I've taken from Ann's comments that she sees fanfic (and Pop Culture) in a larger socio-cultural context. So while it may be "just fanfic" it's also symbolic of the wider values and beliefs which a group holds. (people do PH.D. theses on such things, would you believe - "Amercian religious beliefs as reflected in the world of the Simpsons" , etc - I kid you not. laugh )

Given that perspective, nothing is insignificant - everything is symbolic - even Seinfeld. laugh

And Lois Lane. smile Oh yeah, Superman (Nietzche, anyone? or Sherlock Holmes?)

Even when *we* don't consciously thnk it's symbolic, it's still subconsciously symbolic. Not possible to escape it. You can run, but you can't escape smile

Hope I've not put words in Ann's mouth here.

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Nor does it accurately reflect on my sense of social responsibility in the real world.
You... mean ... fanfic... is not the ... Real World?
Who knew? Wait a minute, I've just posited that it is - at least a reflection, okay, a very dim reflection of the real world.

Of course, it could just be that a fic is a fic is a fic.

unless it's a deathfic. smile

c.