With your question about Tumblr Fandom, I'm reminded of that jerk who said cosplayers aren't "really fans" but only like the costumes. 1. that's not true - plenty of cosplayers read the comics/watch the show/play the game but 2. if they like the costumes m

That’s what I think, too. I think it’s deliberately diminishing.

HOWEVER, I am trying to figure out WHY it’s diminishing? Why should anyone care how another fan shows their affection for characters or a story?

I don’t get it. If someone loves a character mainly for t-shirts, so what? Who am I to judge?