The 20th Anniversary of Buffy

[teragramm]

There have been so many articles and posts about Buffy and this AM I saw this article. with an interview with 13 members of Buffy's cast/writing/directing team.

I was struck by this quote by Amber Benson
Buffy was an everywoman. She made you think that if she could do all this then so could you.This was incredibly true for me. When was a time

Comments

[kikimay]

That Amber Benson's quote is THE REALEST.

BtVS changed my life a lot in terms of becoming a "fangirl", but really, exploring my passions for writing, creativity, fandom ... it's because of Buffy that I'm here, it's because of Buffy that I've started writing. I can't be grateful enough.

[teragramm]

I know, fandom has given all of us a lot. I'd say a good 75% of my computer/internet time goes to Buffy fandom related stuff. My life would be vastly different w/o fandom.

[enigmaticblues]

Buffy made me more comfortable in my skin as a woman. She was so strong and so feminine, it made me realize that I could embrace that part of myself.

Also, I made so many of my friends in fandom, and it really helped broaden my horizons.

[teragramm]

Isn't it funny how a show influenced our lives so much? I got into BtVS after 9/11. After 9/11, a lot of people wanted "comfort tv" and Friends did very well in the ratings. Not me, I wanted/needed the strong, feminine, role model that was Buffy (and the other strong women of BtVS). I think a lot of us embraced that strong, feminine part of ourselves because of BtVS.

I'm always grateful for the BtVS fandom and lj!!

[kseenaa]

I think the combination Buffy and Xena changed my life. I had been a LOOONG time Xena fan when I discovered Buffy to. I had no self confidence then (from years of bullying in school and then living at home with my parents for years), and had just moved to another city to study to become a librarian, all alone, not knowing anyone.

But these two strong woman encouraged me to dare to make friends, to dare to be active in the Student Union, to dare to get friends outside of UNI to, and dare... actually dare take place, to be loud and a bit crazy... And all that combined, gave me back a lot, so much, of my self confidence back. I still struggle some days and with some things, but oh my gawd... The difference. I'm just saying.

[teragramm]

these two strong woman encouraged me to dare to make friends, to dare to be active in the Student Union, to dare to get friends outside of UNI to, and dare... actually dare take place, to be loud and a bit crazy... And all that combined, gave me back a lot, so much, of my self confidence back. That's wonderful!! It's so great that these two shows encouraged you to be the best you, you could be. It boggles the mind that a show could have such an impact on so many lives.

[kseenaa]

It's crazy how a tv-show or a band or whatever fandom we are in... How much it effects us? Even today, when I'm way older, it still does. What would Buffy do? What would Xena do? Questions I still ask myself at times. (Without going on violent sprees... thanks Xena...) It IS indeed quite mind-boggling. But I don't think I'm the only one. I know, for a fact, that there are many that dared to come out of the closet thanks to Xena, since that show ended up being such a symbol for the lesbian movement. Which I think is SO COOL!

[thenewbuzwuzz]

That's wonderful (the way Hell's Bells helped you)!
I find Spike very inspiring (for instance). He approaches life with such a sense of fun, takes on big challenges, fucks up and learns from it (sometimes ^^), becomes the best version of himself regardless of what others expect from him... also, there's the badass factor. I have a vaguely punk!Spike-like shirt that I wear for jogging inspiration, and I used to have Spike boots for strutting like I own places. (I think it changed some of my body language permanently.)

[teragramm]

I can see how Spike could be very influential. He is the character that changed the most and I can see how that would inspire someone. Plus he has a great sense of fun. Sometimes we need to remember not to take ourselves and life so seriously.

I have a vaguely punk!Spike-like shirt that I wear for jogging inspiration That's fabulous!!

and I used to have Spike boots for strutting like I own places. (I think it changed some of my body language permanently.) Hee!

[sweet_pink_paw]

Aw this such a beautiful story! She really is inspirational and I love that you were encouraged by her.

I really need to do another Buffy rewatch soon.

[teragramm]

I know it sounds stupid that a show inspired me in such a way but I was something I wanted to change about myself and I just needed a little push.

I really need to do another Buffy rewatch soon. I know, I was just thinking the same thing.

[sweet_pink_paw]

It doesn't sound stupid at all! I think we all look up to characters as role models sometimes. I'm so happy that she gave you that extra push in your life.

I got mid way through S2 last time and then just didn't continue. Might have to start over. :)

[teragramm]

When I do a rewatch I usually tend to skip the monster of the week episodes, especially the ones in season one and season 2.