A Fannomenon: The Impact of Fan Culture
Mentor: Nomi Morris
Fandom is often described as a group of like-minded individuals sharing similar interests. While that is correct, fan culture is far more complex because it illustrates how diverse our world is, and it is through fan art and fanfiction that an individual can spread their unique identities and perspectives on their own interests. Fandom fosters creativity by building a community where fans feel validated for what they like. While fandoms can be harmful, they have unmistakably shaped identities and reading experiences all over the world, and the goal of this project is to help others better understand those impacts. I plan to build an interactive website that will offer a series of profiles featuring a range of experiences in YA and Adult Literary fandoms and provide a forum for fans to explore and learn about each other’s unique fandom experiences.
