Critical TV Studies
Shipping and fan fiction are integral parts of fan culture, allowing fans to explore character relationships beyond the original work. These practices involve supporting romantic pairings and creating stories that delve into these relationships, often pushing boundaries of representation and canon.
Shipping and fan fiction provide outlets for fans to express creativity, explore identity, and engage with media on a deeper level. They can also spark controversies, influence producers, and shape fan communities, highlighting the complex interplay between fans, creators, and media content.
Shipping in fan communities
- Shipping is a fundamental aspect of fan culture, involving the desire for two or more characters to be in a romantic or sexual relationship
- The term "ship" is derived from the word "relationship" and is used both as a noun (the ship itself) and a verb (to ship characters together)
- Shipping allows fans to explore and express their interpretations of character dynamics and potential romantic pairings within a fandom
Defining shipping and ships
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- Shipping refers to the act of supporting or rooting for a particular romantic pairing between characters in a fictional work
- A "ship" is the specific romantic pairing that a fan supports or desires to see together
- Ships can be canonical (supported by the text) or non-canonical (created by fans based on their interpretations and preferences)
- The act of shipping often involves creating and consuming fan works, such as fan fiction and fan art, that explore the romantic relationship between the characters
History of shipping
- The concept of shipping has been present in fan communities for decades, with early examples dating back to the 1960s and 1970s in Star Trek fandom
- The term "shipping" itself originated in the 1990s within the X-Files fandom, used to describe the desire for the characters Mulder and Scully to have a romantic relationship
- With the rise of the internet and online fan communities, shipping has become a widespread and highly visible aspect of fandom culture
- Shipping has evolved to encompass a wide range of fictional works, including television shows, movies, books, and video games
Types of ships
- Ships can be categorized based on various factors, such as the genders of the characters involved, the canonical status of the relationship, and the popularity within the fandom
- Some common types of ships include:
- Het ships: Romantic pairings between a male and female character
- Slash ships: Romantic pairings between two male characters
- Femslash ships: Romantic pairings between two female characters
- Rare pairs: Ships that are less popular or less commonly explored within a fandom
- Crack ships: Unusual or unexpected pairings that are often humorous or created for shock value
Shipping vs canon relationships
- Shipping often exists independently of the canonical relationships portrayed in the original work
- Fans may ship characters who have no romantic interaction in the canon, or they may prefer a non-canonical ship over an established canonical relationship
- Shipping allows fans to explore alternative interpretations and possibilities beyond what is explicitly shown in the text
- In some cases, fan shipping may influence the direction of the canonical work, with creators incorporating popular fan ships into the official narrative
Shipping and fan fiction
- Fan fiction is one of the primary ways in which fans express and explore their ships
- Many fan fiction works are centered around developing and exploring the romantic relationships between characters
- Shipping fan fiction allows fans to delve deeper into the dynamics, emotions, and potential scenarios involving their favorite ships
Fan fiction as shipping expression
- Writing and reading fan fiction is a common way for fans to engage with their ships and share their interpretations with others in the fandom
- Shipping fan fiction can range from short, fluffy one-shots to lengthy, complex narratives that explore the characters' relationships over time
- Fan fiction provides a creative outlet for fans to express their shipping preferences and explore "what if" scenarios that may not be possible in the canonical work
Popular fan fiction tropes
- Shipping fan fiction often incorporates popular tropes and storylines that are common across various fandoms
- Some popular shipping tropes include:
- Friends to lovers: Characters who start as friends and gradually develop romantic feelings for each other
- Enemies to lovers: Characters who initially dislike or are antagonistic towards each other but eventually fall in love
- Soulmates: Characters who are destined to be together, often with a supernatural or magical connection
- Fake dating: Characters who pretend to be in a relationship for various reasons, but eventually develop real feelings for each other
- Hurt/comfort: One character comforting and caring for another who is hurt or emotionally distressed, often leading to a deepening of their relationship
Alternate universe fan fiction
