The Fun in Fandoms

Like many adolescents nowadays, once upon a time I had indulged a majority of my time in reading renowned fiction books, varying from the Harry Potter series to the Heroes of Olympus series. I've also spent a good amount of time watching the film adaptations of the magical Disney animation movies that, even today, still send tingles down my spine. However, the term "fandom" never popped up until I started joining Instagram in 2014 and saw an all around fandom account dedicated to creating edits from the films I've watched all my life. Soon, I became a part of so many fandoms, and I've met a lot of people who love them as much as I do. And now, I realize that fandoms are not just limited to books and movies. Music artists, Broadway musicals, television shows, video games, and YouTube stars also fall into this category. And when one finds someone else to freak out--ahem, fangirl--with over the events that occur in a certain book or episode, then they could say that their fandom experience had definitely been enhanced.

Most people I've encountered never really understood what the point of reading all these books and watching all these films and finding someone to freak out--I'm sorry, fangirl--over was. Even I, sometimes, try to find the point in being so involved with fandoms such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, and the Phandom (Dan and Phil, YouTube stars, if you're all wondering). But being around on Instagram and Wattpad for quite some time now made me realize just how amazing being involved with a fandom truly is.

There's never anything truly wrong with falling in love with a book written by an amazing author, or a film realized by the expertise of an amazing director, and experiencing the ups and downs that happen along the way. It's one thing to simply enjoy it. It's another thing to be completely blown away by it, so much so that you had to share your love of it to the world. Believe me, I've been there myself. I've Googled and downloaded millions of amazing pieces fan art and Tumblr GIFs and edits. I've posted quotes on my social media profile. I've found a home with the books on my shelf, the music I listen to every day, the YouTube videos I search up, and even the films that I watch all the time.

The fun in being in a fandom comes with the people you meet, all with one thing in common: they love the same things you do.

I've met a lot of people who love the same things as I do, and every time we share a reference we'd understand it immediately because we all have seen it somewhere. Every time fan art is posted, we'd laugh and cry and remember the moment associated with it, because we all have seen it somewhere. Pass by a familiar symbol or listen to a familiar soundtrack, and we'd squeal, because we all have seen or heard it somewhere. Come across some merchandise, and we'd all beg to buy it. Talk about a character, and we'd immediately relate to him or her, because at some point in time, we were all like that too.

I find it easier to make friends this way, and I can proudly say that I have made a lot of friends this way--through sharing commonalities through our favourite books, films, and music. Being part of many fandoms helped me grow confidence as well, knowing that I'll never be alone when it comes to geeking out. And I reach that out to you today, too.

You're never alone when it comes to loving the books and movies and the music that became popular because of people like you. Being a part of a fandom is a rewarding experience altogether, and it's really what brings people together.