Fandom

Journal for Religion, Film and Media

Crowds in stadiums or public viewing areas cheer on their teams at the football World Cup. When film stars walk down the red carpet to attend award ceremonies, their fans scream. The autograph of a famous person on an everyday object massively increases that object’s worth, including its financial value. And the success of international influencers is often measured by their accrual of fans, as ephemeral as they may be, and how many of their videos go viral.

The phenomenon of international and viral fandom can redirect attention away from various other forms of fandom, perhaps less visible, less viral, or less international, such as the fandom initiatives that emerge in local communities, growing out of and expressing a love and care for the local community and the local environment. One such example is composed of the many mystery crocheters and knitters in UK towns who adorn postboxes with postbox toppers (fig. 1). The website Let’s Knit Together declares postbox toppers “a much-loved form of community art. From royal celebrations and Remembrance displays to cheerful seasonal scenes, these colourful creations brighten streets, spark conversations and showcase the creativity of local yarn bombers.”