#I want to study the 2017 dr fandom like an anthropologist

[g0nta-g0kuhara]

I didnt put it in the original post because it's not exactly what I was trying to talk about but I do think part of this sentiment also comes from the DR Fandom in particular's reputation across this site. And like a few people mentioned in the tags, yeah, the DR fandom back at its peak was rowdy and unhinged, but the reality is that the modern fandom has quieted down significantly to the point that it's genuinely more chill than the most popular ones on tumblr at the moment. But because that reputation is still there, people are apprehensive to join and share their benign character takes in case they get flamed as if it was 2017.

I don't want to say "I wish we could just move past that" because the DR fandom was Nuts back then (I say second hand, I was not there) and I do think thats a remarkable thing about it that I don't want to just brush aside. But also, it's just not really true anymore. No one is gonna chew your head off in ship wars more than in any other small fandom in the year 2024. Its ok.

I'm still thinking about that post from earlier because, really, as someone who has been into DR for far too long at this point, it is tiring and disheartening to see new fans embarrassed or nervous to post. I can't tell you how many times Ive seen fan posts couched with captions like "sorry I like DR now" or "this game sucks lol' or "I hated dr but I like x." And like, I get it, I really do. I felt that way too when I first joined the fandom, and obviously there is a lot to criticize about this series. But it is sad to see so much apprehension talking about liking something or a part of something that you feel the need to add negativity like that to an otherwise positive post. And its exhausting to see as a fan when you have to see it over and over and over again.

This isn't even an in-fandom problem which makes it kinda hard to do anything about too? Almost everyone who posts like this is new to the fandom or just passing through. It's just DR's reputation as "completely irredeemable trash media" that makes people feel that way, and its sad. I just wish people who are clearly feeling genuine positive emotions about DR could let themselves feel those things without the fear of being sent to tumblr hell for the sin of liking a piece of media that's not perfect.