Sometimes, in fandom, we just want to write id-tastic fic that rolls around in tropes that might be viewed as problematic. But we don’t want to address the problematic side of things in this particular fanwork; we just want to roll around and wallow.
It is considered courteous to give readers a heads-up via use of AO3 tags. I propose a tag that signals that a given fanwork is for rolling around, not giving a measured evaluation of anything. The MCU has carved out a space for this sort of fic with the “HYDRA Trash Party” tag, for which I commend them. Trash Party is a bit too specific to cover all of the ground I’m thinking of here, though; I propose “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat.”
For those of you not familiar with Arrested Development, Michael Bluth finds a paper bag in the freezer labeled “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat.” He opens the bag, finds a dead dove, and reacts as follows:
[gif of a white man saying “I don’t know what I expected” in a deadpan manner]
The “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat” tag would essentially be a “what it says on the tin” metatag, indicating “you see the tropes and concepts tagged here? they are going to appear in this fic. exactly as said. there will not necessarily be any subversion, authorial commentary condemning problematic aspects, or meditation on potential harm. this fic contains dead dove. if you proceed, you should expect to encounter it.”
Anne Rice: If you’re saying I play favorites, you’re wrong. I love all my vampires equally.
[Flashback to that morning]
Anne Rice: I don’t care for Daniel.
George Michael: Oh, it was… it was good. They’re kind of… religious, Ann’s parents, so it was… yeah, it was just kind of…
Narrator: The word George Michael was searching for was “creepy.”
-Episode 2×06 “Afternoon Delight”
I have a lot of questions of the Theatre des Vampires. Is that their only show? Do they change it up? What about rehearsals? Do they kill someone for that too, or is it 100% improv? I like to imagine Armand shouting “Estelle you were early again! From the top people!”
I-want-my-IWTV 