Fake Geek Girls: Fandom, Gender, and the Convergence Culture Industry

The systematic marginalization of women within pop culture fan communities has been revealed, with male fans of the original Ghostbusters film boycotting the all-female adaptation and the female protagonists of the new Star Wars films facing similar uproars. Suzanne Scott points to the ways in which the "mens rights" movement and antifeminist pushback connect to new mainstream fandom, where female casting in geek-nostalgia reboots is vilified and historically feminized forms of fan engagement are treated as less worthy than male-dominant expressions of fandom. Fake Geek Girls contends that the current view of women in fandom as either inauthentic masqueraders or unwelcome interlopers has been tacitly endorsed by Hollywood franchises and the viewer demographics they selectively champion.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 16 April 2019
\n Publisher: New York University Press
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When Ghostbusters made its triumphant return to the silver screen in 2016, a contingent of male fans of the original film took a bold stance by boycotting the all-female adaptation of the beloved cult classic. Their voices resonated through the digital realm as they expressed their vehement disapproval, using Twitter as a platform to articulate their views and assert that only white, heterosexual men could truly be considered "real" fans of the franchise. While these extreme reactions may be uncommon, they are nonetheless a testament to the ongoing marginalization of women within pop culture fan communities.

Similar uproars have erupted around the female protagonists of the latest Star Wars films, leading to full-fledged geek culture wars and harassment campaigns. The #GamerGate controversy, which began in 2014, serves as a poignant example of this phenomenon. Over the past decade, fan and geek culture has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from the fringes to the mainstream. Fans have become tastemakers, promotional partners, and even creators, with fan art being transformed into official merchandise and fan fiction giving rise to new franchises.

However, this shift has not been without its challenges. Suzanne Scott highlights the ways in which the "mens rights" movement and antifeminist backlash against "social justice warriors" have found a foothold in the new mainstream fandom. Female casting in geek-nostalgia reboots is often met with vilification, while historically feminized forms of fan engagement, such as cosplay and fan fiction, are often treated as less worthy than male-dominant expressions of fandom like collection, possession, and cataloguing. This gender bias, which traces back to the origins of fandom itself, is perpetuated by Hollywood franchises and the viewer demographics they selectively champion.

Fake Geek Girls takes a critical look at this gender bias and challenges the prevailing view of women in fandom as either inauthentic masqueraders or unwelcome interlopers. It sheds light on the ways in which digital fan culture converges with old media, bringing forth new and novel ways in which biases are perpetuated. The book offers a revealing perspective into the inner workings of how fandom operates, shedding light on the ways in which gender norms and stereotypes are reinforced and challenged within these communities.

In conclusion, the marginalization of women within pop culture fan communities is a complex issue that requires urgent attention. The boycotts, harassment campaigns, and gender bias witnessed in recent years highlight the need for change. Fake Geek Girls provides a valuable contribution to this conversation by challenging the status quo and offering a fresh perspective on the experiences of women in fandom. It is essential that we continue to advocate for inclusivity, diversity, and equality in all aspects of pop culture, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table and can participate fully in the joy and excitement that comes with being a fan.

\n Weight: 456g\n
Dimension: 154 x 227 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781479879571\n \n