Essay on Fandom

Essay on Fandom

Popular Culture in Asia

Read the following journal paper:
Zhou, E.L. (2013). Displeasures, star-chasing and the transcultural networking fandom. Participations: Journal of Audience and Reception Studies, 10(2). Retrieved from http://www.participations.org/Volume%2010/Issue%202/8.pdf

Write a reflection essay based on this reading, using the following questions to guide you. Your essay should be about 3-4 pages long (excluding references, figures etc.).
• The author draws upon Manual Castells’ notion of the “network society” as a key theoretical framework for her study. Do you think this theory is appropriate for her analysis of fandom? Why or why not?
• Does the journal paper change your thinking about fans?
• The author mentions that media audiences may be divided into three categories: fans, anti-fans and non-fans. Which category do you think you belong to? Are you able to identify with the fan practices and experiences reported in the journal paper?
– If you are a fan, write about your experiences in being a fan. What are your past and present objects of fandom in your whole life? What were some of the things you did to pursue your interests as a fan (eg. did you join fan clubs)? Were the objects of your fandom at different phases of your life similar or different?
– If you are an anti-fan, describe your feelings and experiences in being an anti-fan. For example, have you joined or formed any communities to express your intense dislike for a certain text, genre or celebrity?
– If you are a non-fan, describe your typical habits in consuming media and popular culture, such as watching television, listening to music and so on. Explain why you do not wish to be a fan, or why you have decided to stop being a fan (if applicable).
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