Obsession...You're My Obsession...

When you think of obsession today, you are vaguely reminded of the song by Animotion from the 1980s.

"I will have you...yes I will have you. I will find a way and I will have you."

While the lyrics are somewhat a playful take on lust, it is a frightening reality in the world of fandoms. Granted, everyone has fantasized about an actor or a singer or a celebrity. It's human nature. However, when your fantasies spill into your everyday life, there is cause for concern.

The biggest thing that fuels fangirl/fanboy behaviour is obsession. No longer is their actor a human being...they have become an object of twisted desire. A lot of celebrities go out in public incognito so that they won't be harassed by obsessed fans.

I am not talking about your garden variety admirer who sends gifts and creepy letters. I am talking about individuals who find out where a celebrity is staying or living if it's in their vicinity...hanging out at an actor's favourite restaurant to interrupt their dinner for an autograph. Individuals who run after the car a celebrity is leaving Comic-Con in because they wanted to meet them.

If you look at the images of Benedict Cumberbatch with fans, you can clearly tell when he is annoyed at being harassed at public functions. What you thought was the friendly point isn't what it seems. When he is annoyed with a fan, he will point at them with a tired look upon his face. When he isn't annoyed, he is smiling genuinely and looking like he is enjoying himself. Sadly, a lot of fangirls and fanboys cannot tell the difference even though it is plainly obvious. If you were wondering, he was the one whose car was chased down by an obsessed fan at Comic-Con.

<----- Exhibit A: Tired and annoyed at being hounded.  He and Louise Brealey were at lunch and a performance when they were approached by two fangirls. (P.S. It killed me to post this image as I don't like scouring the internet for impromptu pictures of him trying to live as a normal human being.)

Tom Hiddleston is a fan favourite because he always takes the time for his fans, even when he is
tired, sick or possibly even annoyed. But even he has his limits...and rightfully so. His phone has been hacked, his private online accounts have been hacked...his hotel room in Toronto and shooting locations for Crimson Peak were leaked all over the internet. Yet, being the admirable soul that he is, he still tries to put a smile on his fans' faces...even if he is frightened beyond belief or sick as a dog.

This kind of behaviour takes its toll on celebrities. They aren't dancing monkeys who perform for our twisted enjoyment, they are professionals who create and display art in dramatic form.

Put yourself in their shoes. Would you like to be harassed and followed by obsessed people everywhere you go? Would you like to be afraid that you won't be able to pursue a normal relationship with your soulmate because they will get death threats? Would you enjoy being approached in an airport and hounded when you're trying to catch your flight home? I know I wouldn't...so I choose to let them be.

Perhaps fangirls and fanboys should follow my example and do the same!!!