Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.15291/SIC/1.9.LC.4

The “Problem” of Male Friendship in Supernatural and Its Fan Fiction

Melodie Cardin ; Carleton University, Canada

Abstract

This article considers the inclusion of the real-life “slash” fandom in the canon storyline of the CW/WB show Supernatural, and the consequent exploration of the taboo idea raised by the fans: of a sexual relationship between its two central characters, who are brothers. By including references to fan fiction, Supernatural opens a space to question normative sexual identity constructs. This article draws on an argument by Michel Foucault that homosexuality is a social construct that emerged as a way to deal with the “problem of male friendship.” In the context of Foucault’s argument, Supernatural’s treatment of its “slash” fan fiction allows for polysemic interpretations of the brothers’ relationship to coexist with the platonic “canon” storyline, opening the door to ideas of sexual fluidity and the “queering” of its characters by fans.

Keywords

fan fiction; sexual identity; Foucault; intimatopias; Supernatural

Hrčak ID:

215116

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/215116

Publication date:

17.12.2018.

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