More Than a Game

Before this class, I didn’t think much about fan culture beyond surface level sports games and social media trends. I thought it was just another outlet for me, something I participated in and never really took into account how much it can shape a person’s identity. Through the projects we did over the course of this semester, my perspective shifted from just observing fans to doing a deep dive into the meaning behind it. 

My anecdote about my uncle was a big turning point for me. His non stop talking about USC football is something we always make fun of and at first I truthfully I used to get annoyed at that being the only conversations we were having. As I sat with it more I realized it wasn’t about the phone notifications and updates — it was about connection. Through his involvement within that community was an outlet for him to feel informed and part of something bigger than himself. Once I had that realization clicked, I began to see fan culture as a space that people gravitate towards to form identity and community even without physical presence. 

This semester I engaged with different writing methods like collecting and curating and that gave me the opportunity to look beyond surface-level, everyday moments. Rather than just describing what I saw, I started to understand the why it mattered. Circulating and reflecting on the feedback from my peers also challenged me to think from a different perspective. This process showed me writing is more than just telling a story — it reveals meaning and gives connection to broader ideas. 

I now look at fan culture through a more complex lens. It’s more than just being a fan of something — it’s about fellowship, deep attachment and communal experiences. My view has gone from seeing it as just another form of entertainment to really graphing the idea that it’s rooted on identity and community. This change in perspective has allowed me to observe the world in a more thoughtful way and I will continue to take that curiosity with me beyond this class. 

*Photo of me taping a football player’s cleat before a game