Ethnographic study: Rick and Morty fans

When taking out an ethnographic study of an online community, I decided to look at the fans of the TV show Rick and Morty. The fans of this animated TV series use multiple social media platforms and sites in order tocommunicate through discussion and debate as well making fan pictures, videos and memes.

Fans of the series, which first aired in 2013, have become somewhat infamous among online communities and social media due to their online presence and strong opinions on the show, which then gained wider recognition from others online and within the media and more hit headlines due to their strong opinions regarding the show.

Here are some examples of how Rick and Morty fans have been recognised;

 

They have been labelled a ‘toxic fandom’ and have hit headlines with their high demand of McDonalds ‘Szechuan sauce’ due to the fact that it is featured in the show, proving that online communities transpire into real life.

Rick and Morty fans became a meme themselves, mocking their self-congratulatory and elitist attitudes towards the show, where some fans suggest that in order to understand the show you must have a ‘decent level of intelligence’. This creates ‘out-groups’ made up of people who don’t watch or like Rick and Morty.

Reddit is one of the most popular social networking sites used by the fans of Rick and Morty, allows fans to post ‘subreddits’ in which fans can respond through up voting and down voting and comments.

Although this is not literally a ‘space’ the online groups are not bounded by physical spaces like coffee shops and bars, the online groups give the sense of space to the individuals in the online groups. They develop in group ‘norms’ which then become part of the fandom for example Szechuan sauce.

Therefore, fans of Rick and Morty use online communities in order to discuss and debate the show and their fandom, their fans are known to be pass

ionate and have a significant online presence. When interviewing a fan, they suggested he used different social networking sites for different things, for example Facebook has a ‘Rick and Morty memes’ page which has over 800k likes, but he uses twitter to find out news about Rick and Morty. He also said that the Reddit fans have a strong sense of community due to the fact that fans can develop interpersonal relationships and have a sense of space online.

From my finding it was clear to see that the Rick and Morty fandom use online communities in order to have an communal space with people who share their interests and this then transpires into interpersonal relationships and a sense of online community.

 

3 free things to do in London:

1. Visit galleries and museums:  London is host to a wide range of museums and galleries, and most of these are free. The Natural history museum, The Victoria and Albert and the Tate Modern to name just a few.

 

The Tate modern.

 

2. See the sights. London is a beautiful city and has so much to offer. The Sky garden is a great way to take in London’s skyline, perched 150m high above London, this bar mixes cocktails with breathtaking views from its 35th floor location.

London Views

3. Take a walk in the park. London is very loud and busy, and it is important to find somewhere you can relax and escape the hectic city. Hyde park, St.James’ park and Kensington Gardens.

Hyde Park

 

 

Bend it like Beckham: Feminism and Multiculturalism

Bend It Like Beckham is a 2002 film, which follows the struggles and successes of a young Indian girl Jess, and how she goes against her families expectations of her by starting to play football. Her family think she should focus on her studies and finding marriage, and in her culture she is not allowed to show bare feet.

The same goes to Jules, a tomboyish girl who is in a football team. She objects her mother’s disagreement toward her interest yet continues joining the male dominated game. This movie is about how the both girls struggle in between interest and family’s culture and perception.

It is a movie directed by famous feminist director, Miss Gurinder Chadha. Most of her films explore the lives of Indians living in England. This common theme among her work showcases the trials of Indian women living in England and how they must reconcile their converging traditional and modern cultures.

Feminism

“A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

I would confidently call myself a Feminist. Having been brought up, in the most part, by a single mother and being shown first hand, the sheer drive and strength she had, I would have no doubt in my mind that women are equal to men.

If I’m honest, I’ve never met or come across a male with as much strength as my mum. Going off my personal experiences in life, I would be led to believe this is true, that women are hardier and more driven than men, but I know it’s not true on a larger scale. I believe they’re equal.

Even though growing up it was just me and mum (a kind of ‘us against the world’ thing) I have never hated men, and she has made sure of it. Although I saw her as a strong matriarchal figure, she never allowed me to not be influenced by my dad, or other men around.

One thing that has always annoyed me has been how ‘Single mothers’ are represented in the media, almost putting shame upon them for not devoting their life to a man. Yet ‘Single fathers’ are seen as endearing and “how could a mother leave her children” is a phrase that springs to mind.

This is just one of many everyday discriminations and this is why I believe Feminism still plays an important part in society moving towards equality.

Home?

Getting started

A few weeks ago, i left my home, mum and everything i was familiar with and moved 200 miles south to London. i did this in order to further my studies and start uni (as well as being in the bright lights of London, a far cry from what I’m used to).

Daunting though it was, it felt natural, and i already know it was the right decision for me. In my first few weeks i took as many photos and did as many things i could, which just wasn’t possible back at home, and i don’t think the novelty of being able to take a walk five minutes down the road and finding myself at the Tate modern will wear off soon.