Drawing on examples and relevant academic theories, critically evaluate the power and use of activism in fandom.

THE POWER AND USE OF ACTIVISM IN FANDOM Student's Name Course Professor's Name University City (State) Date Introduction In recent years, the word 'fandom' has arisen and is used widely to define a group of people who are fixated intensely on a singular celebrity, book, movie, or series of films, etc. With the widespread engagement on social media, several people have emerged who are so entirely obsessed with one thing that their whole lives revolve around it. They actively use the internet to research and interact with other fans to engross themselves with their object of obsession. Not only do they use their time to watch or read for distraction, but they also immerse themselves in the fictional world and imagine themselves as a part of it (Jenkins and Shrestova, 2020). Ultimately, they use their passion to either create their content from it or create communities where various fans interact, plan, and make efforts to support their artist through financial, social, and even political ways. They do not regard themselves merely as an audience but try to arise as a force to be reckoned with (Jenkins 2006). The essay argues that fandoms are not just passive spectators and consumers. Instead, they can positively use their capabilities, creativity, and networks to raise their opinion against serious issues. They can also use their imagination and the power of activism to create a difference in the narrative. They might be discontented with the use of fan fiction, fan videos, fan art, and memes. This discussion will use relevant theories and evidence to support fan activism and its societal impact by using the Fandom Theory, Fandom as Participatory Culture, and Fandom as critique. The essay focuses on the power fandoms hold and their pursuit of a better world by using their capabilities and talents for the greater good. Discussion In the quest to make a change, fans will go to many lengths, including forming organizations that support many important causes, such as social inequality and injustice, using creativity to record protests, and voicing their opinions on injustice with narratives. One of the most influential theories representing fan activism is the Fandom Theory. It suggests that fans are not just audiences; it's not that they watch, read, or follow one thing and then smoothly move on to another; instead, it means that they invest their time, intellect, and emotions in their idol. With the widespread use of the internet, especially social media, fans can now intermingle with each other and discuss their interests (Maher 2022). They form societies and groups that can directly impact the environment around them. By integrating the elements of the said novel, song, movie, series, etc., they use the parallels from the story in factual situations, where they primarily work towards the betterment of society. One famous example is the formation of the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA), established by activist Andrew Slack in 2005. The Harry Potter series already had five books published by then; its fandom was one of the strongest in the world, with millions of fans worldwide. Enthused by the Dumbledore's Army in the 5th Harry Potter book, The Order of Phoenix, the Dumbledore's Army actively stood up against the villain Voldemort to help in the prevalence of justice and equality (Maher 2022). Slack sketched a fictional universe and implemented it in real-life situations as a group that would support human rights, literacy, and equality for all. They keenly urged nearly 100,000 people, especially students, to vote in the 2020 general elections in the United States (Maher, 2022). This proves how the power of one honest and dedicated fandom can work towards making the world a better place. Another prime example of the Fandom theory is the formation of Invisible Children, Inc., a non-profit organization created in 2004 in Uganda, Africa. It was formed in opposition to the activities of the Lord's Resistance Army, a group that took part in the abduction of children and forced them to join their army (Jenkins 2012). This organization emerged after three American college students, Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Rolen Poole traveled to Africa to shoot a documentary, where they learned about the atrocities caused by The Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda and shot a documentary called Invisible Children: Rough Cut. They showed this documentary in colleges nationwide (Jenkins 2012). Rapidly, a whole fandom was formed to advocate for the rights of the Ugandan children and their plight. They collected donations by selling merchandise and bracelets to raise money for this cause. They also used the donation money to make films on the internet and screen them across schools and colleges in America. Although the masses scrutinized their activities, with people questioning their cause, financials, and activities in Uganda, it remains a wonder why Invisible Children became so...