I know so many people who are, for example, John Wayne fans or Indianapolis Colts fans, or American Idol fans. However, I am concerned about being called a “fan” – I’ve seen how fans operate and I’m quite sure I’m not the same as others.
A “fan” (derived from “fanatic”) is a zealot – obsessively enthusiastic and uncompromising in their devotion to their cause. I don’t mind the enthusiastic part. It is the uncompromising part that bothers me.
You see, I have been one of these “fans” in the past. A devoted, obsessed, uncompromising fan will get up and leave the room when their “enemies” are presented – and by “their” enemies I mean the opposition to their favorite team, characters, or people. Some fans will even center their universe around a particular subject and be closed-minded and almost hateful toward any competition.
I, on the other hand, only want to open myself up and see the world around me – to understand what makes people tick and to become a better, more successful person through the things others can teach me.
I go through what my family calls “phases” in which I will find a new favorite actor, television show, (movie, book, or television) character, real-life hero, or some other so-called “obsession” and spend all of my free time focusing on that subject for a while. There is no point in trying to hide my adoration when I enter one of these “phases,” though sometimes I think those around me might prefer I kept it quiet.
Despite the assumption to the contrary, my devotion to these subjects never really waivers. I might go through another “phase” six months later but my loyalty and admiration doesn’t ever change. I would also like to argue that what others stand on the outside and see as an “obsession” or “fixation” (the nicer word for obsession) is really just an attempt to learn.
You see, I’ve never really ever had one of these “fixations” on a person or character that didn’t teach me something very important – something life altering. I have tried several times over the years to teach “logical, down-to-earth” people that art, literature, and film can teach us as much and open our minds as much as real people. And yes, sometimes a truly very special real person comes along that touches our souls in the same way.
Despite the negativity toward the subjects I feel so passionately about, and the subsequent inner searching I have had to go through to explain all this to myself, I have now decided that wanting to learn from these experiences and people is such a good thing!
I’m using myself as an example.
You see, ever since I was a little girl, I have been drawn to strong-willed, independent female personas. I do not want to insinuate that the women in my family are weak – because it takes a certain unique strength to remain quiet or let other people have their way – but I grew up in an environment where the men made the final decisions.
As I look back at all the female role models I’ve been drawn to, I realize that I had a craving and an urgency to learn how they functioned.
I have also decided that these so called “irrational” attachments are a testament to my heart and my willingness to share it.
Why would someone choose to love or to be so interested in a person that they will never meet or get to know? That’s where the “irrational” comes in, you see. But to me, it doesn’t matter. I feel like I learn as much with my heart as with my mind. The heart is what gives a person the passion and drive to succeed and the hunger to learn – not just about scholarly subjects but about life itself. And I don’t ever want to turn away any experience based on the fact that it doesn’t make sense to other people.
In my case, all of these people represent the same thing – a strong will, independence in thought and action, making decisions for yourself, grabbing life by the horns, living up to potential and getting what you want out of life; all while maintaining tenderness, compassion, femininity, empathy, concern, ability to feel sadness, and any number of other good attributes.
Why do people love sports and wear their team’s colors and jerseys when they go out? Why do we rally behind a good cause, or honor people who have sacrificed or done something noble or heroic?
I would venture to say it is because we see their humanity - and we value attributes like strength of character, dedication, hard work, and perseverance. We like to look up to people who have succeeded because we want to follow in their footsteps, or embody the characteristics that helped them reach their positions. We not only appreciate their talent - we are motivated to find the best in ourselves by it.
So, as it turns out, having a hero or a fixation – being a “fan” of something - is by no means just irrational or silly! I am giving you my support in admitting your admiration for people, characters, shows, sports, or anything else you absolutely love ... as long as you can find the reason within yourself that makes you feel that way!
People should be encouraged to fall in love – rationally! Not with a close-minded obsession or to the detriment of human experience! Take in everything you can from life and the lessons others have to teach you, and don’t shut out “enemies” or opposition without giving them the benefit of the doubt and trying to see their humanity and what makes them tick as well.
A good hero should show you that a real star shines – that giving of yourself is the most rewarding experience in life.
"Rock concert" was taken by Anthony Maragou.
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