“Words have power.” Minority and Cultural Representation in FanFiction

Idling In The Impala: A Supernatural Podcast

Sandra and Kasey welcomed authors and friends to dig deeper into fanfiction on this episode. The topic is minority and cultural representation (or the lack thereof) in fanfics, focusing on Reader Insert and Original Characters.

Alex, known as ZepSkies, is a reader-insert and OFC writer who has penned many stories centered around characters brought to life by one Jensen Ackles. She’s imbued her reader inserts and ofc’s with diverse traits and characteristics that have reflected her Latin heritage and explored other cultures outside her frame of reference.

Sandra sent an ask out in Idling’s Discord server to talk to authors from various cultures about this topic. One member, Laila (known as rubyvhs on tumblr), was keen to come on for the chat. Unfortunately, exams got in the way of her joining. But she kindly took time out and answered some questions sent over in advance.

Many thanks to these talented authors for sharing their insight and lived experiences!

You can find Alex on tumblr and AO3 and listen to her author interview.

You can find Laila on tumblr and AO3.

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Charities IITI Supports: Check out the Causes, ‘cause page on our website for the whys:

World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

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For Those in the US: Educate and Empower Yourself, Find Ways to Take Action

Support Basic Human Rights - American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Prioritize Your Mental Health - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Thrive (Not Just Survive) After Abuse - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

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LGBTQ+ Charities

Switchboard LGBT UK

The Trevor Project - USA and Global

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Our podcast occasionally incorporates brief excerpts from the CW television show "Supernatural" for transformative commentary and analysis. This use falls under the Fair Use doctrine codified in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. The included clips are short, constituting only a minuscule portion of the original work, and illustrate specific points within our critical commentary. Our podcast does not compete with the show's market. This use promotes public discourse and understanding of the work, strengthening its cultural significance.

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Chapter Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:23 - Laila’s intro to SPN and fanfiction

00:06:18 - Alex’s cultural background and formative years

00:12:15 - Laila’s cultural background

00:17:00 - Fanfic Alex reads

00:25:10 - Fanfic Laila reads

00:25:54 - When Alex discovered cultural representation in fanfic

00:31:27 - Did Laila search for her cultural heritage in fanfic?

00:36:36 - Deciding to give a reader-insert character diverse cultural traits

00:51:29 - Fear of sharing a part of your culture in fanfiction?

00:58:41 - Laila incorporated her cultural identity into fanfic

01:05:34 - Breaking out of an ingrained bias

01:13:20 - Writing about a culture outside of your frame of reference

01:31:58 - Laila’s cultural creations

01:40:34 - Final advice from Alex

01:45:22 - Final thoughts and outro