Ask me one fandom-related question in the comments. This can be fandom specific, general, or about fandom/lj stuff/fic writing/etc. in general
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I haven't researched this extensively. And I try to avoid them, as it's something I really don't get. I have strong opinions about what I like, and who should end up with who, but most of the time the possibilities exist as parallels in my mind and I can see the ships everywhere, even if I'm not into them.
But as I said to inlaterdays a few days ago, I sort of see it as the same impulse that makes people in high school form cliques or adopt the trappings of a subculture. It's a way of differentiating yourself ("I am unique") while not entirely alienating yourself ("but there are all these other freaks like me"). Especially in the larger fandoms, it's a way of splitting off so that the fandom it's an unwieldy size--I think that's unconscious, though.
Maybe some of it, too, comes from over-identifying with one or both of the characters involved. Looking at the combat in Doctor Who fandom between those who favor Rose and those who favor Martha as companions, the actual argument is ridiculous: they both have equal standing because they both traveled with the Doctor and got to be involved in his adventures. They both left in the end. But I think the viewer who identifies strongly with one or the other feels personally affronted when they perceive their chosen avatar "passed over" by other fans or the show itself. I actually feel a twinge of this myself, sometimes. But I recognize that it's a preference, not a logical argument. But anyway, maybe some people in the ship thing feel that "character X is me, and if someone believes character Y belongs with character Z instead, I'm being insulted." It may not be that explicit, but identification plays a part, I think.
Also, people like to argue, and the internet (and formerly, zine fandom) provides a safe, anonymous, faceless place to shoot one's mouth off and enjoy the drama. About something inherently unimportant. Which I guess has its appeal, for some.
I haven't researched this extensively. And I try to avoid them, as it's something I really don't get. I have strong opinions about what I like, and who should end up with who, but most of the time the possibilities exist as parallels in my mind and I can see the ships everywhere, even if I'm not into them.
But as I said to inlaterdays a few days ago, I sort of see it as the same impulse that makes people in high school form cliques or adopt the trappings of a subculture. It's a way of differentiating yourself ("I am unique") while not entirely alienating yourself ("but there are all these other freaks like me"). Especially in the larger fandoms, it's a way of splitting off so that the fandom it's an unwieldy size--I think that's unconscious, though.
Maybe some of it, too, comes from over-identifying with one or both of the characters involved. Looking at the combat in Doctor Who fandom between those who favor Rose and those who favor Martha as companions, the actual argument is ridiculous: they both have equal standing because they both traveled with the Doctor and got to be involved in his adventures. They both left in the end. But I think the viewer who identifies strongly with one or the other feels personally affronted when they perceive their chosen avatar "passed over" by other fans or the show itself. I actually feel a twinge of this myself, sometimes. But I recognize that it's a preference, not a logical argument. But anyway, maybe some people in the ship thing feel that "character X is me, and if someone believes character Y belongs with character Z instead, I'm being insulted." It may not be that explicit, but identification plays a part, I think.
Also, people like to argue, and the internet (and formerly, zine fandom) provides a safe, anonymous, faceless place to shoot one's mouth off and enjoy the drama. About something inherently unimportant. Which I guess has its appeal, for some.
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