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Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 1 Student Course Professor Institution Date Internal Conformity Fan cultures define themselves by opposing mainstream media. However, fans' shared norms, values, and rituals define these cultures. As a result, it is necessary to talk about the idea of internal conformity in media fan cultures, based on Mark Jancovich's observations in Chapter 12 of his book Defining Cult Movies: The Cultural Politics of Oppositional Tastes. The Role of Opposition in media fan cultures Media fan cultures are frequently distinguished by their antagonistic attitude toward the media and the culture in power. This opposite approach is demonstrated by promoting alternative views and means of expression while rejecting conventional tastes. According to Jancovich et al. (p. 239), media fan cultures are distinguished by a "subcultural logic of opposition" that describes their relationship to the dominant media and culture. This oppositional approach is motivated by a desire to oppose the monetization of media and the standardization of culture, which is why viewers look for movies that show diverse viewpoints and styles of representation. The praise of rejected or disregarded films frequently regarded as subversive, provocative, or countercultural and the condemnation of dominant media are two ways this subcultural logic of opposition is communicated. Media fan cultures frequently use a perceived mainstream or dominant culture that they consider hegemonic and oppressive to define themselves. Jancovich et al. claim that "oppositional cultures are based upon an internal and external rejection of dominant

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 2 cultures." In this way, media fan cultures' oppositional posture is a resistance to prevailing cultural and political forces that strive to eradicate or suppress differences. This opposing posture is demonstrated through various customs and pastimes that help create media fan cultures (Jenkins, p209). These behaviors include attending movies, participating in online forums, and producing cultural content like fan fiction or cosplay. These events give fans a chance to gather together, bond through their love of a particular movie or genre, and declare their disapproval of the media and society now in power. Media fan cultures' oppositional posture is frequently strongly related to issues with identity and representation. Because they present alternative visions or modes of representation that contest the prevailing cultural narratives, fans may be drawn to particular films or genres. For instance, Jancovich et al. point out that cult cinema fans frequently value movies that have strong female protagonists or question conventional gender roles since these movies provide alternative models of identity and representation that are not present in mainstream media (p. 188). While fan cultures' oppositional posture is frequently perceived as a form of resistance against the media and culture in the majority, it can also contribute to internal conformity, a defining characteristic of these communities. Because fans have similar likes and attitudes that set the borders of the fan community, media fan cultures are noted by a "tendency towards internal homogeneity." This homogeneity is frequently reinforced through fandom rituals like attending midnight screenings or reciting beloved lines of dialogue. The conflict between disobedience and compliance in media fan cultures shows the intricate interplay between resistance and co-option. Fans are a part of a larger cultural economy that commodifies and markets their fandom, even though they may perceive themselves as rejecting prevailing culture and standing up for their preferences and ideals. This raises concerns about the

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 3 possibility of mainstream media appropriating and commercializing fan cultures and how fans interact with more extensive cultural forces. The nature of conformity in media fan cultures According to Jancovich et al., media fan cultures have a "tendency towards internal homogeneity" (p.196), strengthened by a shared set of morals and preferences. These beliefs and preferences are frequently articulated in opposition to the prevalent media and culture. Still, they also support a sense of belonging and a common identity among supporters. Numerous rituals and behaviors that support the internal uniformity of media fan cultures foster this sense of community. Shared fandom rituals are an essential means by which media fan societies to promote their internal homogeneity. These rituals include attending movies, participating in online debates, and producing cultural content like fan fiction or cosplay. These events allow fans to interact and express their affection for a particular movie or genre while reaffirming the shared values and preferences that form the borders of the fandom. Adopting a common language and cultural references is another way media fan cultures maintain their internal homogeneity. As an illustration, Jancovich et al. points out that cult movie fans frequently quote beloved pieces of dialogue or make obscure references to a movie's production history, developing a shared lexicon that strengthens their fan identity (p.198). This common language and collection of cultural references reinforce the shared values and preferences that characterize the fan group and serve to define its limits. The growth of a standard set of values and attitudes toward media and culture also contributes to the internal conformity of media fan cultures. As fans look for movies that offer alternative visions and ways of representation, these ideals and attitudes are frequently regarded as opposing dominant media and culture. For instance, Jancovich et al. point out that cult cinema enthusiasts frequently value movies that question

