It's funny I've been in the Buffy fandom more or less since 2001 and surfed the net, lurking on other fandom boards...and the same fights occur, either on lj or on the boards. They are usually between two factions. One group who loves a specific character and/or "ship" and the other who does not or more likely prefers another one to it, possibly a pre-existing relationship. The fights start out civilly, but over time, when the two factions realize they can't change each others minds and start to worry that the writers and/or creators/actors are catering/validating/listening to the views of one faction over the other and about to reward that faction - things get really nasty. Particularly if they aren't happy with the story for some reason or are frustrated with it.
We live in polarized times culturally - I think. And we are seeing this happen on multiple levels. People are frustrated. And a lot of people strike out on the net, because it is safe to strike out at someone on the internet, under an alias. It's not the same as screaming at your best friend or lover or dog. It's a way of venting. And it feels, I think, harmless to a lot of people. I've learned over time...that most people who are screaming at someone online, are often really upset about something in their personal lives that has zip to do with it - but since they can't handle directly, this is their way of coping. It's not a good way of coping, and often leads to more problems...but I can understand it. Been there, done that, so to speak. ;-)
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2010-04-23 12:14 am (UTC)It's funny I've been in the Buffy fandom more or less since 2001 and surfed the net, lurking on other fandom boards...and the same fights occur, either on lj or on the boards. They are usually between two factions. One group who loves a specific character and/or "ship" and the other who does not or more likely prefers another one to it, possibly a pre-existing relationship. The fights start out civilly, but over time, when the two factions realize they can't change each others minds and start to worry that the writers and/or creators/actors are catering/validating/listening to the views of one faction over the other and about to reward that faction - things get really nasty. Particularly if they aren't happy with the story for some reason or are frustrated with it.
We live in polarized times culturally - I think. And we are seeing this happen on multiple levels. People are frustrated. And a lot of people strike out on the net, because it is safe to strike out at someone on the internet, under an alias. It's not the same as screaming at your best friend or lover or dog. It's a way of venting. And it feels, I think, harmless to a lot of people. I've learned over time...that most people who are screaming at someone online, are often really upset about something in their personal lives that has zip to do with it - but since they can't handle directly, this is their way of coping. It's not a good way of coping, and often leads to more problems...but I can understand it. Been there, done that, so to speak. ;-)