My thoughts on “tiktok fans”

This is something that has been discussed lately, and it’s been bothering me slightly, so here are my opinions.

About a year ago, Ptolemaea popped up on my Spotify, and I fell in love with the entire preachers daughter album, I spent countless hours researching it and being happy that I finally found music that speaks to me.

During that time, I inevitably interacted with the Ethel Cain fandom online, including the biggest social media platform, and I learned about some memes and I genuinely did laugh at a few, I also cried, laughed, and stood in the pit for 3 hours to wait for Hayden to come out and sing songs that explained things that I couldn’t put a name to.

I understand that Hayden has posted that she won’t be interacting with everyone as personally on tumblr anymore, and I wholeheartedly support that. What got to me was the comments on the influx of new fans from tiktok, I understand that a lot of people who had spread these jokes were not fully aware of how serious Ethel Cains discography is, but I also understand that some of the new fans from wherever connected with this music on a deeply personal level. The topics in some of these songs honestly are so beautifully expanded on and articulated that it’s a rarity.

I don’t think it’s fair to lump everyone together, I know that it sounds like common sense not to assume everyone has ill intentions, but I’ve seen people in person and online say truly uncalled for and blatantly rude things about or to people on their journey to learn about Hayden’s music.

The way her biggest fans feel entitled to speak for her and hate on new fans seems almost worse than immature jokes, I know we want to follow what she says and it’s disappointing to have her not be as open anymore but that’s her decision, don’t blame that on other random people, if they personally are disrespectful to Hayden then by all means, but otherwise, the mainstream and media is going to happen whether you are ready, glad about it, or not.

I’m open to other thoughts and perspectives, but as of right now it’s sad to see a community of people who have gone through things that allow us to understand this music well, be so unwelcoming and gatekeepy. Thank you<3