Fans lashing out does not a story make

When certain socalled fans got angry with Darling in the FranXX episode 14, they thought harassing the show’s creators and other fans was justified. This is how Anime News Network reported on it: Latest DARLING in the FRANKXX Episode Inspires Angry Hashtag:

After Zero Two practically goes nuclear on the entire squad, her handlers separate her from Hiro and re-enlist her with the elite squad. Hiro feels tortured over the development because he rejects Zero Two’s actions but still loves her. He attempts to go after but Ichigo stops him and finally lays her feelings bare. Fans of the Hiro and Zero Two coupling, or those who disagree with Ichigo’s actions in the episode have started using a hashtag on Twitter to designate their anger towards Ichigo, dubbing her “#Bitchigo.” The hashtag is predominately being used by English-speaking viewers on Twitter and Instagram.

In my experience, whenever there are articles in the fan press about “fans being angry on Twitter”, even if it’s clearly disapproving of them like this one is, it encourages them. Especially when written in a “some fans say this, others disagree” template. Doing this without context other than a plot summary legitimises this behaviour. It’s a nothingburger of a story anyway, fans being outraged online, but if you have to write about it, at least provide the context, both in why certain Darling in the FranXX get so het up about their shipping as well as to why this sort of behaviour shouldn’t be condoned. Focus on the inevitable harassment this brings along with it.

Be more responsible.

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