Fanthropology (FANDOM) with Meredith Levine

Defining Fandom

Fandom is more than just liking something; it's a complex cultural phenomenon. Meredith Levine explains that fandom, a blend of "fanatic" and "kingdom," originated in religious contexts before being adopted by media enthusiasts 1. It encompasses a community of fans who engage in creative and transformative works, such as fanfiction and shipping 1. Alie Ward highlights that fanthropology, a term coined by Kristen Longfield, explores why people are deeply passionate about certain media, akin to the devotion seen in religious practices 2.

Fandom is the portmanteau of fanatic and kingdom or dom as the suffix of like, realm of wow.

--- Meredith Levine

This episode lays the groundwork for understanding fandom's history and its role in media culture.

   

Identity & Fandom

Fandom serves as a proxy for identity, allowing individuals to express themselves and find community. Meredith notes that fandoms differ based on how they perceive morality and identity, with sports fans often tied to geographic origins, while media fans are drawn to archetypal characters 3. These characters enable fans to project their identities and explore new emotions safely 4.

Fandom is a proxy for our identities.

--- Meredith Levine

This identity expression through fandom can also create self-care rituals and a sense of belonging.

   

Fandom Communities

Fandom communities provide safe spaces and foster shared identities. Meredith discusses how these communities, like comic book shops, offer havens for those who might not find acceptance elsewhere 5. Naming conventions, such as "Trekkies" or "Swifties," further solidify these communities, creating a sense of belonging and identity 6.

Ultimately, as humans, we all want to belong.

--- Meredith Levine

These communities evolve with media history, becoming intergenerational and deeply embedded in personal and cultural identities.