Fangirls: Pop Culture’s Punchline

Mia Pierre

04/03/2023

Does the music that I listen to really define me? Am I a crazy, obsessive teenage girl because I love listening to boybands? The word fangirl has carried through decades to depict someone desperate for the attention of their favorite on-stage heartthrobs, someone who is frenzied and fanatical, who camps out for days for the chance of front-row seats. It has become a regular feminine experience to be called a fangirl and face judgment and condescension for interests no different from any male counterpart. Why has an interest that brings me endless joy become the punchline of someone else’s joke?

I can't help but wonder what the real difference is between the boybands that I like and the bands and artists with predominantly male audiences. There is no offensive nickname for the fans of rappers or rock bands. Maybe it is because people think that boy bands don't write their own songs. But Elton John and Frank Sinatra didn't write their own lyrics either, and they are regarded as legends.

It seems that the real difference lies within the audience, yet music and fan culture as we know it would be nothing without the modern “fangirl.” The modern fangirl has become the single most influential force in the entertainment industry, whether cinema, television, or music. Her power is undeniable, but often overlooked. Yet, society has come to deem the interests of women, especially young girls, and teens, as superficial, insignificant, or less than that of other more stereotypically masculine interests.

Whether it be The Beatles in the ’60s, or the boy bands that dominate the twentieth century, like One Direction or BTS, society’s view on boy bands and their respective audiences has not changed. These artists make music, and in turn, their fans offer them unconditional love and support. These girls are viewed as crazy, manic, worshippers (the words of the media, not mine!) and are ridiculed for something they enjoy. Yet, these same fans are responsible for the sold-out stadiums, chart-topping hits, and money spent on artists.

How has it been accepted for so long to dismiss, even heckle another on the basis of a hobby or interest that influences no one other than themselves? Many of these fandoms and artists have even made positive impacts on a global scale!

The Beatles ignited a surge of new ideas and dreams all over the world. They inspired young people to pursue careers in music, and challenged gender and musical norms! The wildfire that they lit, and their fans fueled, allowed for a complete shift in the music industry away from the very prominent American industry.

One direction has spread positive messages to fans all over the world, both during their time as a group and through their solo projects. They have been outspoken about many important issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial inequality, feminism and the rise of the #MeToo movement, and so much more.

The largest and most global impact is undoubtedly that of BTS and their fans, ARMY. While being both a boyband and a South Korean group, the band, as well as the fans, face hate and discrimination in global media. But, this does not stop the global impact that they have made. They have a UNICEF campaign to end childhood violence and neglect to which they regularly donate large portions of their revenue, they have spoken before the United Nations multiple times on this campaign, discussed anti-Asian hate crimes with the president of the United States, and donated to countless charitable organizations. To top this all off, their fans have also supported many different charities and organizations and matched the donations of BTS on multiple occasions.

Looking at this, I don't understand how it is possible that fangirls are so quickly illustrated negatively in both the media and day-to-day interactions. The Beatles triggered a cultural movement. One Direction taught their fans about happiness and inner beauty. BTS has mobilized a global fanbase to give back to the community, all the while teaching them how to love themselves. So, whether you would like to acknowledge it or not, fangirls are and will continue to change the world.