We Are in the Majority Now
For me, one of the (many) amazing things about going to see your favourite artist live, is that you’re suddenly in a room with thousands of others who also love that thing you normally get ridiculed for loving. You no longer feel like the odd one out. You feel understood, safe and normal.
I’m Not About to Stop for Anyone
The bomber chose to attack a pop concert by an artist whose audience consists, for the largest part, of young girls. It’s like he was saying: “I will not allow these girls to be liberated, enjoy music, dance and wear pretty clothes. They should be punished for expressing themselves and having fun.”
Fandom Sisterhood
Growing up, my sister was literally the only other Take That fan I knew. After seeing the video for “It Only Takes A Minute” in ’93, I was instantly obsessed and felt a strong need to share my new found love with someone. I was 14 and my sister was 12. I spent some time making the case for how wonderful this band was, showing her pictures and playing her the songs. After we went to a concert together in ’94, she was hooked.
When Boybanders Fall Off Their Pedestals
As a fangirl, realising that your idols are not saints but humans who make mistakes, is part of growing up. But what do you do when your fave turns out to hold views that are diametrically opposed to your own values and beliefs?
Fangirl Recommendations
During my research for this project (which was, by the way, the most fun I’ve ever had researching — by far) I’ve discovered so many wonderful writers, scholars, documentary makers and podcasters, all musing about fangirls and fandom. So coming up are some recommendations from me to you!
Queueing: We Wouldn’t Do It If It Wasn’t Fun
I’ve made barrier only a couple of times in my life. But it was enough to learn that the experience is clearly different from standing on even 2nd or 3rd row. When you stand further back, you’re focused on the stage but there’s always the backs of other people’s heads, flailing arms and phone screens keeping you in the here and now. You’re inside the crowd of your fellow fangirls, which is mostly wonderful.
Pop Concerts as an Escape from Patriarchal Society
I’ve been going to see my favourite band perform live for over 25 years. When I’m at a show, I don’t have to think about any of my daily obligations. I am free to express my emotions in any way I like and act however I want. I’m not worried about what anyone thinks, because I know there’s an understanding. Everyone is there for the same thing, and we all have a history with this band.
The Validity of Celebrity Crushes
“How can you have a crush on a celebrity, you don’t even know them.”
People distinguish between a celebrity crush and a crush on someone in your “actual life”. As if one is more valid than the other. But how well do you really know anyone that you have a crush on? How well do you know your classmates, your co-workers?
In Music, There Are No Guilty Pleasures
The idea that things women like, and things teenagers like, are silly and less valuable, is an idea constructed by patriarchal society. Fangirling over a boyband and unashamedly enjoying the music, can therefore be seen as a radical stance against the patriarchy. The girls and women are saying: “What I like is important and meaningful, and I will spend my time enjoying it, just for me”.
Fangirl Shaming: You Assume Wrong
When I was in my teens, there were many times when I felt shamed or teased because of the fact that I liked a boy band. People thought it was funny or just dumb of me. Classmates, teachers, family and even close friends gave me the sense that I was being naive, silly, and that I just had bad taste. My sister was the only one in the world who was on my side.
Art, words and design by Annemarie Schumacher © 2020-2021