Session Information
HPEF - Prophecy 2007 Conference
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Ron is the new Ringo: Media fandom in American youth culture
Track : August 4, 2007
Program Code: 500
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2007
Time: 11:00 AM to 11:50 AM  EST
Location: Lower Concourse Grand Ballroom West
SPEAKER :   Click the plus sign to see more detailed information about each speaker.
Description
This round table discussion session seeks to unpack the cultural assumptions associated with young people's participation in media fandoms. The question of youth participation in fan communities is particularly salient to the Harry Potter fandom because of the large number of young fans and because of the importance of the series in defining children's media culture. The session will provide a historical overview of media fandom and will discuss the role of fandom in defining teenage culture. In addition, participants will be asked to reflect on their experiences as fans. Although the session topic focuses on young fans, the intention is to spur intergenerational conversation about the things that make fandom appealing as a mode of participation, the ways in which fans construct identity through participation, and the experiences, skills, dispositions, and relationships that begin within fandom and translate to other aspects of everyday life.