Cynical fan: telling the truth shamelessly

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the current study is to assess how fans structure their fannish based on discussions about the insertion of political agendas in media products, which is a recurring behavior observed in the entertainment industry in recent times. Based on the analysis of Star Wars fan’s interactions about the recent introduction of characters representing political identities in the saga, the study addressed the Foucauldian concept of subjectivation through the manifestation of truths, by adopting his archaeogenealogical method. Two moral agencies resulted from this analysis, namely: the innovation evaluated by Star Wars fans concerning the insertion of new representative characters in the saga and the adequacy such changes need to meet, although remaining in compliance with the established form of the saga canon. Both agencies reflect the concern with maintaining the franchise’s status quo rather than with the political agenda. The current study has evaluated the courage to tell the truth as a cynical practice committed to perpetuate its own subjectivity by ruling other truths.