Women's Place in the Digital World: Fandom as Community
1919, Iowa State College, women work on student publication Being a fan of something is not a modern concept, nor is it unique to niche realms of society, yet it is a concept that has become highly politicised. Who likes what and how these people engage with cultural products that they enjoy does not just stir debate - it can lead to abuse and even violence. From the basic stereotype of a nerd being the subject of jokes in television shows to threats of violence delivered through social networks, being involved in fan communities is not a simple pass time, rather it is inherently political and involves engaging with contested spaces and potentially opening one's self up to abuse and prejudice. Yet, at the same time, fan communities are just that - communities, and they have shown to be spaces where minority groups can have a stake in the internet and partake in culture. Women have a big role in fan communities and in particular are major creators and consumers of fanfiction.