Fandom & The 2024 Elections

A 5-week club to help you survive the 2024 Elections

You’re an informed, well-educated voter. Maybe you can’t wait to cast a ballot for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Maybe you’re voting against certain candidates more than you’re voting for anyone. Perhaps you're fascinated— or frightened— by the state of our nation’s current political landscape and the outsized role of television, social platforms, and foreign influence in our political discourse.

In this Fanlink, you’ll explore the complex dynamics behind politics and fandom. Whether it’s the MAGA movement, K-Hive, Swifties4Kamala, Never Trumpers, or those sitting out the election, we’ll unpack how these movements grew and what they mean for the future of democracy.

A Safe Space for Election Talk

We get it— talking about politics can be tough, especially with family, friends, or colleagues. That’s why our Fanlink offers a respectful, open environment where you can process the whirlwind of election-related news, memes, and conflicting opinions without the fear of judgment.

Join peers who feel the same way you do: scared, hopeful, worried, or curious. Together, we’ll dissect the highs and lows of the 2024 elections.

Meet your Mentors

Our discussions will be led by two experienced mentors:

• A UC Berkeley media professor, bringing her expertise in media studies, social networks, and democracy.
• An education expert, ensuring that our sessions are inclusive, interactive, and engaging.

They will present short lectures and moderate thoughtful, respectful conversations about this historical election cycle’s stresses, joys, challenges, and lessons.

What You'll Learn

In addition to having the chance to share your thoughts and benefit from others’ perspectives, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of:

• Political Fandoms: How did DJT gain such an enthusiastic following? Will the fandoms of Harris/Walz – and Taylor Swift – grow big enough, strong enough, and loud enough in swing states to triumph?
• Media Studies & Media Literacy: How does media shape political movements? What can be done about friends and relatives we’ve “lost” to Fox News and online conspiracy theories? What can we do to protect ourselves and our families from the most damaging aspects of television and social media?
• Political Theory: What can we learn from famous thinkers, past and present, about the workings of our democracy?
• The Role of Gender, Race & Age: Why was Obama’s election followed by the rise of the far right? Why hasn’t the U.S. ever had a woman president? Why were so many Democrats calling on Joe Biden to step down due to his age? How will Kamala Harris’s intersectional identity affect her chances of becoming POTUS?

Rewarding Actions, Not Just Words

This Fanlink won’t be all talk– we will reward your actions, too! Whether you’re phone banking, fundraising, writing postcards, or registering voters, we’ll send you cool, fun gifts as positive recognition for your election-related efforts.

You don’t have to spend the next month doomscrolling— put your energy to good use and get rewarded along the way!

Join Us!

This Fanlink meets Mondays 5:30PM PST / 8:30PM EST on Zoom and is open to adults 18 years and older. If you’re an adult who knows a minor (ages 13-17) interested in joining, you can enroll both yourself and the minor together.

Make new connections, level up your knowledge, and be part of a unique learning experience during this historic election season!