Literature
Understanding the Appeal of MM Shipping in Fan Fiction
Understanding the Appeal of MM Shipping in Fan Fiction
Why do people ship gay ships all the time? The term 'MM' stands for males shipping males, a recurring theme in fan fiction and the broader fan community. While some might dismiss it as silly, there is a rich and multifaceted reasoning behind why fans gravitate towards such narratives. Let’s delve into the reasons, exploring the dynamics of fan fiction, self-insertion, and queer representation.
The Appeal of Self-Insertion in Fan Fiction
Self-insertion, where fans create avatars of themselves within the stories or artwork they read or adore, is a fascinating phenomenon. A fan who made a self-insert of herself with the character Giorno Giovanna (a male character from an anime) exemplifies this. It’s a way to engage with the story on a personal level, creating a connection that goes beyond mere reading or viewing. The fan gets to see herself in the character’s shoes, experiencing the narrative from a unique perspective. This personal involvement is a significant factor in the appeal of self-insertion.
Canonic Characters and Fanon
Similarly, when fans celebrate canonical characters, the reasoning is straightforward. We see their chemistry and romance in the original works, which makes it natural for fans to create stories and art centered around these characters. The hero and the heroine are relatable figures, and crafting narratives around them provides a fulfilling experience for the fan. However, self-insertion and fanon ships like gay ships offer even more depth. For instance, a fan can imagine herself or himself interacting with a favorite character in a meaningful way, adding a layer of personal narrative to the story.
The Lack of Queer Representation
One of the primary reasons why MM shipping is prevalent is the lack of queer representation in mainstream media. In an era where straight pairings are abundant and often clichéd, queer stories stand out as unique and innovative. They are refreshing and provide a new lens through which to view love and relationships. Moreover, queer stories often break free from the gratingly sexist tropes that often plague straight romances, making them more aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant for many fans.
Fan Community and Interactions
The nature of fan interactions also plays a significant role. Queer fan communities tend to be less rabid and more open-minded compared to straight shippers. This lack of extremism can make queer fan communities more appealing, especially for creators and fans looking for a more supportive and inclusive environment. The willingness to accept and celebrate diverse pairings without the intense pressure for canonization is a unique strength of the queer fan community.
The Changing Dynamics of Fan Behavior
However, the recent events have highlighted that fan behavior is not entirely determined by the pairing type. Fandoms often condone harassment and abuse, particularly when fans believe their pairing has a chance of becoming canon. This can lead to unreasonable and even harmful behavior. For example, Klantis in the Voltron fandom is a infamous example where fans engage in abusive behavior towards those who oppose their pairing. This trend shows that fan behavior is not solely defined by the type of ship but also by the nature of the fandom and the beliefs of its members.
Nonetheless, the appeal of queer pairings in fan fiction remains strong. The freedom to explore personal connections and the appreciation for unique and aesthetically pleasing narratives make MM shipping a compelling aspect of the fan community. As the narrative landscape continues to evolve, the role of queer representation in fan fiction will undoubtedly remain a vital and interesting topic for discussion.