why fandom is not an ethnic group, by Rhi.
Before I do my other post of the AUGH WHITE PEOPLE varietal, I've got something else to say that shouldn't get in the way of that. It's on the topic of fandom as an ethnic group, because this really pissed me-the-cultural-studies-geek off.
Please note that this is my take on this, and I'm not a sociologist. In fact, a sociologist would be able to tell you far more clearly why this is wrong. I am also working from a place of pure pedantry for a reason, so that I don't have to go deconstruct and deal with stupid questions and lots of BUT THIS. I personally understand the difference between ethnic group and subculture. It's just not easy to put into words.
Which is a shame, because then I could tell people more specifically how this is wrong.
Please also note that I am a very firm believer in the idea of fandom as subculture overall; I'm inclined to think a lot of things are subcultures or subsets of culture. However, some people think it may not even be a subculture...and then it's even MORE not an ethnic group, ffs.
I'm assuming that the 'fandom is an ethnic group in the broadest sense' comes from the OED definition, emphasis mine:
2.a. Pertaining to race; peculiar to a race or nation; ethnological. Also, pertaining to or having common racial, cultural, religious, or linguistic characteristics, esp. designating a racial or other group within a larger system; hence (U.S. colloq.), foreign, exotic.
I can sort of see where, in reading that, someone would make the call that fandom has cultural and linguistic characteristics in common and is therefore an ethnic group. However, this would be incorrect for several reasons:
- The definition is vague on purpose, to be inclusive of various groups that do not always stem from race or nation alone but from a very long tradition with very definitive cultural aspects (e.g. Judaism).
- Therefore, ethnic identity comes out of one's birth or adoption into a sociopolitically distinct and long-standing culture.
- We are already existing within cultures. In fact, we are all already existing in one or more ethnic groups, but we were born or adopted into them.
- Even if your parents were fans, I am not sure what sociopolitically distinct culture comes out of liking to read fanfic about two dudes going at it or dress up as Harry Potter.
- I really don't know.
- No, it's not a diaspora, because we're all already settled within cultures anyway, and we are not bloody DISPLACED, particularly due to sociocultural disenfranchisement, at least not as fans. (If you are a member of a diaspora anyway, not to negate your identity--that is what it is, it has nothing to do with fandom.)
- You're not born into fandom. Sorry. It's also not really that old a phenomenon, nor is it distinct. Fandom is not a culture, but a subculture. Why? Fandom comes out of and is in response to several existing aspects of highly varied cultures, which is basically the definition of subculture. Period. It's not even response to culture overall, per se, merely response to popular culture and/or media.
- As essential as it may seem, being a fan is a choice. It is a privileged position for all of us, regardless of our other privilege. We're privileged to be in the right time and place, with the access and technology that we have, and the societal standards that allow this kind of interaction.
- And that doesn't even get into nationality, genetics, and all sorts of other things that play into ethnicity that have nil effect on fandom.
- Now, go take a look and tell me if any subcultures--goth, punk, BDSM, whatever--are on this list.
- Now you should understand the distinction between a subculture and an ethnic group.
- Furthermore, to claim that fandom is an ethnic group denigrates the identity politics that come into the concept of ethnicity, and the problems surrounding ethnic conflict worldwide.
- Don't make me come over there and explain this again.
This entry was initially posted at http://rhivolution.dreamwidth.org/11750.html. Comments are welcome at either location.
Please note that this is my take on this, and I'm not a sociologist. In fact, a sociologist would be able to tell you far more clearly why this is wrong. I am also working from a place of pure pedantry for a reason, so that I don't have to go deconstruct and deal with stupid questions and lots of BUT THIS. I personally understand the difference between ethnic group and subculture. It's just not easy to put into words.
Which is a shame, because then I could tell people more specifically how this is wrong.
Please also note that I am a very firm believer in the idea of fandom as subculture overall; I'm inclined to think a lot of things are subcultures or subsets of culture. However, some people think it may not even be a subculture...and then it's even MORE not an ethnic group, ffs.
I'm assuming that the 'fandom is an ethnic group in the broadest sense' comes from the OED definition, emphasis mine:
2.a. Pertaining to race; peculiar to a race or nation; ethnological. Also, pertaining to or having common racial, cultural, religious, or linguistic characteristics, esp. designating a racial or other group within a larger system; hence (U.S. colloq.), foreign, exotic.
I can sort of see where, in reading that, someone would make the call that fandom has cultural and linguistic characteristics in common and is therefore an ethnic group. However, this would be incorrect for several reasons:
- The definition is vague on purpose, to be inclusive of various groups that do not always stem from race or nation alone but from a very long tradition with very definitive cultural aspects (e.g. Judaism).
- Therefore, ethnic identity comes out of one's birth or adoption into a sociopolitically distinct and long-standing culture.
- We are already existing within cultures. In fact, we are all already existing in one or more ethnic groups, but we were born or adopted into them.
- Even if your parents were fans, I am not sure what sociopolitically distinct culture comes out of liking to read fanfic about two dudes going at it or dress up as Harry Potter.
- I really don't know.
- No, it's not a diaspora, because we're all already settled within cultures anyway, and we are not bloody DISPLACED, particularly due to sociocultural disenfranchisement, at least not as fans. (If you are a member of a diaspora anyway, not to negate your identity--that is what it is, it has nothing to do with fandom.)
- You're not born into fandom. Sorry. It's also not really that old a phenomenon, nor is it distinct. Fandom is not a culture, but a subculture. Why? Fandom comes out of and is in response to several existing aspects of highly varied cultures, which is basically the definition of subculture. Period. It's not even response to culture overall, per se, merely response to popular culture and/or media.
- As essential as it may seem, being a fan is a choice. It is a privileged position for all of us, regardless of our other privilege. We're privileged to be in the right time and place, with the access and technology that we have, and the societal standards that allow this kind of interaction.
- And that doesn't even get into nationality, genetics, and all sorts of other things that play into ethnicity that have nil effect on fandom.
- Now, go take a look and tell me if any subcultures--goth, punk, BDSM, whatever--are on this list.
- Now you should understand the distinction between a subculture and an ethnic group.
- Furthermore, to claim that fandom is an ethnic group denigrates the identity politics that come into the concept of ethnicity, and the problems surrounding ethnic conflict worldwide.
- Don't make me come over there and explain this again.
This entry was initially posted at http://rhivolution.dreamwidth.org/11750.html. Comments are welcome at either location.