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Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 4 gender norms or have solid female protagonists since these movies provide alternative forms of identity and representation not present in mainstream media (p.183). This shared media and cultural philosophy limits the fan community. Cultural politics in media fan cultures revolve around disagreement and compliance. Media fan cultures are known for their homogeneity and opposition to mainstream media and culture. This uniformity is strengthened by sharing language and cultural references, values, attitudes toward media and culture, and fandom rituals. Dissent and conformity also make it unclear if mainstream media can market fan communities. Jancovich et al. state that cultural politics with opposing preferences often seek to oppose media commercialization and culture standardization (p. 239). Media fan cultures' excellent internal uniformity makes them vulnerable to mainstream media co-optation and commodification as fans' tastes and values are incorporated into a larger cultural economy. The tensions between opposition and conformity in media fan cultures Jancovich et al. say media fan cultures have a "tendency towards internal homogeneity" (p. 186), bolstered by shared morals and interests. These views and preferences sometimes contradict mainstream media and society, giving adherents a sense of belonging and a shared identity. Media fan cultures include many rituals and practices that build community. Media fan clubs also encourage homogeneity through similar fandom practices. These rituals include movies, internet debates, and cultural content like fan fiction and cosplay. These events allow fans to communicate and exhibit their love for a movie or genre while confirming their shared beliefs and preferences. Media fan cultures also maintain homogeneity by using the same language and culture. As an illustration, Jancovich et al. points out that cult movie fans frequently quote beloved dialogue or make obscure references to a movie's production history, developing a shared lexicon that strengthens their fan identity (p. 203). This common language

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 5 and collection of cultural references reinforce the shared values and preferences that characterize the fan group and serve to define its limits. The growth of a standard set of values and attitudes toward media and culture also contributes to the internal conformity of media fan cultures. As fans look for movies that offer alternative visions and ways of representation, these ideals and attitudes are frequently regarded as opposing dominant media and culture. For instance, Jancovich et al. point out that cult cinema enthusiasts frequently value movies that question gender norms or have solid female protagonists since these movies provide alternative forms of identity and representation not present in mainstream media (p. 241). The limits of the fan community are defined and reinforced by this standard set of values and attitudes toward media and culture. Also, in media fan cultures, the struggle between dissent and compliance is crucial to their cultural politics. Media fan cultures are frequently distinguished by their hostility to mainstream media and culture, but a solid internal sense of uniformity also distinguishes them. This uniformity is strengthened by sharing language and cultural references, values, attitudes toward media and culture, and fandom rituals. Dissent and conformity also make it unclear if mainstream media can market fan communities. Jancovich et al. state that cultural politics with opposing preferences often seek to oppose media commercialization and culture standardization (p. 239). Media fan cultures' excellent internal uniformity makes them vulnerable to mainstream media co-optation and commodification as fans' tastes and values are incorporated into a larger cultural economy. The Implications of internal conformity in media fan cultures Internal conformity is one of the distinguishing characteristics of media fan cultures, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous for fan communities. Fan cultures frequently define themselves through antagonism but also have a strong sense of internal uniformity based

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 6 on shared values and practices. Internal uniformity can foster a sense of community and belong among fans. This sense of belonging can give fans a sense of self and direction and might even lessen feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Connecting with other fans and working together on fan fiction and fan art projects allows for the creation of fresh concepts and artistic creations. Fostering a sense of continuity and tradition within fan communities is another advantage of internal uniformity. Fans may acquire a sense of history and heritage as they adhere to similar beliefs and standards through time, which promotes continuity and stability within the fandom. Internal compliance is also problematic. One of the main disadvantages is that it may marginalize or exclude fans who do not adhere to the majority tastes and ideals in the fandom (189). Fans with minority beliefs or tastes may experience exclusion from or silence from the leading group, leaving them frustrated and alienated. Due to internal conformity, fan communities may establish rigid, unbending norms and values. This rigidity may hinder the fandom's ability to innovate and flourish by stifling creativity. Additionally, it can result in the growth of harmful or toxic fan communities behaviors like bullying and harassment of fans who do not share the same level of dedication or passion. Fans must maintain an open mind and tolerance for opposing ideas and artistic expressions to lessen these harmful effects (Holt et al., 862). Additionally, fans should be conscious of the power relationships in their communities and try to make settings more welcoming and equal for all fans. The effects of internal conformity in fan cultures of media are complicated and diversified overall. It can encourage a sense of tradition and community but also result in exclusion, rigidity, and unhealthy behaviors. Fans can continue to take pleasure in and celebrate their shared interests in a positive and enriching way by being aware of these consequences and trying to create more welcoming and tolerant fan communities.

