequin (!) that resulted in her cleaning up chocolate spread? These people have WAY too much time on their hands.

[sugaree]

You definately got something there, Ripley. Think of the whacko who murdered Rebecca Shaeffer or the one who tried to kill Theresa Saldana. It's like, Brad Pitt belongs to everybody; Gerry Butler belongs to me alone.

[Deleted]

Those Gerard Butler FAQ questions seem pretty typical of other FAQs I've seen.

I'll out myself as the author of an FAQ. Commence mocking, I'm not afraid

Okay, how about a little self-fandom confession time? I'll show you my fandoms if you show me yours...

That Gerard Butler article actually kind of reminded me of a Damian Lewis community I lurk in occasionally (British actor, marginally more famous than Gerard Butler). Those fans call themselves "bunnies" (no, I don't remember why). To be fair to them, though, there is no Damian Lewis convention, and the collective experience has consisted of small groups going to see his plays or film festivals. I think the biggest thing was an online charity donation drive. Also, most of the women are apparently married, which makes it seem more "normal" to me. Damian Lewis just got engaged, too, and everyone seemed pretty much supportive and "good on 'im!" which was nice and different from other fan communities I've seen where the women go crazy.

I sound like I'm being overly defensive, but really I'm not! Ahem. I'm not really a "bunny," I just like Damian Lewis as an actor and occasionally like to see what new projects he's in.

[kanding]

No apology necessary. Especially when it comes to Damien Lewis. I visit another board for Ioan Gruffudd quite a bit to get info on another actor that I'm a fan of. (Yes, he's that obscure. No fan site for him. I'm not sure how well known he is in his own country. Sad to say, but upon intense examination of my fandom, I have to admit that a very small, pathetic part of me feels that since he's so unknown that if my middle-aged self were to show up on his doorstep, I'd have a respectable chance at some action. Yes, I need to get out more or at least get a grasp on basic reality.) The boards seem similar: A lot of married women, very respectful and supportive especially now that Ioan Gruffudd has just gotten engaged. It's my only experience with a fan board, and it's been pretty low-key. But it gets pretty humorous when the odd, um.. lustier sort of fan weighs in. The other fans diplomatically acknowledge her feelings and then politely turn the conversation back to how pretty his fiance is, how perfect for each other they are, how lovely his hair is, etc. Personally, the randier types are a hell of a lot more entertaining!

[susyhomewrecker]

Those Gerard Butler FAQ questions seem pretty typical of other FAQs I've seen.

Eh, the FAQ wasn't the scary part. I can deal with fansites, but when it comes to the conventions, nicknames, and especially anatomically correct mannequins, that's when I weep for humanity.

[indygirl]

kanding said:

The boards seem similar: A lot of married women, very respectful and supportive especially now that Ioan Gruffudd has just gotten engaged.

WTF!! He was supposed to be waiting for me. Is he marrying that Alice slag? Dammit to hell.

_...hee...

[kanding]

Now, now indygirl... Alice is very pretty and she and Ioan are perfect for each other! And isn't his hair pretty?

[Libelle]

susyhomewrecker said:

Those Gerard Butler FAQ questions seem pretty typical of other FAQs I've seen.

Eh, the FAQ wasn't the scary part. I can deal with fansites, but when it comes to the conventions, nicknames, and especially anatomically correct mannequins, that's when I weep for humanity.

For me, the scariest part isn't even that they would have anatomically correct mannequins (though that is definitely scary crazy), but that they told that reporter about it, and that the majority of them absolutely don't get that that article did not make them look good! They can sort of see that their behavior is not normal, but they actually seem to think that that is a good thing. They seem to have lost all sense of appropriateness when it comes to their fan behavior, and instead of being ashamed, they are proud of their craziness.