- Alternate universe (AU) fan fiction is a popular genre within shipping fandom, where characters are placed in different settings, time periods, or circumstances than in the original work
- AU fan fiction allows fans to explore their ships in new and creative ways, often removing the constraints of the canonical universe
- Some common AU scenarios include:
- Coffee shop AU: Characters working or meeting in a coffee shop setting
- High school AU: Characters reimagined as high school students
- Soulmate AU: A universe where characters have a predetermined soulmate, often with a identifying mark or connection
- Historical AU: Characters placed in a different historical time period or context
RPF shipping fan fiction
- RPF (Real Person Fiction) shipping involves writing fan fiction about real-life celebrities or public figures, often focusing on imagined romantic relationships between them
- RPF shipping is controversial, as it involves using real people as characters in fictional works without their consent
- RPF shipping fan fiction blurs the lines between fiction and reality, raising ethical concerns about privacy and the potential impact on the individuals involved
Shipping controversies
- While shipping is a common and often enjoyable aspect of fandom, it can also lead to controversies and conflicts within fan communities
- Shipping controversies often arise when ships are seen as problematic, offensive, or harmful by some members of the fandom
Problematic ships
- Problematic ships are those that are viewed as perpetuating harmful stereotypes, normalizing abusive dynamics, or promoting unhealthy relationships
- Some examples of ships that may be considered problematic include:
- Ships involving significant age gaps or power imbalances between characters
- Ships that romanticize abusive or toxic behaviors, such as stalking, manipulation, or violence
- Ships that erase or undermine the canonical sexual orientations of characters
- Ships that involve incest or non-consensual relationships
- The labeling of a ship as problematic is often subjective and can vary between individuals and fan communities
Shipping wars and fandom toxicity
- Shipping wars occur when fans of different ships within the same fandom clash and argue over the validity or superiority of their preferred pairing
- Shipping wars can lead to toxicity within fan communities, with fans engaging in harassment, bullying, or gatekeeping behaviors towards those who ship differently
- The anonymity and echo chamber nature of online fan spaces can exacerbate shipping wars and contribute to a hostile fandom environment
- Shipping wars can also intersect with other forms of fandom toxicity, such as racism, homophobia, or misogyny
Queerbaiting and shipping
- Queerbaiting refers to the practice of media creators hinting at or teasing potential LGBTQ+ relationships or representation without actually following through or providing explicit confirmation
- Queerbaiting often involves the use of subtext, ambiguous interactions, or fan service to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences and shippers without committing to genuine representation
- Queerbaiting can be frustrating and harmful to LGBTQ+ fans who see their ships and identities being used as a marketing tactic rather than being given meaningful representation
- The prevalence of queerbaiting in media can contribute to the popularity of certain ships, particularly those involving same-gender pairings, but can also lead to disappointment and feelings of betrayal when the ships are not made canon
Incest ships and taboos
- Incest ships, or ships involving characters who are related by blood, are a controversial and taboo topic within shipping communities
- Incest ships are often seen as problematic and offensive, as they normalize and romanticize relationships that are considered morally and legally wrong in most societies
- However, some fans argue that fictional incest ships can be explored as a form of taboo or transgressive fiction, separate from real-life implications
- The popularity of incest ships in certain fandoms, such as Supernatural or Game of Thrones, has led to debates about the ethics and impact of shipping taboo relationships
Shipping and representation
- Shipping can play a significant role in the representation of marginalized identities and experiences within fandom and media
- Fans often use shipping as a way to explore and celebrate diverse relationships and identities that may be underrepresented or absent in the canonical work
LGBTQ+ representation in shipping
- LGBTQ+ fans often turn to shipping as a way to see themselves and their experiences represented in media, particularly when canonical LGBTQ+ representation is lacking
- Shipping allows LGBTQ+ fans to imagine and create stories that center queer relationships and identities, providing a sense of validation and visibility
- Popular LGBTQ+ ships, such as Destiel (Dean/Castiel) from Supernatural or Klance (Keith/Lance) from Voltron: Legendary Defender, have become important sources of queer representation for many fans
- However, the reliance on shipping for LGBTQ+ representation can also highlight the need for more explicit and diverse queer representation in canonical media
Race and ethnicity in ships
