Date of Degree

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Program

Communication Arts

Advisor

Zazil Reyes Garcia

Advisor

Trey Guinn

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between fandom, race, and the cultivation of (digital) community. I argue that fandoms provide an important sense of community for many people and contribute to defining American pop culture in new and interesting ways. However, fandom communities are too often unwelcome or downright hostile to nonwhite fans or to fans who do not subscribe to the status quo of white supremacy. To explore how fandoms marginalize racial minorities, I conduct a textual analysis of the Sarah J. Maas (SJM) fandom’s rhetorical habits on TikTok. I have selected hashtags the fandom commonly uses to connect, and within these hashtags, I identified videos from users who are in the SJM fandom and critics of the fandom. This culture of upholding racism is true even for predominantly female fandoms, such as the SJM fandom, that would presumably operate with an inclusive feminist framework. Despite the culture of sisterhood built by the fandom, SJM fans often perpetuate white feminism and white fragility when confronted with criticism. Throughout my research, my findings are threefold. First, I identify the normative whiteness of the SJM fandom. Secondly, I examine the post-racial politics Maasassins weaponize against critics and use to continue supporting Maas and her work. Third, I highlight how fandoms can benefit when fans consider the critique of people of color and seek to operate more inclusively going forward.

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