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Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 7 The relationship between resistance and Co-option in media fan cultures Opposition and Resistance in Fan Cultures: Many media fan cultures can be distinguished by their stances on resistance and opposition. When fans reject mainstream media and society in favor of their specialized interests and behaviors, they frequently portray themselves as subversive and countercultural. It is possible to express opposition in various ways, such as by writing fan fiction that challenges prevailing narratives or participating in status-quo-challenging fan action. Fans can create distinct places of identification and belong by rejecting mainstream culture. This resistance, though, goes beyond mere dissent. Fan cultures also have a strong sense of internal conformity founded on shared beliefs and behaviors (p186). Although fans may reject popular culture, they do it in favor of their unique cultural practices and standards. Fan cultures challenge the established quo while creating their subculture. Fan Cultures' Co-optation and Commodification Fan cultures are not immune to the pressures of co-optation and commodification, notwithstanding their oppositional posture. The line between "oppositional" and "mainstream," according to Jancovich (p. 202), has become less apparent as cult movies and TV shows have become more popular. The importance of fan rituals and goods has been acknowledged by mainstream media and society, which has tried to use and profit from them. The expansion of fan conventions and expos, which have grown to be a sizable industry in and of themselves, is one instance of this co-opting. Although these gatherings give fans a place to mingle and celebrate their shared interests, they are also extensively commercialized, with vendors selling goods and stars charging for autographs and picture ops. While these gatherings might provide fans with a sense of belonging, they also further monetize fan culture. Integrating fan culture and

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 8 merchandise into mainstream media franchises is another instance of co-option. For instance, some media creators have added fan-made characters and plotlines to their canon as a result of the success of fan fiction. As mainstream media appropriates and benefits from fan labor and innovation, this is a type of co-option and validation of fan culture. The Relationship Between Resistance and Co-option In media fan cultures, the relationship between co-optation and resistance is unclear. Fans may participate in behaviors co-opted by larger cultural forces while opposing mainstream culture. Similar to fan practices and products, mainstream media may use them while simultaneously attempting to control and profit from them. Fans must be conscious of the power dynamics at work, preserve their autonomy, and retain their subculture's purity to negotiate this complex connection. Being watchful and skeptical of popular culture and media is one tactic for navigating this relationship. Fans should be aware of how their activities and goods are appropriated or commercialized and, when practical, attempt to oppose these influences. This can entail establishing alternate venues for fan culture, including independent fan gatherings or noncommercial online networks. The fact that fan cultures are not uniform but comprise a variety of subcultures and communities with potentially disparate goals and objectives complicates the interplay between resistance and co-option even further. To acquire acceptance and approval from the larger culture, some fans might welcome the co-option of their behaviors and products. In contrast, others might oppose it to maintain their subcultural identity and authenticity. As fans manage their connection to popular culture, the conflict between resistance and co-optation can lead to disputes and discussions within fan communities.

Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 9 For media fan cultures, co-optation and resistance have numerous, varied effects. On the one hand, fan cultures can benefit from resistance by maintaining their oppositional and critical edge, questioning prevailing cultural norms and values, and developing other narratives and interpretations. On the other hand, co-opting fan cultures might help them gain acceptance from the larger culture, potentially boosting their impact and prominence. Co-optation, however, can also result in the monetization and depoliticization of fan cultures, destroying their authentic subcultures. To sum it up, media fan cultures exhibit a strong sense of internal uniformity founded on customs, norms, and values. Internal conformity provides supporters with a sense of belonging in these cultures. Modern media fan cultures generate and resist. They allow followers to express themselves, challenge social conventions, and create alternate narratives and interpretations despite challenges.

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Double-Click to Type in Your Last Name 10 Works Cited Holt, Kristoffer, Tine Ustad Figenschou, and Lena Frischlich. "Key dimensions of alternative news media." Digital Journalism 7.7 (2019): 860-869. Jancovich et al, "Defining Cult Movies." Manchester University Press . (2003): 1-244 Jenkins, Henry. "Cultural acupuncture": Fan activism and the Harry Potter alliance." Popular media cultures: Fans, audiences, and paratexts (2015): 206-229.

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