The bit was played for laughs, but in 2024, the actions of fans
to each other, to the people they're fans of, to the world at large
entered a whole new phase. More than half a century after John Lennon observed that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus,
The article from WIRED titled "The Year Fandom Conquered the World" discusses how 2019 marked a significant shift in the cultural landscape where fandoms, or groups of fans, became central to mainstream culture. It highlights how fan culture has evolved from niche communities to a dominant force influencing media, politics, and entertainment. Key points include the impact of fan-driven content on social media, the rise of fan conventions like Comic-Con, and how fanbases have mobilized to influence the direction of TV shows, movies, and even political campaigns. The piece also touches on the commercialization of fandom, with companies like Disney leveraging fan passion for profit through franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Additionally, it explores the darker side of fandom, including toxic fan behavior and the pressure fans can exert on creators, exemplified by the backlash against "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." The article suggests that while fandom has brought communities together, it has also introduced new complexities in how content is created, consumed, and critiqued.
Media & Entertainment
Mon, December 30, 2024 
