Summary of "Reacting to Sarah Z's The Story of Proshippers vs. Antis"
The video is a detailed and thoughtful reaction by Jess, a content creator who identifies as a pro-shipper but is critical of both pro-shipper and anti-shipper fandom dynamics, to Sarah Z’s lengthy and nuanced video titled The Story of Proshippers vs. Antis. Jess aims to unpack Sarah’s points, clarify misunderstandings, and address the heated reactions on Twitter that followed Sarah’s video.
Main Plot and Highlights
- Context and Purpose: Jess explains that Sarah’s video is a deep dive into the toxic fandom culture wars between pro-shippers (those who support shipping fictional characters, even problematic pairings) and anti-shippers (those who oppose certain ships, often citing moral or ethical concerns). Jess stresses that Sarah’s video is not an attack but a critique, largely based on Sarah’s personal experience of harassment by pro-shippers.
- Definitions and Complexity: Jess agrees with Sarah that terms like “pro-shipper” and “anti-shipper” lack clear, universal definitions and are often used too broadly or as catch-alls for complex fandom positions. This linguistic ambiguity fuels misunderstanding and conflict.
- Harassment and Community Behavior: A core part of the video focuses on Sarah’s experience of harassment by pro-shippers, which Jess highlights as crucial for pro-shippers to acknowledge. Jess points out that while pro-shippers often criticize anti-shippers for harassment, they must also confront the fact that some pro-shippers have engaged in similar toxic behavior.
- The “Begone Tot” Tweet: Jess analyzes a viral Twitter exchange Sarah referenced, where a 15-year-old was mocked for questioning shipping choices. While Sarah read the tweet mockingly, Jess suggests the tweet was likely made in good faith to explain why certain reactions occur, and Sarah’s dismissal was somewhat tactless but understandable given the emotional context.
- Online Discourse and “Go Outside” Clapbacks: The video discusses common online interactions like “go outside” or “go touch grass” as typical internet clapbacks, though Jess acknowledges that for some, especially young queer people, online fandom spaces are vital safe spaces, making such dismissals painful.
- Symbolism and Identity in Shipping: Jess reflects on Sarah’s points about the use of symbols like the pink triangle and rainbow meat emoji to represent pro-shippers and queerness, noting that such symbols can be problematic when used broadly across diverse fandom members.
- Racism and Critique Within Pro-Shipping: Jess agrees with Sarah’s critique of racism within pro-shipping communities and the tendency to dismiss valid criticism by labeling it as “anti-shipping.” She highlights the importance of listening to voices like Princess Week’s on these issues.
- Myths and “Body Count” Claims: Jess discusses Sarah’s debunking of some extreme anti-shipper accusations, such as the “needle cookie” incident, which lacks solid evidence. However, Jess also critiques Sarah for somewhat downplaying the real harassment anti-shippers have inflicted, though she acknowledges Sarah’s focus was primarily on pro-shippers.
- Both Sides Are Flawed: Jess emphasizes that toxicity and harassment exist on both sides of the fandom wars. Sarah’s video critiques pro-shippers more heavily due to her personal experiences, just as Jess’s own videos critique anti-shippers.
- Fandom Conservatism and Political Undercurrents: Jess touches on topics Sarah didn’t cover, such as the influence of radfem and turf rhetoric within anti-shipping communities and the alt-right’s co-opting of fandom discourse, especially around Reylo (Rey/Kylo Ren) shipping.
- Importance of Watching the Full Video: Jess encourages viewers to watch Sarah’s full 1 hour 45 minute video rather than judging based on clips or summaries, noting that many criticisms stem from misunderstandings or incomplete views.
Key Reactions and Jokes
- Jess uses humor and relatability when discussing the viral “Begone tot” meme and internet clapbacks like “go outside,” acknowledging the absurdity but also the real pain behind these exchanges.
- She acknowledges her own struggle with the topic, admitting parts of Sarah’s video were triggering or uncomfortable due to their similarity to harassment Jess has personally experienced.
- Jess lightly jokes about the difficulty of condensing complex fandom culture wars into videos under two hours, sharing her own editing struggles.
Overall Tone
Jess’s reaction is empathetic, balanced, and introspective. She respects Sarah’s perspective and research but also offers constructive critique, especially regarding the nuances of harassment and the need for clearer communication. Jess advocates for more nuanced conversations about fandom toxicity, urging both pro-shippers and anti-shippers to acknowledge their faults and reduce harassment.
Personalities Featured
- Sarah Z – Original creator of The Story of Proshippers vs. Antis, whose video is the subject of this reaction.
- Jess – The reactor and commentator, a former pro-shipper who critically examines both sides of the fandom shipping wars and provides context and analysis.
Category
Entertainment
