To all the lovely fanfiction readers and writers out there: NEVER let anyone make you feel ashamed, guilty, embarrassed, or “weird” for enjoying fanfiction.
At the end of the day, fanfiction is exactly what it has always been creative expression. It’s storytelling, imagination and it’s just people taking inspiration from someone they admire and creating something of their own and for many people it’s a hobby, it’s a source of comfort, entertainment, community, and even a way to improve their writing skills and that’s completely okey.
And no, enjoying or writing fanfiction about celebrities does not automatically make someone “parasocial.” Calling it that is not only ridiculous but stupid af aswell.
People throw that word around so casually lthey’ve forgotten what it actually means because a parasocial relationship is a one sided emotional attachment where someone GENUINELY believes they have a personal relationship with a public figure. Reading a fanfic, writing a fictional scenario, making a headcanon, or imagining a “what if” story is not the same thing like AT ALL. Fiction is not reality, and fanfiction readers know that better than anyone.
Liking a celebrity enough to write stories inspired by them doesn’t mean you think you know them personally. It doesn’t mean you’re detached from reality it just means you’re engaging with art, creativity, and imagination the same way people have done for generations with musicians, actors, athletes, historical figures, and public personalities.
Many of us became fans because of the music, the performances, the artistry, the talent, and the impact these people had on us. Finding someone attractive, admiring them, or writing fanfiction about them does not erase that. You can appreciate someone’s work and enjoy fan created content at the same time. Those things are not mutually exclusive.
So whether you read fanfiction, write it, or simply enjoy fan created content about people like Michael Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, or anyone else, don’t let strangers on the internet convince you that your harmless hobby is something shameful.
You are NOT hurting anyone. You are NOT doing something immoral. You are NOT “parasocial” just because you enjoy fiction.
Keep reading. Keep writing. Keep creating.
The world could always use a little more imagination , silly little harmless fantasies and a lot less judgment so keep those fanfics found my lovelies. Don’t feel ashamed or guilty you are not hurting anyone nor are you taking away anything from anyone. The celebrities especially Michael Jackson and Jaafar Jackson are amazing black artists who have a lot of fans who admire and respect them and love them. It’s okey to admire them and feel attracted to them as well as any other celebrities.
(Fun fact: Michael Jackson was aware of fans writing fanfics about him , found it amusing & was flustered about it)