Politics for the Love of Fandom

This timely examination of civic engagement reveals how popular culture has become a powerful catalyst for political action, blending fandom with real-world activism. Through compelling case studies ranging from Harry Potter advocates pushing for fair trade to football fans mentoring youth, the book demonstrates how fan communities are creating entirely new forms of citizenship. The concept of "fan-based citizenship" provides a fresh lens for understanding how our entertainment interests can translate into meaningful social change, showing that political mobilization doesn't always look like traditional activism.

What makes this analysis particularly valuable is its recognition that civic participation now flows through unexpected channels, where commitment to a fan object can be as motivating as traditional political allegiances. Readers interested in political science, media studies, or contemporary social movements will find compelling evidence that our cultural passions are reshaping how we engage with public issues. The book ultimately challenges conventional boundaries between entertainment and politics, offering a hopeful perspective on how modern communities organize for change through shared cultural touchstones.