Fanworkers of the world unite!
Todays signal looks at the probably, maybe, almost definitely? satirical Taylor Swift Fan Union that’s demanding compensation for “fanwork”, creative control over the object of their fandom, and (get this) healthcare benefits.
Frivolous? Not so fast! This signal touches on several really important trends: gen z’s propensity towards unionisation (long time followers of dion chang and myself will remember our op ed on Memeworkers of the world uniting and unionising from a few years back); economic precariousness and satire disguising desperation; and so called fandoms or parasocial relationships between celebrities and brands - where the target market feels ownership (invited or otherwise) for their “co creation” of the object of their desire - and are now expecting compensation for participation (in the form of tokens, treats, social credit - or now - hard cash).
Let me know what you think. There’s a lot to unpack here!
Are celebrity parasocial relationships with fans getting a bit creepy? Or is fandominion of brands and famous faces just the co-creation shared value economy in action?
How bad does healthcare access need to be to have fans throwing themselves on the mercy of celebrities they worship to look after them (like serfs did on landed gentry back in the day)?
Where next are we going to see unions forming in unexpected places as stans and fandoms and celebrities turn collective passion into collective action?
Let me know…
Read more :
Swiftie fan unions : https://www.themarysue.com/are-taylor-swift-fans-forming-a-union-over-matt-healy-controversy/
Seize the memes of production! https://fluxtrends.com/seize-the-memes-of-production/
Fanworkers of the world unite