If anyone is on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram, you should be mildly aware of recent events and statements involving outraged or toxic fans. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, there are fans who are displeased with the new work being done with franchise movies and books.
It's common for people to not like something. Maybe it's a character, a plot, or even the overall story and concept. It happens and we'll all feel that way at some point in time about a series or franchise that we love. However, our love for something can become toxic. There is a clear difference between disliking Doctor Who because you didn't like the story vs. not liking Doctor Who because the new doctor is a woman.
The problem starts with how we express that frustration. The internet allows our voice to reach a vast amount of people across the world instantly. It can connect us with the world, but with this comes a level of responsibility.
Unlike other countries, the United States offers its citizens the freedom of speech. It's a special protection, a right given by the constitution to prevent the government from silencing the voice of the people. It really is an empowering thought to know that we can say anything without repercussions from the government. That said, it's only a government protection and it can lead people to feel they are free to say anything to anyone.
People who subscribe to the toxic end of the fandom spectrum will ridicule and discredit people that work hard bringing new stories to life. People like Kelly Marie Tran being shamed and harassed for her work on Star Wars Episode 8 is beyond disheartening.
Blaming an actor for the "poor" work they did, which in most actor's cases is following the groundwork set by someone else, is not appropriate, constructive, or helpful to anyone.
This topic hits home for me as a creator. I love writing stories and creating new worlds. I have a passion for it. I want to share it with people, readers like you, and I can only hope everyone enjoys it. I would be a bit saddened if people took any of my stories and created a toxic environment for other's trying and/or continuing to experience the work.
TOXIC FANDOM AND YOU!
So, how do we handle toxic fandom? On the internet, it's not easy. People are anonymous and often just want to express themselves anyway they feel fit. Ignoring the toxic fans and blocking them out can be as easy as unfollowing or muting on Twitter (not sure how it works on other platforms).
Another great method is simply being positive. Show support to the creators and collaborators, whether that is buying a copy of the book or movie, giving a positive review, or even sharing their content with others, it all makes a difference.
If all else fails, I think it would be best if we followed Adam Roger's example over at Wired and abide by the three tenants of Nerd:
THREE TENANTS OF NERD:
1. A nerd must not harm another nerd, or through inaction allow a nerd to come to harm.
2. Nerds must cooperate with other nerds, except where such cooperation would violate the previous tenet.
3. Nerds must protect the existence of nerddom, except where such protection violates the first two tenets.
Sometimes the best rules come in threes.
-J.J.