Chappell Roan’s cancellation by a certain set of voters got us thinking: When do fandoms become toxic? How does “stanning” an artist, a politician, or a (literal) piece of work disproportionately push people who already live at the margins of our culture out of the culture entirely?

This week, Katelyn and Christine nerd out on nerd culture’s historically toxic fandoms with Jessie Earl, aka Jessie Gender, the YouTube essayist who hosts two popular channels. Together, they try to find the “nuance in the nerdy,” from the “Lord of the Rings” to the 2024 presidential election. And “Your Ombudsmom,” Christine’s media critic alter ego, returns with her new regular segment. Stay tuned for out of context cancellations from Katelyn and Christine!

In breaking news: You did it! The Flytrap is fully funded, thanks in no small part to our loyal Cancel Me, Daddy listeners! Thank you! We have a stretch goal that will allow us to commission one freelance writer or artist per month, bringing EVEN MORE cool people to your inbox with provocative, fun cultural criticism and commentary. Who knows—you might be one of them! Please continue to donate what you can, if you can to our Kickstarter. Get exclusive access to our live Zoom show if you donate to the “Friends and a Show” tier!

Transcript here: https://theflytrap.beehiiv.com/p/chappell-roan-and-the-trolls-of-the-ring-transcript

Links:

Jessie Gender YouTube channel 

Jessie Gender After Dark channel

Katelyn Burns: “Concerning “The Rings of Power,” season one

*spoilers ahead* Jessie Gender reviews “The Rings of Power,” season two, starting with episodes 1–3 and continuing through the finale

Nicole Chung for GQ: Star Wars: The Last Jedi's Kelly Marie Tran Has a Story to Tell

Rebecca Sun for The Hollywood Reporter: The Resurrection of Kelly Marie Tran: On Surviving “Star Wars” Bullying, the Pressures of Representation, and “Raya and the Last Dragon’”

Madison Malone Kircher for The New York Times: What is the KHive?

Jon Blistein for Rolling Stone: Chappell Roan on Why She Turned Down White House Invite: “I Won’t Be a Monkey for Pride”

Jessie Gender After Dark: The Treatment of Chappell Roan

Scott Detrow for NPR: Bernie Sanders Defends Campaigning For Anti-Abortion Rights Democrat

Meredith Shiner for The New Republic: The Appalling Attack on Ta-Nehisi Coates Is a Massive Media Failing

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