Could it be possible that every book fandom can be considered as some kind of cult?
“Finally, from so little sleeping and so much reading, his brain dried up and he went completely out of his mind.”
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Since I started being part of Bookstagram and BookTok, I've discovered several groups and fandoms for each book. All of them have their own acronyms, theories, and debates about anything and everything, and if you cross their line (which is often not well defined), you can get a bunch of fans who will chase you with torches and pitchforks –in other words, they'll cancel you. So could it be possible that each book fandom can be considered as some kind of cult?
In my opinion, something that makes us truly human is the need to feel seen and heard. To know we can belong in a social group that has a similar opinion. And, I guess, it's something that book lovers know pretty well and seeks. I hope I'm not the only one who has struggled to find people who read the same genre and love the same fictional characters as me.
For years, the only person I could share my love of books with was my reflection (I know, it sounds very depressing). So, when I finally fell upon Bookstagram I saw it as a gift from The Cauldron. I am amazed by how many people have read the same books and fall in love with the same characters as me. I made wonderful new friends; with whom I can share and discuss things about our favorite books. More like ranting on and on about it.
I felt like a little girl in Disneyland. Until I came across the not so pretty part of book fandoms and Bookstagram, where some people and fandoms are toxic and even mean to people who do not meet their standards.
At first, I was a bit confused. Should not people with similar tastes be kind to each other and have a feeling of companionship? However, you could say that it's very naive of me to think that simply having something in common will make us best friends. I mean, it's an ideal thing for me, and maybe that makes me a dreamer. But, wouldn't be wonderful to be nice to the people who have the same hobbies and likes?
We are living in a paradox. We want to be part of a social group that understands us, and we can understand them. To be able to share different thoughts on the same topic. However, we do not allow free expression to other groups/people who have different opinions. We 'canceled' people who have a different point of view.
But, with what purpose? To feel superior? To demonstrate that you are 'better' or your opinion and ideas is the Holy Grail? I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but that sounds like you want to implement a single ideology.
These fandoms tend to isolate themselves and reject everything that does not go with their ideals, resembling a cult.
And, while cults and fandoms seek the same: a sense of belongingness, identity, and find comfort with their opinions and ideas. It is important to remember and emphasize that cult members will try to indoctrinate people's minds. All of this, to manipulate its members. To use them as they see fit and brainwashing them.
Even if they have similar aspects, they are different things. Even though some people may say that every fandom is toxic. Keep in mind that a friendly fandom always tries to find healthy ways to give its members a feeling of belonging and accept them even if they have different opinions. In the end, they have the same love for books, plots, and characters
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