petition to call “fanservice” something else bc i am in fact a fan and that type of thing does me a DISservice
proposed alternate term: “perv pandering”
pros:
- makes clear who it is for
- frames it in a negative light
- gross dudebro fans like to accuse any attempt at diversity or representation as being “pandering” so it’s fun to point out how they’re being pandered to
- alliteration
Agreed 100% I was always hesitant to use the term “fanservice” for what is clearly just perv pandering. Because as I learned it first, it meant exactly what the name implies – rewarding fans with a creator’s nod; pleasing the audience.
References to continuity, cameos of beloved characters, canonizing popular ships – those are examples of fan service.
Gratuitous sexualization of female characters isn’t really that. That’s just erotica, plain and simple. Let’s not imply that wanking to a skimpily-clad fictional heroine requires being her fan first.
~Ozzie