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Document Details : Title: On the Parasocial Relationship between an Artist and her Fandom Subtitle: The Case of Noname Author(s): MEDELLI, Bram Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Date: 2022 Pages: 65-87 DOI: 10.2143/EP.29.1.3290736 Abstract : Many artists from marginalized groups experience difficulty expressing their countercultural views due to a potential backlash from their fans. This article discusses the case of the ‘cancellation’ of rapper Fatimah Warner, also known as Noname, through the angle of parasocial interaction. I take her case as an example for the wider problem of what I term ‘unjust parasocial entitlement’ from fans towards artists, especially artists from marginalized groups. Due to the expectations of fans, artists cannot take an activistic stance towards the mainstream culture. This effectively silences their point of view, while expecting them to continue to cater to their fans’ parasocial needs. After providing some context for her situation, I argue why the often-utilized role model theory fails to explain Noname’s situation, which is representative for how other artists are treated. I claim that parasocial relationships are a better framework for understanding the anger many of her fans’ experience. Parasocial relationships differ from ordinary relationships in degree, not in kind because both are identityshaping. I show how Noname’s fans parasocially engage with her as artist through her music, but that relationship is complicated by her activist identity. The parasocial entitlement is unjust because fans cannot reasonably expect Noname, and other artists, to choose their artistry over their activism due to their fans. The result of this analysis contributes to a more ethical way for fans to engage with artists, activists and everyone in between. |
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