From dispatches coming from the heart of pop culture mecca, I’m taking a sharp turn this weekend and touching on a more unpleasant side of fandom.
I used to think of myself as a fan of certain creators, authors, actors, artists but then I would go to events and meet people way more invested in their fandoms than I ever would be. They’d collect their fandom artifacts — Lego sets, Funkos, Sideshow collectible statues, etc., they’d attend all the conventions and events, and it’s not enough to watch all the movies, series or products related to your fandom—you have to be first.
A friend of mine once told me, “I don’t know what’s obsession with (insert name of actor, franchise, thing). Do these people remember your birthday? When you have an emergency at 2 a.m., will they be there for you?”
It certainly gave me food for thought. There are movies, books, comics and entertainers that make us happy, they capture our imagination and even see us through tough times. But in the end, these are all brought to us by humans. And humans are flawed and their lives can be messy and full of secrets.
Two months ago, I listened to a podcast called “Master,” released by Tortoise Media. It started out as four-episode series on the SA allegations against beloved Author Neil Gaiman.
It was an absolutely difficult listen. Neil defined my 90’s life. An office mate lent me his issues of “The Sandman” and there was no turning back. I started reading Neil’s novels and fell in love with the stories, scenarios, magical beings and the sometimes troubled, lost humans populating his work. He came to the Philippines in 2005, 2007 and 2010. He made so many fans happy. He took the time to speak to those getting their books signed. And he gave hugs when fans asked for them.
During his first set of events here in 2005, on the last day of his tour, he was signing books past closing time at the Fully Booked in Cubao. He only stopped when he signed the books of the last fan in line.
I’ve co-hosted (with Gabe Mercado) the Philippine Graphic Fiction Awards, which was sponsored by Neil Gaiman, I’ve collected his autograph on precious books, I’ve interviewed him for “The Sandman” show on Netflix, he re-tweeted my interview with Lourdes Faberes who was in the cast, I’ve attended his readings when I happened to be in the same city.
Here was someone who spoke up about refugees, advocated for libraries and books and called himself a feminist.
It was really heartbreaking to listen to the podcast. I know many fans would refuse to listen or they’d question the producer Rachel Johnson (sister of former British PM Boris Johnson). However, the editing and reporting by Paul Caruana Galizia is thorough and he does try to get input from the different parties involved, except not all want to be reached for comment — like Neil Gaiman’s ex-wife, Amanda Palmer.
In the initial episodes, two women have come forward to say they’ve been sexually assaulted by the world-famous author. The gray area here is the relationships appear to be consensual. Which means, legally, there may not be a strong assault case. However, there is certainly a power dynamic involved — Neil is a rich, acclaimed, powerful older man with access to expert lawyers. The women are in their early twenties, just trying to make their way in the world.
The podcast has access to WhatsApp messages and recordings from Gaiman which are disturbing — to the point that even if you just want to believe him, it is still problematic.
I have tried to talk it out with other fans but only a handful have decided to give “Master” a listen.
At the end of the day, I wish he would address his fans. If you go to his website, no upcoming appearances are scheduled. He cancelled an appearance in Virginia and certainly was not at Comic Con. It would also be good if he got help.
Following the famous and being sucked in by pop culture can be like religion. Certain artists and entertainers do provide enjoyment. Now, I’m wary of putting them on a pedestal. I keep thinking of the actual humans I interact with who are the real superstars of my life. They don’t need their names in lights or millions of likes, they’re just somehow around, being supportive and thoughtful. It’s time I focus even more on them.
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