Hello again all, and welcome to my observations on a subject that I assume we have all became relatively savvy to; fandom. My input is however crazy some fans or fan groups may seem, often appearing as a cult or mob, I find myself agreeing with Jenson in her accolades to protect the sanctity and the honor of what is fandom. I want to focus on one of the larger fan groups, fans of metal music. Jenson says that “Metal fans are characterized, especially by concerned parents, as vulnerable youngsters who have become “twisted” in response to the brutal and Satanic influence of the music,” and I agree with him that he says these wild assumptions are “absolutely untrue” (12). I feel that as with most things that people become fans of, but especially with music, it is just a binding force that brings people together. Music in its purest form is just human expression of emotions, so for the masses of fans it is simply as way to connect with others who have the same feelings or emotions that you do. I might add at this point that although I don’t dislike it, I am not really a big listener of metal music but I do see the merit. At this point, I would like to offer up to you, the image of a Slayer fan at its best. (for those of you who don’t know, Slayer is a widely recognized heavy metal band):
As you can see, there are definitely moments in this interview when the typical fan could be seen as crazy (i.e.: 1:40 when the fan lets out one of the most epic battle cries I’ve ever heard), but if you pay attention to what he is saying when he isn’t crying out to his metal gods, you’ll notice he is mostly talking about the camaraderie and connection Slayer fans feel with one another. Sure there may be the exceptions of fans who are actually crazy (though you will find crazy people in every group), Metal fandom, and all types of fandom alike. is just an outlet for connection with other people who have the same values, priorities, and thoughts as you.
Agree? Disagree? Any Slayer fans out there who can verify this as an accurate image of a “Slayer fan”?
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Jenson, J. (1992). Fandom as Pathology. Routledge.
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