- Shipping can provide opportunities for fans of color to explore and celebrate relationships that center characters of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Fans may ship characters of color together as a way to challenge the lack of representation and diversity in media and to create stories that reflect their own experiences and identities
- However, shipping can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes or fetishize interracial relationships, particularly when done by fans who are not part of the marginalized group being represented
- It is important for fans to approach shipping with an awareness of the potential impact on real-life communities and to prioritize respectful and authentic representation
Disability representation in ships
- Shipping can be a way for disabled fans to see themselves and their experiences represented in fandom and media
- Disabled fans may ship characters who are canonically disabled or headcanon characters as having disabilities as a way to explore and normalize disabled identities and relationships
- Shipping can provide a space for disabled fans to challenge ableist assumptions and create stories that center disabled characters as romantic and sexual beings
- However, it is important for non-disabled fans to approach disability representation in shipping with sensitivity and to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or inspiration porn narratives
Age gaps and power dynamics
- Ships involving significant age gaps or power imbalances between characters can be controversial and raise concerns about the normalization of unhealthy or exploitative relationships
- Some fans argue that age gap ships can be explored in a fictional context as a way to examine power dynamics and challenge societal norms, while others view them as inherently problematic and potentially harmful
- The popularity of certain age gap ships, such as Reylo (Rey/Kylo Ren) from the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has led to debates about the romanticization of abusive and unequal relationships
- It is important for fans to approach age gap and power imbalance ships with a critical lens and to consider the potential impact on real-life attitudes and behaviors
Producers' response to shipping
- As shipping has become an increasingly visible and influential aspect of fandom, media producers and creators have had to navigate how to respond to and engage with fan shipping activities
- Producers' responses to shipping can range from acknowledgment and incorporation to dismissal and rejection
Acknowledgement of popular ships
- Some media producers choose to acknowledge and engage with popular fan ships, either through social media interactions or by incorporating references or nods to the ships in the canonical work
- Acknowledgement of fan ships can be seen as a way to build a positive relationship with the fandom and to validate the importance of fan interpretations and desires
- However, acknowledgement can also be seen as pandering or fan service, particularly if it does not lead to meaningful representation or development of the shipped relationship
Queer-coding and subtext
- Queer-coding refers to the practice of giving characters traits, interactions, or storylines that are associated with LGBTQ+ identities without explicitly confirming the characters as queer
- Queer-coding can be seen as a way for producers to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences and shippers while avoiding the potential backlash or controversy of explicit queer representation
- However, queer-coding can also be frustrating for LGBTQ+ fans who desire clear and unambiguous representation, and it can contribute to the problem of queerbaiting
Ship teasing and queerbaiting
- Some producers may engage in ship teasing or queerbaiting, hinting at or suggesting potential romantic relationships between characters without following through or providing explicit confirmation
- Ship teasing can be seen as a way to generate buzz and engagement within the fandom, particularly among shippers who are invested in the potential relationship
- However, queerbaiting can be harmful and exploitative, particularly when it involves LGBTQ+ ships and identities, as it can create a sense of false hope and disappointment among fans who desire genuine representation
Incorporating fan ships into canon
- In some cases, producers may choose to incorporate popular fan ships into the canonical work, making the shipped relationship an official part of the story
- Incorporating fan ships into canon can be seen as a way to validate and celebrate fan interpretations and desires, and to provide a sense of wish fulfillment for shippers
- However, the incorporation of fan ships can also be seen as fan service or pandering, particularly if it is not done in a way that feels authentic or consistent with the overall narrative and characterization
- The incorporation of fan ships into canon can also raise questions about the role of fan influence on creative decisions and the potential for fan entitlement or backlash if the ship is not developed in the way that shippers desire
Shipping and transformative works
