[BlueMoonBlueEarth]

I probably won't respond to posts in this thread as this subject is related to something that still gives me much sadness and anxiety, but I wanted to leave this out for you to read, if you're interested. Also, if this is in the wrong section of the forums, please move it to the appropriate section.

So, not the most pleasant topic in the world, but fanboys and fangirls. Most of us who frequently browse the Internet have run into at least one of them. Yeah, those people who are part of a fandom but are categorized by an obsession to the point of delirium while attacking anybody who dares to disagree with them.

Most of us cannot put up with these kind of people, yet when I think about their position, blindly defending what they love with such irrationality, I have to pity them. I feel they could be very unhappy people.

Fanboys and fangirls are highly passionate and they feel deeply, and it's human nature to defend what we care for. If I came up to you and insulted your best friend or pet, you'd probably punch me in the face or at least want to. People throw around the terms 'fanboy' and 'fangirl' to refer to people who react the same way to somebody saying they don't like their favourite novel or whatever else they feel is not worth reacting so strongly to.

I'm not so sure. Who has the right to determine what we should and should not feel upset about? It must also be pretty horrible always feeling anxious about people not liking what you love. To go through even a stage in life that is completely ruled by your obsession(s) must be rough. They say opinions are just opinions, but let me tell you, it is painful when somebody says they don't like something you like. I've been there many times, and it hurts every time.

I hope I'm not conveying the message "It's okay to attack people who don't agree with you" because that isn't what I'm trying to say at all. I guess what I'm trying to say is that fanboys and fangirls have their own struggles and problems like all of us do, and none of our difficulties are more or less valid than anybody else's, even if it's over a novel or celebrity or whatnot.

I've probably written too much. Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone.

i'm not sure what kind of response you were after, but anyway.. I'll just respond by saying that i've read it

((((((hugs))))

[Gojamadar]

Hi,
There is a problem on both side; why should a casual or close friend criticise the favourite choice of a person? Why should a person who has a favourite pet or hoby blow up when someone takes a dislike to the choice?

[Tsukiko]

If you don't mind me asking, what prompted your post? Did something in particular happen to spark the topic in your mind?

I am what could be called a "fangirl". I have an unnatural obsession with horror films, morbid stuff in general, the 1980's, and Morten Harket from a-ha (yes, a weird combination, I know!) but I would never attack anyone for not feeling the same way. Actually, I'm quite glad that I don't encounter may people with the same interests. It makes me feel unique.