Klandom

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Klandom is term used by fans to describe fans, fanworks, and canon they feel is racist. In non-fandom contexts, the term means "The whole body of Ku Klux Klan members"

A Google search on the word used in a fandom context shows a Dec 22, 2014 post in tumblr post about Glee fandom. On November 6, 2014 another fan wrote:

"Honestly there are some days I think creating the word “klandom” is over the top, an exaggeration, my own way venting my frustrations against ridiculous amount bullshit I see on this godforsaken website.

But then…I see a particular post…the rabidness, the glaringly obtuse and forgetful. I see the hypocrisy, thee misogynoir, the erasure, the almost methodical movements of these individuals. Instead of cloth, they have computers. Their identities shielded just enough that anonymity works in their favor.

They’ve got it down to science, a readable script of dialogue. What’s more people from different fandoms move from one show to another. They pour their poison, and the whole thing gets diluted, the slander actual people. They ignore actual life experiences just so they have some claim to a iota of power on a (once again) godforsaken website.

If I wasn’t so emotional drained by it I’d laugh. If I wasn’t in a position of marginalization I’d find it interesting. I’d probably track it, take screen shots and compare and contrast. Because only then I would have the energy to complete such tasks.

So I guess instead of that all I have is a word. a single word that brings together all of my frustrations, the history of these racist violent mob like antics, It’s a very encompassing word. Giving a name to it, gives me a little piece of mind. It allows me to speak more succinctly about it. For others to talk about it. It’s a microcosmic way to talk about racism and how it is in a larger setting."

Examples Wanted: Editors are encouraged to add more examples or a wider variety of examples.

Earlier examples welcomed.

Some History and Explanation

It’s simply just a combination klan (as in the white supremacy group) and fandom. Instead of white hoods they use computers and the anon feature.

I initially came up with the term around the time CATWS came out and the MCU (a Stny BNF) decided that Sam was likely to be HYDRA because why would Steve trust someone he just met and instantly connected with over Tony who he doesn’t like/can’t stand? The MCU fandom, as most fandoms, started taking to it and the demonization and erasure of Sam Wilson began. From the headcanons about him being asexual with the purpose to not give representation to people who are actually asexual but merely to keep him away from Steve or any other white fav (because you can only be in a relationship if you have sex with the person right?). To the fic/fan art erasure where Sam is only a means to an end for another ship (mostly stny or stcky) or to be some sort of magical negro type trope only there to service and help others with no thought to himself or his needs.

Moving on to now, i’ve just started using it as a personal tag for fandom fuckery in general. It lets me vent will keeping out of the tags so much.

I’m glad (and sort surprised) that it’s catching on.

The hive-like attacks of on oppressed groups that fandoms like to do are, in my opinion, are like modern day klan/racist attacks. Of course they don’t use old slurs as a much but everything has now become coded and subverted.

An example, the small group of Ichatrina fans calling Ichabbie fans “thugs” not just to our face but to the SH show runners/writers. Another would be the HP fan artist that said that people couldn’t headcanon Hermione or Harry as poc because “it goes against canon and that’s not right”.

Fandoms are toted as fun, safe spaces but that is not true for all of us. Some of us are constantly fighting to keep our safe space just that…safe.

The term “klandom” and its variations is an attempt to name the constant harassment towards oppressed groups from the unsavory parts of fandom.

Thoughts on Its Use

• comparing fannish events to the actual actions and history of the actual Klu Klux Klan is offensive and trivial.
• a way to call out racist actions, posts, and canon: "#sleepy hollow #racist fandom #klandom strikes again #that last paragraph tho"
• an "over-reaction": "What is "Klandom" even supposed to imply? (Just...racism?) I don't understand this (especially given the context...it seems like an overreaction, but I suppose that's common with fandom)."

Examples of Use

tumblr gifset from May 2015. Title: "Klandom is so predictable"

• "For any Black fan who’s tired of klandom, feel free to message me too."
• "Homestuck is clearly a klandom, as all the characters are depicted white, except for the evil guys, who are black."
• "....it is so, so important for white fans to recognize their privilege, own up to their privilege, and realize that even small speech acts can totally act in tandem with white supremacy itself. for example, white people using the term “white fandom,” or “klandom” as if you're not part of that system. don't distance yourself from your privilege. acknowledge it."
• Okay go back to your literal fantasy world where none of the fandoms are racist to anybody. Tell me how that goes. Please. I wish I could live in that world. I wish there was some world I could escape to were I don’t constantly have to deal with racist fans were I can just be at peace. But I guess because we are an educating blog I’ll give you a few things to check out. The tag klandom. The tag fandom racism and check out the way fans respond to people criticizing white washing, oooh the reylo tag, really just check out all our mod tags. It’ll be educational."
• "Anonymous: what is Klandom?

The name given to any fandom that is racist.

like the MCU Klandom who seems to hate every character of colour ever and turns Hail Hydra into a meme."

Other Discussions

• Re: Fandom Venting, Fail_fandomanon, May 2015