Pathophysiolizing Fandom

6:00pm at Marquee Mall, Angeles City. I was tagged by my mom to go see the mall show of “Princess and I”, a show that I didn’t even know existed on TV. But by the look of the crowd in attendance, the show seemed to have a good following. Apparently, not only the girls were too engrossed about the mall show. Even the not-so girls of the AC were adequately represented, probably in the hope of seeing what’s-his-first-name Padilla. Again, another entity that I know nothing about its existence. 

Of the countless shrieks and comments thrown by the fans in the venue, my ears - who are specially trained to pick up the most nonsensical things - heard some girl say, “Grabe! Smile pa lang niya nahimatay na ako”. Well, based on my assessment, she didn’t really seem to have lost consciousness. I suspect that she rather suffered from a type of seizure characterized by agitated movement and intermittent shrieking (possibly caused by an increase in intracranial pressure), triggered by the presence of his/her idol. 

 Some came better prepared by bringing in banners with “I love you ________” written on it. I didn’t get it. The girl just professed her love for the celebrity who does recognizer her no more than a stranger. It’s like a postmodern form of unrequited love. Quick! Call those aspiring scriptwriters out there. 

 As we tried to steer away from the crowd, the people from our back started to rampage toward the backstage as the celebrities went toward the exit. Again commenced the endless shrieking as they hurriedly passed by, while waving to their fans like they know them personally. I wonder if these celebs really enjoy the shrieking and the engrossment of these people. Do they even wonder if they’re deserving of such? 

At times, I think fandom is very complicated. But I think being a subject of it is as equally taxing.