When Your Fandom Goes Mainstream

I’ve been a Star Wars fan for a long time. Star Wars is one of the first movies I remember watching as a kid–on a friend’s tiny, grainy bedroom TV.

When my brothers and I played together, we would re-enact our favorite Star Wars scenes (the carbonite scene was always a favorite). Our games were Star Wars games, our books were Star Wars books, and our conversations discussed the tactical advantages of each Star Wars fighter.

When I saw the new movie, I was pleasantly surprised. Although it had problems and plot holes galore, it was exactly the movie everyone wanted to see. I enjoyed it, and I plan to watch the other movies when they come out.

But now when I visit the grocery store, every other person is decked out in Star Wars clothing. Even my sister-in-law owns Star Wars clothing.

Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-5

That is when I realized: loving Star Wars no longer makes you a nerd.

Although I am delighted you can now purchase a Death Star ice cube mold, I feel over-exposed with all the attention placed on my favorite science-fiction series. It feels like I’ve lost a part of my identity now that my childhood fandoms are no longer an exclusive part of nerd culture.

Don’t get the wrong impression: I love sharing my favorite series with people, and I certainly don’t want to snub new fans, but there is still a sense of loss.

Star Wars was a small universe filled with strange books, simple themes, and unusual people. Now, as more movies are made, it doesn’t feel special. Star Wars was the hole-in-the-wall restaurant taken over by a franchise, scrubbed down with bleach, and coated with bright paint.

It is undoubtedly cleaner (and maybe even better), but it doesn’t feel like home anymore.

If you need me, I’ll be hanging out in Ankh-Morpork.

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