Dickson: Superfans are on to something

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — I know some of you roll your eyes at FanX. Why would adults want to dress up in costume and wander around looking at art and memorabilia? What are they, 12?

Yes, actually. Being a superfan of Pokemon or Marvel or Star Wars, or Star anything is very much like being a kid, which is part of what makes it so wonderful.

And so healthy.

Forget your troubles

One of the first things you notice inside FanX is that everyone is happy. Families pushing strollers, teenagers hanging out together, old guys wearing Obi-Wan Kenobi costumes eating tacos at a table with their lightsabers propped on their laps – all of these people are just having a great time.

As you walk through the convention hall, you’ll see costumes so creative, so authentic, you have to stop the people and ask for a picture. Which I did every other aisle. Some of the costumes were so incredible, a line would form of attendees waiting for a picture.

Sense of community

I wrote a story this week about the growing popularity of AI companions. I couldn’t help but think about how we have so disconnected from community that we are turning to algorithms for empathy.

Superfans may be on to something. There was a sense of community at the Salt Palace Convention Center like I haven’t seen in a long time. People who had never seen each other before, but who were wearing costumes from the same series, would embrace like brothers.

“Jengo!”

“Boba!”

There is magic in losing yourself in something, just like children do when they play.

I spent the majority of my childhood as an athlete. Morning and afternoon swim practices from the time I was 10 years old. I have only vague memories of playing, of doing something with no focus on outcome or reward.

Maybe I’m living a little bit of the childhood I missed now. At age 60. And I feel beyond grateful for the opportunity.

Disagree better

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has focused on an initiative to help us disagree better. We should be able to talk to each other about our beliefs, policy preferences, everything without thinking the other is evil if they disagree with us.

I couldn’t help but think, as I appreciated the 7 foot tall Chewbaccas and Hagrids walking around posing with fans for pictures at FanX, that I didn’t notice a single politically themed hat, T-shirt, pin or conversation. No one in that arena cared who you are voting for. We were all there, in community, sharing a love of creativity and artistic expression.

So, roll your eyes if you want but remember that painting your face blue or red for a football game, putting on Mickey Mouse ears or even collecting Olympic pins are all versions of what I experienced this weekend. It’s all a part of loving being alive.

Amanda Dickson co-hosts Utah’s Morning News on KSL NewsRadio and is the host of ‘A Woman’s View.’

Listen to ‘A Woman’s View’ superfans podcast episode. 👇

 

Related:

Dickson: Where faith and journalism meet

Dickson: A salute to Utah women

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