The Joy of Fangirl Celebration

By Mia Davis | Published on  

Four years ago, I had a conversation with a teenage girl that completely changed my perspective on life. She was just 13 years old, the cousin of a friend, and she casually mentioned that she had found the man she was going to marry. Intrigued, I asked her to tell me more, and she revealed that his name was Harry Styles.

At first, I couldn’t help but laugh, thinking she couldn’t be serious. But then she said something that caught my attention. She confessed, “I love him so much that I would slit someone’s throat to be with him.” It was at that moment that my fascination with fangirls was ignited. Little did I know, this encounter would shape my future and challenge my preconceived notions about adulthood, womanhood, and true happiness.

Before delving further, let’s clarify what exactly a fangirl is. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a fangirl is an “extremely or overly enthusiastic fan of someone or something.” While fangirls can exist for any subject, my focus was specifically on fangirls of boy bands, considering their notorious passion. I remembered stories my dad had told me about Beatles fans in the ’60s who had torn apart a parked BMW in their frenzy to get closer to the band members. In the present day, One Direction reigned as the biggest boy band, and Harry Styles was a member who had captured the hearts of countless fans.

As I delved into the world of fangirls, I immersed myself in tweets, fan-made art, and even fan fiction. I discovered the adoration these girls had for Harry Styles and how they created shrines out of the most unexpected things. They turned a spot where he had vomited on a Californian freeway into a sacred site within a matter of hours. It was through these experiences that I began to challenge my own preconceptions and judgments.

Then, something happened that shook the fandom to its core. One Direction lost a member when Zayn Malik decided to leave the band. The emotional response from the fans was overwhelming, and I witnessed the genuine pain they felt. However, as I observed the reactions, I noticed a disturbing trend. The media and society at large started labeling these girls as “crazy,” “creepy,” and “insane.” Videos of girls crying were reposted with derogatory titles, further perpetuating negative stereotypes.

This double standard struck me deeply. Why were boys crying at a football game considered passionate and normal, while girls crying at a Justin Bieber concert were deemed pathetic? I couldn’t ignore the unfair treatment of young female enthusiasm. This revelation led me to question how these societal judgments shaped the self-perception of these girls. Did it undermine their intelligence, their interests, and their capabilities?

Digging deeper into the history of such judgments, I discovered the origins of the word “hysteria.” In the 19th century, it was considered a mental disorder exclusively afflicting women who displayed excessive emotions or difficult behavior. The term derived from the Greek word “hystericus,” meaning “of the womb,” as it was believed to be caused by uterine dysfunction. Shockingly, a recommended treatment for hysteria was a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the womb. The implications of this history were unsettling.

Driven by my newfound understanding, I decided to channel my obsession into a creative project. I created a thriller comedy musical called “Fangirls,” designed to challenge and celebrate the world of fangirls. This project aimed to highlight the misconceptions surrounding these young women, inviting audiences to empathize and appreciate their unapologetic love and joy.

During my research, I came across Amy Hume, a voice coach who shared fascinating insights. She explained that the ages of 11 to 13 were pivotal for girls as they started altering their voices, adding elements like breathiness or vocal fry to appear more mature or apathetic. On the other hand, boys began suppressing their natural tendencies to cry or squeal at just four years old, as those were not considered “manly” sounds.

Realizing this, I recognized the power of a fangirl’s scream. It became evident that their unfiltered expressions of celebration and joy were fearless and honest. In a world that often tries to stifle such emotions, their screams became a superpower.

Fangirls possess another superpower as well. They know how to love something wholeheartedly without apology or fear. This was a trait many of my adult friends seemed to have lost. Fangirls taught me a valuable lesson about hugging love and passion, even in the face of societal judgment.

So, instead of judging fangirls, let’s learn from them. Let’s reconsider our conditioned responses when we witness young women expressing their excitement with enthusiasm. Let’s reshape the language we use to describe their joy and appreciate their intelligence, interests, and capabilities. My research showed that fangirls are more than capable of organizing and coordinating elaborate displays of devotion, proving that they possess executive skills beyond what is commonly recognized.

In conclusion, let us celebrate the transformative power of fangirls. They have the ability to challenge stereotypes, redefine perceptions, and remind us of the importance of hugging love and joy in our lives. So, the next time you hear a fangirl scream, recognize it as a hopeful sound, an expression of pure celebration. And remember, loving something passionately is never something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be hugged.

