Discrimination Within The Fandom

There is a fine line between "Directioners" and "Directionaters." In the One Direction fandom, this is the singular division. This labeling system within the fanbase has led to many detrimental affects within the One Direction communities. Social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, are primarily home to the most brutal sorts of attacks. Teenagers- who are One Direction's targeted audience- usually see the internet as a means to interact socially with one another. However, once a common ground of "I like One Direction" has been established, the next steps could be either empowering or humbling. Once a person identifies themselves as being part of a fandom on the internet, their knowledge and devotion to the fandom is brought into question as a way to sub-divide the group. If you can't answer this

perfectly, then you must be a "Directionater." The main differences between "Directioners" and "Directionaters" are simple. "Directionaters" are those who partake in listening to One Direction on a moderate basis and otherwise do not have lives configured around this singular interest. However, "Directioners" are the more 'hard-core' fans. These are the individuals who watch every broadcast, listen to every song, and possessively cling to every item of merchandise that they own. "Directioners" see others within the One Direction fandom are being less devoted than they are, and this is where strife originates. "Directionaters" will be humiliated on chat-boards for their lack of One Direction knowledge, and cyber-bullying within the group can- and does- happen. My question for you is how can subdivisions within groups, such as the One Direction fandom be corrected so that there is less tension within the overall masses? Conflicts are bound to happen, but are there ways to 'soothe the savage beast' within the more volatile individuals so that a more enjoyable experience is available to those within the fandom? Have an answer, leave a comment. Until next time, 1Directioner Post, out.