Fan Cultures

I have come to the conclusion that those "treckies" that we watched in class aren't really that different from us. However, the reason we define them as weird is because of the norms that we, those of us from middle-class America, hold and expect them to follow. Because they look at the world differently than us, we perceive them as weird. So, the groups that we engage in and are a part of define our culture and how we see the world.

The interesting thing about groups - fan groups, religious groups, terrorist groups, or any body of people that band together for a common cause - is that these groups help bring special meanings to these people's lives. These groups also help fill a need of belonging. Most people take pride in their group. Examples - Ohio State fans, Al Quaeda, Christians, Muslims, Americans, Irish, Star War's Fans, Humane Society, Pro-life Activists, etc.....

I like to find something in common with people. I have never been that extreme of a Brown's fan. However, I like to pay a little attention to what's going on with the Browns because it seems like every male 20 years old or older in northeast Ohio seems to have some kind of feelings about the Browns. Therefore, I usually have at least the Browns to talk about with them if I don't have anything else. When I start talking to someone I don't know well, I discovered I ask questions until I discover an affinity group that we are both a part of. The rest is easy.

Mass Media is a excellent way for us to become members of groups either through TV shows, movies, the news, or sports. It brings our large world together and brings meaning to our lives that we can all identify with.