- Shipping is often expressed and explored through the creation of transformative works, which are fan-created works that build upon and reinterpret the original media
- Transformative works allow fans to engage with their ships in creative and personal ways, and to share their interpretations and stories with others in the fandom
Fanart and fan videos
- Fanart is a common form of transformative work within shipping communities, with fans creating visual representations of their favorite ships and moments
- Fanart can range from simple sketches to detailed illustrations and digital art, and can depict characters in romantic, intimate, or domestic settings
- Fan videos, such as fanvids or AMVs (anime music videos), are another popular form of shipping transformative work, combining clips from the original media with music and editing to create a narrative or emotional arc centered around the shipped characters
- Fanart and fan videos allow shippers to express their love and appreciation for their ships in a visual and creative way, and to share their works with others in the fandom
Fandom wikis and databases
- Fandom wikis and databases are collaborative fan-created resources that collect and organize information about the original media, characters, and ships
- Shipping-focused wikis and databases, such as the Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Fanlore, provide a centralized space for fans to document and discuss their ships, as well as to find and share shipping-related content
- These resources can include detailed analyses of character relationships and interactions, timelines of shipping moments and developments, and collections of fan works and meta discussions related to specific ships
- Fandom wikis and databases serve as a valuable resource for shippers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of their ships, and to connect with others who share their interests
Shipping and cosplay
- Cosplay, or the practice of dressing up as characters from media, can be a way for shippers to physically embody and express their love for their favorite ships
- Shipping cosplay can involve dressing up as individual characters who are shipped together, or creating couple or group cosplays that depict the characters in a romantic or intimate context
- Cosplay allows shippers to bring their ships to life in a tangible and performative way, and to interact with other fans who share their enthusiasm for the characters and relationship
- Shipping cosplay can also be a form of transformative work, as fans may create their own interpretations or designs for the characters' outfits and appearances that reflect their shipping preferences and headcanons
Fan conventions and meetups
- Fan conventions and meetups provide opportunities for shippers to come together in person and celebrate their love for their ships and fandom
- Shipping-focused events, such as fan-run conventions or ship-specific meetups, allow fans to connect with others who share their interests and to participate in shipping-related activities and discussions
- These events may include panels and workshops on shipping-related topics, fan work showcases and competitions, and opportunities for group cosplay and photoshoots
- Fan conventions and meetups can be a way for shippers to build a sense of community and belonging within their fandom, and to form friendships and connections with others who understand and appreciate their shipping experiences
Sociological aspects of shipping
- Shipping is not just a creative or expressive practice, but also has significant sociological and psychological implications for fans and their communities
- Exploring the sociological aspects of shipping can provide insight into the ways in which fans construct and navigate their identities, relationships, and social interactions through their engagement with media and fandom
Identity formation and shipping
- Shipping can play a role in the formation and expression of fans' personal and social identities
- Fans may use their shipping preferences and activities as a way to define and communicate their values, beliefs, and desires, both within the fandom and in their broader lives
- Shipping can provide a sense of belonging and connection to a larger community of fans who share similar interests and interpretations
- The characters and relationships that fans choose to ship can also reflect and shape their own understanding and exploration of their identities, particularly in relation to gender, sexuality, and romantic attraction
Parasocial relationships with characters
- Shipping often involves the development of parasocial relationships, or one-sided emotional attachments, to fictional characters
- Fans may feel a strong sense of connection and investment in the characters they ship, even though the relationship is not reciprocal or based on real-life interaction
- Parasocial relationships with shipped characters can provide a sense of comfort, escapism, and wish-fulfillment for fans, particularly when the characters embody traits or experiences that the fan desires or identifies with
- However, parasocial relationships can also have negative implications, such as blurring the lines between