Embedded Files
In this article, Kai discusses the issues that are created by stan culture. There are problems in this world that need correcting, and these problems exist on Ao3.
STAN CULTURE NEEDS TO BE AS DEAD AS TONY STARK
STAN CULTURE NEEDS TO BE AS DEAD AS TONY STARK
By Kai Blackmon
By Kai Blackmon
Stan: Originating from the music artist, Eminem. Noun. “An overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity or character.” (Ex. The stan bathed themself in Sharpie and alcohol to match the gray skin tone of Homestuck characters. Look it up.)
Extreme fandoms are interesting communities to be a part of or, for those who actually care about themselves, these fandoms are interesting to watch from a far distance. However, one of the most intriguing figures to see in a fanbase is something that the internet likes to call a “stan”. This specimen's natural habitat is typically found within large groups online, as no one else wants to hear about some comic a stan made about the idea of Dipper and Wendy from Gravity Falls hooking up. I wish there was an antidote for these people that would make them normals fan who just talk about My Little Pony more than what might be considered healthy. Sadly, I can't do this as a writer-- but I can make a rant about them into content.
Photo by NME - Fan furiously being depressed.
When the song “Stan” was released by Eminem back in 2001, I’m sure that the rapper had no clue what was about to happen to the world of social media. I mean, what could the world possibly do when it is given a song about a fan trying to perform a murder because a rapper won’t respond to his letter. Seriously, you should have asked for a visit or a video call. Think bigger, my guy!
Many assume that the word "stan" is a combination of the words “stalker” and “fan”, as a way to show how intensely people with this label love specific celebrities. Now, this should be obvious to all of you readers, and I desperately hope it is, but just in case: DON’T STALK CELEBRITIES TO SHOW YOUR LOVE! Actually, don’t stalk anyone-- no matter the reason. Unless they have a really good fashion style. That’s a valid reason.
The word "stan" has changed over the years. In the current day, it is generally a label someone will put on themselves and wear proudly like a badge…for whatever reason. Many even group themselves up to make it easier to stereotype them, so thanks, guys. At least most stans don’t act as badly as you might assume based on their stereotype. However, many can get just a little bit WAY over the top with their love for shows and musicians.
There are plenty of good reasons why stan extremists could use a little human interaction with sane people every once in a while-- especially when you look at their habit, and more so their obsession, of shipping people whose relationships should never see the light of day. Thankfully, most of those fanfic writers stay in that dark room where they write their stories-- similar to the dark room where I wrote this article. I don’t know what that says about me, so I’m going to move on. When researching the Dream SMP, I counted a grand total of 50+ ships that the community has made. The amount of brain cells in this world that have been wasted on that list is scarier than the TNT death of L'Manburg. The Dream SMP has a few good ships that I can totally get behind as a member of fandoms myself. That being said, sometimes just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Like, you CAN make a skin-tight Cat Noir suit, but SHOULD you wear it to a family dinner? From my experience, the answer is no.
Photo by ABC News - The online presence of stans brought to physical form.
Beyond that, many fandoms will make ships that should one hundred percent be banned from being seen by any human being--ships including Dipper and Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls, Fred and George Weasley from Harry Potter, and Violet and Klaus Baudelaire. Please note that, for each ship, there was only one last name mentioned. This is because the characters are SIBLINGS! This is why we analyze character dynamics, so we understand the difference between a good romantic couple and characters who are related by the blood in their veins! However, I think we can all agree that Sanders Side’s “Lofter” ship is the best thing in existence and, if you disagree, you can take it to the comments that don’t exist. It should go without saying that not all fans partake in the weird shipping craze, and many are respectful people who just want to show their love for the thing they love. Don’t bully someone who honestly just is enjoying a cool show or movie. However, what in the ever-loving glory of this world did the rest of you grow up with and what’s your PayPal account? I’m paying for your therapy.
Photo by Explain That Stuff - Digital representation of my confusion and concern for fandoms.
All of us make mistakes in the heat of passion, but stan culture and shipping can have effects on people and the works they love. Bence Nanay, a professor of philosophy, refers to an example from the show How I Met Your Mother. All of the college students and parents are celebrating that I’m finally making a reference to something they’ll actually understand. The creators of the show saw the fanbase get all hot and heavy over the idea of characters Barney and Robin becoming a couple and, in order to make that sweet, sweet money, they gave the fans what they wanted-- of course, in a slow, mouth-watering kind of way. Tensions grew through a few seasons and then, finally, Barney proposed. Now, obviously, the creators of this show had to ruin the life of the fans, so they had the characters divorce just before the end-- once they had sucked the money out of the poor, symbiotic creatures throughout the show's many seasons. This is a powerful play on their part, so I can respect it. However, it goes to show that the opinion of the fanbase can heavily affect the storyline of a good creation. You can have your little fanfics, but keep your hands off of good storytelling. Even after How I Met your Mother had completed, there were many people still clinging to the hopes of the two together, wasting brain cells on something long dead. I wish they got that serious about something useful like government and politics, world history or the musical Hamilton. Actually, no, I remember everyone's bad Hamilton phase; don't repeat that, please.
It seems to happen often: people get an obsession over something entirely fictional and have nothing else to think about. When you watch a good show or find something you really enjoy, your brain tells you it is a great thing and gives you happy shots of dopamine. To quote Dr. Renee Carr, a clinical psychologist, “Your body experiences a drug-like high. You experience a pseudo-addiction to the show because you develop cravings for dopamine.” To sum up briefly what Dr. Renee said, the more you look at beautiful Tumblr sexymen, the more it tells your brain that it makes you happy and you do it more. Forming an addiction to well-dressed men isn’t exactly the worst thing in the entire world, but it still ain’t healthy for you. This addiction can make you depressed once your fun little show about ponies ends or your favorite band has a breakup for free publicity's sake. What many of these hardcore fans don’t realize is that, mentally, they have formed an addiction to fictional characters and storylines-- even if it just means that person is a little too happy about Minecraft characters becoming a canon relationship.
The main point of this is that being a fan of something is great. Just don’t become dependent on Taylor Swift’s next album about her next breakup. Also, don’t try to stage that breakup to encourage her to make another album. You can be a fan of something without going absolutely insane about it. You should also try to steer clear of making fanfics full of questionable ships. I am all for freedom of creativity, but I will not stop the mobs from coming after you and your weird thing for fifteen-year age gaps; I'm looking at you, Attack on Titan fans. Now, with all of this said, I would like to talk to someone about a commission for a fanfic. I have a character from a show I’d like to be shipped with; please and thank you.
Signing off for now,
Signing off for now,
Kai Blackmon
Kai Blackmon
Page updated
Report abuse