So, you’ve stumbled across the term “ProShip” on Tumblr and your brain’s going, “What in the fandom is that?” Well, my dear friend, let’s unpack this delightful little nugget of Tumblr lingo together, shall we? Hold onto your seat; it’s about to get spicy!
To put it simply, Pro-ship is like the wild child of the fandom world, twirling around while yelling, “I love all the ships!” This term stands in stark contrast to its more somber sibling, the “anti-ship.” If anti-ship is the party pooper, pointing fingers and casting judgment on fanfics and pairings with any hint of controversy (think age gaps, incest, or downright abusive dynamics), then pro-ship bursts through the door wearing a colorful boa, waving a rainbow flag, and shouting, “You do you, boo!”
Here’s where things get interesting: Pro-ship fans don’t shy away from the controversial. They dive right in, relishing the scandal, the taboo, and the angst that some ships may bring. It’s reminiscent of that friend who declares, “I love spicy food!” while the rest of us nibble on bland crackers. For pro-shippers, the appeal lies in the juiciness of complex relationships, no matter how unconventional they may be. Would you ship a vampire and a high school student? Why not? How about a pirate and a treasure chest? Go wild, my friend!
But wait! Pro-ship isn’t all about just loving controversial ships. It also includes folks who are more relaxed in their fandom approach. You might hear a pro-shipper say, “I don’t care what you ship as long as it makes you happy.” This is where the definition can stretch and morph like a gooey piece of taffy. If you’re fond of crossovers and bizarre pairings that make others cringe, congratulations! You’ve just taken the pro-ship plunge.
Now, let’s not confuse this enthusiasm with a lack of critical thinking. Just because pro-shippers embrace all kinds of ships doesn’t mean they endorse problematic content without a second thought. A pro-shipper might enjoy a story peppered with dark themes but could also engage in thoughtful discussions about the implications of those narratives. This isn’t a “let’s ignore all red flags” situation. Pro-shippers can appreciate the drama without condoning harmful behavior in real life.
Here’s the punchline: Whether you’re shipping a classic couple or venturing into the depths of moral dilemmas wrapped in melodrama, pro-ship serves as a reminder that fandom is an expansive, creative universe. It encourages you to explore beyond the conventional and embrace the chaos that comes from bending the rules of traditional storytelling. So, next time someone asks you what ProShip means on Tumblr, you can cheerfully respond with a wink, “It means diving headfirst into the rabbit hole of fandom madness, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Just remember, wherever your shipping takes you, keep it fun and fabulous!
