Toxic Behaviors in the Dragon Ball Fandom: An Analysis

The Dragon Ball fandom, much like many large fan communities, grapples with a range of toxic behaviors. These behaviors can significantly impact the atmosphere of the community and discourage participation by less familiar members. In this article, we will explore common issues such as gatekeeping, toxic rivalries, misogyny, harassment, and nostalgia bias, and provide insights into how these behaviors manifest within the fandom. Additionally, we will discuss how the size and commercial success of Dragon Ball contribute to the presence of toxic behaviors, offering a nuanced perspective on the issue.

Understanding Toxic Behaviors in the Dragon Ball Fandom

Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping refers to the behavior of some fans who dismiss or belittle newcomers or those with less knowledge, creating an unwelcoming environment. This can be as simple as belittling discussions of characters or series that are unfamiliar to them, which can be particularly discouraging for casual fans who may be new to the franchise.

Toxic Rivalries

Intensely debated topics like "Dragon Ball vs. other anime" create hostile environments, often manifesting in aggressive online arguments. These rivalries can lead to a divisive atmosphere, where fans become entrenched in their positions and refuse to engage in constructive dialogue.

Misogyny

Misogynistic attitudes within the fandom, particularly towards female characters, can create a culture that undervalues their contributions. Dismissive and harsh criticism of female characters can contribute to a toxic environment that alienates and demotivates members.

Harassment

Harassment of creators or individuals who express differing opinions is another common issue. This can include trolling on social media or disparaging comments in forums, which can be damaging and contribute to a hostile community atmosphere.

Nostalgia Bias

Long-time fans may romanticize earlier series or arcs, leading to dismissive attitudes towards newer content. This can alienate fans who enjoy current directions in the franchise, creating a rift between generations of fans.

Why the Dragon Ball Fandom Is Toxic

In my opinion, the combination of the current size of the DB fan base and its commercial success worldwide has contributed to the presence of toxic behaviors. When Dragon Ball was popular during my childhood, it was not as widespread as it is today due to the limited reach of the internet and social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Quora. As a result, the current large fan base includes many individuals with more profound investment in the franchise, leading to more toxic behavior towards non-fans or within the many DB fandom spaces.

Powerscaling

A significant contributor to toxicity is the obsession with powerscaling, or the strength of characters. Some fans, particularly on YouTube and Quora, focus on "Goku solos all" scenarios and "can he beat Goku?" debates. This can lead to personal attacks and insults when people disagree, often pushing the narrative in a direction that alienates non-fans. Sometimes it is acceptable not to have all the information about character strengths. Engaging in debates with personal attacks instead of civil discussions can make the community less welcoming. If you do not know the point of characters' strength, it is okay to say so or choose not to engage in the debate altogether.

Dragon Ball GT vs. Dragon Ball Super Fans

Another toxic aspect of the fandom is the conflict between fans of Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super. While the former is older and has been around for a longer time, the latter has become equally toxic in recent years. Fans on both sides often debate which series has stronger characters, better writing, or better transformations, leading to hostile and divisive discussions. Ironically, this has resulted in both series being overhated, with GT being hated before Super existed and Super being hated after it was created.

Nostalgia/Cognitive Bias

Nostalgia and cognitive bias are particularly frustrating for fans. The many concepts and ideas in GT and Super are often criticized while similar elements in Z are praised. For example, Gokus characterization in Super often becomes a point of contention, with narratives pushing the idea that "DBS made Goku dumb" or "DBS Goku doesn't take anything seriously." However, the nostalgic or biased views often ignore the same "dumb" and "not so serious" moments that Goku had in Z and GT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dragon Ball fandom is more toxic to itself than to non-fans. The obsession with always being right, personal attacks, and double standards have contributed significantly to the condemnation of the fandom. While not every Dragon Ball fan is toxic, there is a strong presence of toxic behaviors within the community. Addressing these issues requires open dialogue, inclusivity, and a focus on creating a positive community atmosphere. If you have any thoughts on the issue, feel free to share them.

Key Takeaways

Gatekeeping and toxic rivalries Misogyny and harassment Nostalgia bias and critical thinking Importance of constructive dialogue

Further Reading

You can find more in-depth discussions about these issues and other aspects of the Dragon Ball fandom on popular forums like Reddit, as well as in articles and podcasts devoted to anime and manga.

This is just my opinion. Have a good one!