There is an undeniable double standard when it comes to society’s perception of fangirls, and it’s time to shed light on this issue. I vividly remember the moment when I became acutely aware of this unfair treatment. It all started when One Direction, the biggest boy band of that time, lost a member—Zayn Malik. The internet exploded with the overwhelming emotions expressed by devastated fans, particularly young girls.

What struck me was the stark contrast in how these girls were portrayed. Initially, I read heartfelt tweets from fangirls describing the physical pain they felt, their inability to eat, sleep, or even walk due to the loss of their beloved band member. Videos of young girls genuinely crying their hearts out surfaced, showcasing their deep emotional connection to the music and the band.

However, my heart sank when I witnessed the disturbing transformation of these genuine displays of grief. Suddenly, these heartfelt videos were reposted with new titles containing words like “crazy,” “creepy,” and “insane.” Mainstream news outlets joined in, labeling these young fans as “young banshees” and perpetuating negative stereotypes.

The stark contrast in how society perceives the emotional reactions of young girls versus young boys is striking. When boys shed tears and show their passion for sports, it’s seen as a mark of dedication and love for the game. Yet, when girls express the same intensity of emotion for their favorite artists, they are dismissed, belittled, and even ridiculed.

This discrepancy extends beyond the immediate reactions to loss. It seeps into the very fabric of how we perceive and value the interests and passions of young women. As I delved deeper into the history of fangirls, I discovered the origins of the term “hysteria.” In the 19th century, it was considered a mental disorder exclusive to women, characterized by excessive emotions and difficult behavior. The etymology of the word itself, derived from the Greek word “hystericus” meaning “of the womb,” reflects the belief that this condition stemmed from uterine dysfunction.

Even today, remnants of this historical perspective linger in our collective consciousness. The derogatory use of terms like “crazy” or “hysterical” to describe fangirls perpetuates the idea that their emotions are irrational and unworthy of respect. These judgments undermine their intelligence, their interests, and their capability to engage with their passions on an intellectual level.

It was during this eye-opening journey that I realized the profound impact of these societal perceptions on young girls’ self-image and self-worth. When we casually dismiss their enthusiasm, we inadvertently communicate that their interests are inferior, their emotions are invalid, and their voices don’t matter. By enforcing these double standards, we limit their opportunities for self-expression and personal growth.

It’s time to challenge these deeply ingrained biases and redefine how we view and celebrate the passions of young women. Fangirls possess incredible devotion, creativity, and organizational skills that are often overlooked or diminished. Their ability to transform ordinary objects into sacred symbols of their adoration is a testament to their resourcefulness and dedication.

In conclusion, let’s shift the narrative surrounding fangirls. Instead of reducing their genuine expressions of love and excitement to labels like “crazy” or “hysterical,” let’s recognize their passion as a source of giving power and strength. Let’s encourage and uplift these young women, hugging their unapologetic love and enthusiasm. By doing so, we create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can freely pursue their passions and celebrate their interests without fear of judgment or ridicule.

It’s time to challenge the long-standing stereotypes and redefine the way we perceive and value female enthusiasm. Let me take you on a journey that sorts out the history and significance of this transformation.

As I delved into the world of fangirls, I stumbled upon a startling realization—the historical implications behind the term “hysteria.” Back in the 19th century, hysteria was considered a mental disorder exclusively afflicting women. The word itself originated from the Greek term “hystericus,” meaning “of the womb,” indicating a belief that this condition was caused by uterine dysfunction. Astonishingly, one of the recommended treatments for hysteria was a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the womb. This disturbing history sheds light on the deep-seated biases embedded in our society.

The impact of this historical perception is still felt today. Words like “crazy” and “hysterical” are too often used to dismiss and undermine the passions and emotions of young women. When we label their genuine excitement and devotion as irrational or excessive, we inadvertently perpetuate the notion that their interests are somehow inferior or unworthy of respect.

It was during my research that I recognized the double standard imposed upon fangirls. While boys expressing their emotions and passion for sports are celebrated and seen as normal, girls expressing the same level of enthusiasm for their favorite artists are often met with ridicule or derision. The stark contrast in how society perceives and values these emotional reactions is deeply ingrained and perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can challenge these preconceptions and redefine the narrative surrounding female enthusiasm. Fangirls possess a remarkable ability to love something wholeheartedly, without apology or fear. Their unapologetic expressions of passion and joy can serve as a source of giving power and inspiration for us all.

By hugging and celebrating female enthusiasm, we create an environment where young women are encouraged to explore their interests, express themselves authentically, and pursue their passions without the fear of being judged or belittled. Their dedication, creativity, and organizational skills deserve recognition and respect.

