I've loved figure skating from the first time I saw a picture of a skater in one of my storybooks. I was aged two and I'm now over 50. I've skated (to a high standard) and coached but have never, ever considered myself a "fan". To me, "fan" is a shortened form of the word "fanatic" and that has no positive connotations whatsoever. That others consider it to be a source of pride, frankly, baffles me. When attending competitions, I'll applaud every competitor. Yes, I have favourites - based on skating rather than national/tribal affiliations - but I honestly want to see every single skater perform to their best ability and be happy with that performance. And the best one should win. I think there's a far more fair system of judging now rather than in the days of the Cold War when I grew up and started competing and I'm thankful for that, even if I miss the cards with 6.0.
To see the level of vitriol that seems to exist within these "fandoms" really saddens me, but then that seems to be the way the world is going at the moment. I really hope it can be stopped. Kindness should be the way forward.
But I'm British. We tend - with some sad exceptions - not to be at home to Mr or Mrs Rude. <pours tea and proffers biscuits>
Well said, I completely agree.