#398: In this episode of GT Radio, Josué Cardona is joined by Link Keller and Marc Cuiriz for a candid, self-reflective conversation about biases, assumptions, and snap judgments—especially the ones we make based on fandoms, media preferences, and how people show up in geek spaces.

The discussion begins with a story from urgent care, where a doctor tries (and fails) to connect with Josué’s nephew based on a Captain America shirt, highlighting how quickly people project meaning onto media symbols without context. From there, the conversation widens into how often we all do this—sometimes unconsciously—and how those assumptions can shape interactions in harmful or limiting ways.

Marc reflects on anime fandom gatekeeping, describing how casually mentioning anime can invite interrogation, judgment, or dismissal—especially if your tastes don’t align with what others consider “good” or “real” anime. Link shares experiences where simply recognizing a reference (like a Bazinga shirt) led others to assume shared values, tastes, or identity, even when that wasn’t true.

The group digs into deeper layers of judgment, including:

• Assuming personality traits, intelligence, or values based on favorite shows or games
• Equating depth of fandom with credibility or worth
• Confusing “I enjoyed this” with “this defines me”
• How literal interpretations of words like favorite can fuel misunderstandings

They openly unpack their own biases toward fandoms and media such as The Office, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, League of Legends, Ready Player One, Fortnite, and Assassin’s Creed—not to shame anyone, but to model what it looks like to notice and question those reactions.

The conversation also touches on creator-versus-art dilemmas (including Harry Potter and Orson Scott Card’s work), fandom purity tests, online toxicity, and how popularity itself can trigger suspicion or resistance. Link reflects on how literal thinking and definitions can unintentionally intensify judgment, while Marc discusses re-examining assumptions after actually engaging with media he once dismissed, like A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes curiosity over certainty. The hosts acknowledge that biases are often protective or learned, but that awareness—and a willingness to ask why someone likes what they like—can open the door to better connection, especially in therapeutic, educational, and community spaces.

Characters / Media Mentioned

• The Big Bang Theory
• The Office
• How I Met Your Mother
• Assassin’s Creed
• League of Legends
• Fortnite
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Ready Player One
• Harry Potter
• A Court of Thorns and Roses

Themes / Topics Discussed

• Implicit Bias and Prejudice
• Fandom Gatekeeping
• Assumptions and Stereotypes
• Literal vs. Nuanced Communication
• Creator vs. Art
• Toxicity in Gaming Communities
• Popularity and Cultural Resistance
• Identity and Media Preferences
• Curiosity vs. Judgment
• Self-Awareness and Growth

Relatable Experiences

• Being Judged for Liking (or Disliking) Something Popular
• Feeling Boxed In by a Fandom Label
• Having Interests Misinterpreted by Others
• Avoiding Media Because of Its Fanbase
• Realizing You’ve Been Making Unfair Assumptions
• Struggling with “Favorite” Questions
• Feeling Defensive About Your Tastes
• Re-evaluating Biases After Gaining More Context

Join the discussion on the GT Forum at https://forum.geektherapy.org, or connect with the Geek Therapy Network through the links at https://geektherapy.org.

What fandom biases do you notice in yourself?

Have you ever felt misjudged because of something you like—or don’t like?

How do you balance curiosity with boundaries when talking about media and identity?