Let us acknowledge the executive skills displayed by fangirls, from transforming the site of Harry Styles’ vomit into a sacred shrine to their remarkable logistical and communication abilities. These young women show capabilities that extend far beyond the stereotypes society has placed upon them.

In conclusion, it’s time to dismantle the outdated perceptions and biases surrounding female enthusiasm. Let’s replace judgment with understanding, dismissiveness with appreciation, and ridicule with support. By doing so, we enable young women to hug their passions, celebrate their unique interests, and contribute their incredible talents to the world. It’s time to redefine the narrative and hug female enthusiasm as a force to be celebrated and cherished.

Let’s delve into the captivating world of fangirls and the unapologetic love and joy they bring. My journey into understanding and appreciating these passionate fans has been nothing short of eye-opening and transformative.

Fangirls possess a unique ability that many of my adult friends seem to have lost over time—the capacity to love something wholeheartedly without reservation or fear. Their dedication and adoration for their favorite artists, bands, or actors are awe-inspiring. It’s a genuine expression of pure celebration, unburdened by societal expectations or judgment.

As I immersed myself in the fangirl culture, I discovered an incredible depth of creativity and devotion. Fan-made art, fan fiction, and videos showcasing DIY love totems painted a vivid picture of their commitment. I marveled at the fan-made paintings of their idols, the baby photos transformed into artistic masterpieces, and the intricate crafts designed to pay homage to every detail of their favorite artist’s life. Their passion knows no bounds.

However, what truly struck me was the toughness and strength displayed by fangirls in the face of criticism and societal double standards. Society has long perpetuated the notion that their excitement is excessive, irrational, or even “crazy.” These young women are often dismissed or ridiculed for their unabashed displays of enthusiasm. But I believe it’s time to challenge this unfair treatment and celebrate their unapologetic love and joy.

We should take a moment to reflect on the impact of these judgments. The words we use to describe fangirls and their passions shape their self-perception and, ultimately, their self-worth. When we belittle or diminish their intelligence, interests, or capability based on their enthusiastic love, we limit their potential and hinder their growth. It’s time to break free from these restrictive narratives and hug the power and positive influence of fangirl culture.

Rather than dismissing their passions as frivolous or inconsequential, let’s acknowledge the remarkable executive skills demonstrated by fangirls. The ability to organize, communicate, and mobilize a community of like-minded individuals is nothing short of impressive. From turning a vomit-stained freeway into a sacred shrine within hours to coordinating elaborate displays of devotion, fangirls showcase a level of dedication and commitment that should be celebrated.

So, instead of judging fangirls, let’s learn from them. Let’s be inspired by their fearless expression of love and their unwavering devotion. In a world where uncertainty and challenges abound, their unapologetic joy serves as a reminder to cherish the things that bring us happiness. Life is too short to hold back our passions or restrain our excitement.

Together, let’s hug fangirl culture and celebrate the unapologetic love and joy that these young women bring to the world. By doing so, we create a space where everyone feels enabled to express their enthusiasm without fear of judgment. It’s time to appreciate the beauty of unreserved love and find inspiration in the infectious energy of fangirls.

In our exploration of fangirls and the power of their unapologetic love and joy, we’ve witnessed a remarkable journey. From revealing the historical biases that have shaped the perception of female enthusiasm to challenging societal double standards, it’s clear that a transformation is long overdue.

Fangirls, with their unwavering devotion and unfiltered expressions of passion, have shown us the beauty and strength that lies within hugging what we love without reservation. Their creative endeavors and organizational skills are testaments to their dedication and the impact they can have when they unite around a shared admiration.

It is crucial for us to recognize that the dismissive judgments and stereotypes placed upon fangirls limit their potential and undermine their self-worth. By reframing our understanding and celebrating their passions, we create an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can pursue their interests freely and without fear of ridicule or belittlement.

Let us remember that fangirl culture is a source of giving power and inspiration. Through their unapologetic love and joy, they remind us to cherish the things that bring us happiness and to live life to the fullest. In hugging their enthusiasm, we foster a more inclusive and understanding society, where diverse interests and expressions of love are respected and celebrated.

So, as we conclude this exploration, let’s carry forward the lessons learned from fangirls. Let’s challenge the double standards, redefine narratives, and appreciate the remarkable capabilities they possess. Together, we can create a world where unapologetic love and joy are celebrated, where passions are cared, and where the vibrant spirit of fangirls shines brightly as an example for us all.