Have you ever been fandom shamed? Have you ever fandom shamed someone?

This topic has been on my mind for weeks. I know I wrote a poem based on that subject. Yes, I know there are worse issues going on right now in the world and this isn’t me ignoring them. Something about the concept of fandom shaming has grabbed my attention with how it affected me years ago. I’ve been fandom shamed for liking anime, independent music (sometimes for specific bands or singers), and even superheroes at one point like how I used to play HeroClix during my teens. I had the toughest time making counterarguments to the people who insulted me. Maybe this was me taking the high road or maybe I was so stupid and naive to have a comeback towards those fools. It also frustrated me when other people like other things, but never get insulted. I’m not just talking about “acceptable” fandoms like sports, shoes, cars, etc., but for certain bands/singers, movies, or games out there.

I have some questions for you because I feel like I’m the only person in the world who gets fandom shamed.

Have you ever been fandom shamed? If so, what was it for?

Have you ever fandom shamed someone? If so, what was it that the other person liked?

How do you deal with being fandom shamed if it happened to you?