- In light of the upcoming releasing of “The Secrets of Dumbledore” we’re discussing how Harry Potter fans are grappling with a very problematic author, and how to balance loving the Wizarding World with the knowledge that the author continues to spew harmful rhetoric.
- We’re joined by friend of the show Karen, a longtime “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” fan to talk about how fandoms grapple with the realization that their series creators… suck.
- We speak about ‘The Death of the Author‘, a 1967 essay by Roland Barthes, who argues that an authors’ politics, religion, and other biographical facts that shape who they are shouldn’t dictate how one interprets their writing.
- We talk about what happens as a fan when your hero turns out not to be the person you thought they were, and the adjustment process it requires.
- What degree of privilege comes with being a fan who isn’t the target of harmful rhetoric by the creator?
- As fans of Harry and Buffy, how do we continue loving these works while also working to rebut the harmful actions of the creators?
- Karen is a published author, and speaks about literary influences and shares the line she draws for sharing personal views publicly.
- Check Karen out over at Prophecy Radio, and check out her Cassie Quinn mystery series!
- This week’s recommendations are a little tech, a little relaxing: mute email threads you’re not interested in seeing every reply on (Andrew), 1password (Laura), and “As It Was” by Harry Styles.
- This week’s show is sponsored by Talkspace (https://www.talkspace.com and enter code mill for $100 off your first month) and Felix Gray (https://felixgrayglasses.com/MILL for free shipping, returns, and exchanges). Support #Millennial by supporting our sponsors!
And in this week’s installment of After Dark, available on Patreon:
- We’re getting real honest about some habits we’ve had that are a bit distasteful and maybe even… illegal.
- The panel aren’t the only ones getting personal: Patrons sounded off about some of their dirty little secrets.
- Are we ashamed of some of these admissions? MAYBE.