Fandom Part 2

Readings for 6/16/09:

Serazio responses:

1) Serazio states that "fantasy participation and experience is reduced from the macro-level of sociology to the micro-workings of psychology," (Serazio, 231). Through the text following these two terms of behavior explain, does Serazio want us to understand that fantasy participation allows us to cheer for particular teams and players, while at the same time be proud of ourselves because we feel the outcomes were ours specifically? Do we feel the actions and outcomes of our choices are ours to celebrate personally?

2) On page 237, there is a section on Simulated Experiences. Within this text, Serazio states the second core theoretical theme as vicarious competition. Several quotes were taken which explained participants described themselves as competitive and liking camaraderie. Because fantasy participation does not have its participants physically competing, what aspect of this topic makes people feel the same competitiveness and thrill when all they do is hope their picks do well during the week? Does this type of subconscious reaction help describe what being a fan means?

Kohnen responses:

1) In Kohnen's article, there is a section where a fan says, "the characters who go on to have a future together are Clark, Lex and Lois..." (Kohnen, 215). Is it a possibility that, in the case of Smallville, fans create these homosexual bonds and the combining if two characters of the opposite sex into one a way to fight off the inevitable or keep the fantasy story going? Smallville is a show which is a prologue to the fictional world of Superman, and since Superman has already been written, fans know Lana will cease to exist and Lois Lane will take her place as the love interest. By creating bonds which the writers do not literally show, a new world of discussion is open to interpretation, and fans take these opportunities to create their own alternate universe.

2)Looking at the overall theme of this article, we are told that many (most) older, heterosexual women 'slash' television and movie male relationships into a homosexual couple. Is it possible these women not only express male duo relationships as a homosexual bond, but that they see the characters' essences and personalities as something that would pair well together? Is there a possible stimulation to think of themselves as in that type of relationship, even when it is fantasized around two people of the same sexual origin?