The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy: A handbook for Girl Geeks by Sam Maggs. First off can I just say that Sam Maggs is a queen and pretty much the coolest person ever. She explains all the essentials in the Guide from how to write a good fanfic, deal with internet trolls, and handle nerd girl stereotypes. On the back of the book is 'The Geek Girl's Litany for Femenism":
" I am a geek girl and I am a feminist. I embrace the term "fangirl" with open arms. I don't have to prove my nerd cred to anyone, ever. Whether I am a comics n00b, or a fanfic writer typing up her next chapter, or a hard-core gamer who sometimes forgets to sleep ( not like I ever do that), no one gets to decide whether I do or do not belong. From SuperWhoLock to Shakarian I accept all fandoms and ships as equally meaningful in our geek girl lives. Even if your OTP is my NOTP, I will still like you (though I may have to unfollow your blog). I can wear makeup and R2D2 dresses, or a Chewie t-shirt and ripped jeans, and the whole world has to deal with it; because a geek feminist looks however she wants and doesn't apologize. I support empowering lady created media and amazing female characters who make me feel like I could be Batgirl, if I just had some yellow Doc Martens and a vigilante complex. I'm the Doctor, not a companion; Buffy, not Bella, nobody's sidekick, love interest, or token female. I'm driving this ship. I'm a fangirl, a feminist, and a force to be reckoned with."
The words 'fangirl' or 'feminist' are both welcomed with responses different to their actual meaning most of the time. A fangirl is supposedly immature and loud girl looking for male attention. A feminist is a man hating woman who doesn't shave. The fangirl stereotype is often produced by rude internet trolls who thinks a girl can't really like video games and just wants a boyfriend. I remember in 7th grade and attending my first meeting of Doctor Who club. It was me and a couple of my gal friends but it was mostly dudes. I had a fun time but one boy began to challenge me. He asked if I was here to talk to the teacher and acted annoyed when I told him I was there for the club. He began to quiz me on my fandom knowledge and if I didn't know the answer to a question or two he told me I was a fake fan and didn't know what I was talking about. This boy I understand was just being a littl ejerk face and there are more little trolls like that in the world. A girl is meant to like makeup an clothes and princesses. Maybe I do like those things but I also would like the Captain America "toy for boys" in my Happy Meal. I believe that people can have their own ideas on anything and even if I don't agree I can still be their friend. My sister and I clash on who was the Doctor's best companion, but we haven't killed each other yet, right? Being a feminist means believing in equality, loving yourself and others, and standing up for that. Not hating men and trying to be superior. I realize that this post is a bit long, but I feel this stuff needs to be said. I'm a fangirl because I love what I love .I'm a feminist because I want to honor all those awesome ladies of the past who gave us the right to vote", have jobs, own property, and not be property" (Sam Maggs). I will close this post in the wonderful words of Queen Sam Maggs:
"You are important. You are strong, and brave, and beautiful, and you matter. Don't ever let anyone devalue what you do, the things you believe, or who you are. You're awesome and your opinions are valid. Believe that!"
No comments:
Post a Comment