Zack Snyder - A Cautionary Tale

When Will We Start to See Creatives Take Responsibility for Their Toxic Fans? 

The impact of creative works on society can often extend beyond the art itself. Toxic fandoms, or communities that engage in extreme behavior around the things they love, have grown in prominence in recent years. The ability afforded by social media platforms for individuals to operate either anonymously or with impunity, has given individuals with more questionable moral compasses a voice they would normally not have in a civilized society. 

Additionally, the lack of physical interactions has removed the “human” component from the dialogue, making people forget that they are interacting with or talking about a “real” person on the other side (in most instances). This causes individuals to say reprehensible and vile things to each other that would not dare speak in real life. This sense of “security” that these individuals experience is likely a result of some type of trauma they have experienced in their real life, that makes them feel like they are asserting some type of control in this virtual world they have created in their mind.

In addition to this, those who struggle from poverty, depression, isolation and trauma, may be more susceptible to what a group may have to offer, making the need for acceptance override the value of human decency. But when does the responsibility for these toxic fans fall on the creators of the work they're obsessed with?

This article delves into the question of creative responsibility by examining the controversy surrounding filmmaker Zack Snyder's toxic fans and the issue of paid bot accounts amplifying harmful messages.

Now I want to pause there for a brief moment. Inevitably, the fans of Zack Snyder will immediately ridicule the bot issue by “proving” they are not bots, as opposed to the rational thought that no one said at any time that the entire fandom of them are bots. The statement made time and time again is that paid “bots” have been used to amplify the message, not that they are the only thing doing it. If the thought was they were only bots and not “real” people, then there would not be a toxic issue (as bots have no emotion). Taking the stance of extremism to defend their reality is a key sign of cognitive dissonance, and should be the first sign there is a problem.

Zack Snyder's Toxic Fandom

Zack Snyder, the visionary filmmaker behind films such as "300", "Watchmen," and "Dawn of the Dead", has garnered a passionate following. While his work has attracted some dedicated and respectful fans, a vocal segment has engaged in targeted harassment and aggressive behavior towards those who criticize Snyder or his movies. 
In the years since Snyder began working on the DC Extended Universe, these toxic fans have taken to social media platforms, primarily using Twitter as their battleground to intimidate and harass those with dissenting opinions. They have gone so far as to threaten executives and attack actors and filmmakers who were seen as not being "loyal" to Snyder's vision. Despite the actions of these toxic fans, Snyder himself has not directly addressed their behavior or acknowledged the responsibility he may hold in curbing it.

The sad fact is that Zack Snyder likely realizes that there are a good number of this toxic sector of his fandom that have severe mental health issues, and you would think because of his own trauma he would care more about his own fans and not use them to try to further his own agenda or career. But nonetheless it seems as if this will continue.

Paid Bot Accounts and the Amplification of Toxic Messages

The toxic behavior of some of Zack Snyder's fans has been exacerbated by the rise of paid bot accounts. These bot accounts are used to artificially inflate the visibility and reach of targeted messages, often including aggressive rhetoric and misinformation. By employing these bot accounts, toxic fans can make it appear as though their views are more widespread and supported than they actually are. There are many within the entertainment industry that believe Zack Snyder himself is or was behind the bot attacks online, while others feel the fandom itself has financed the “operation”. No matter what side of that argument you fall on, the fact that there has been a paid effort to wield toxicity online is disturbing at best.

Bot accounts have become a significant issue across various social media platforms, as they can easily manipulate algorithms and trending topics. In the case of toxic fandoms, this can lead to a further polarization of opinions and an intensification of harassment against those who disagree with the extreme views being promoted. This coupled with spamming have facilitated a mob mentality and an inflated sense entitlement and power to people that likely in their offline world have very little control.

The Role of Creators in Addressing Toxic Fandom

Toxic fans can significantly damage the reputation of creators and their work, as well as create a hostile environment for other fans who wish to engage in respectful discourse. As such, it is important for creators like Zack Snyder to acknowledge the issue and take steps to address it. This is especially important when as a creator you highlight the positive work your fandom has done in supporting suicide prevention, while at the same time ignoring, and some would argue embracing the abusive nature that is one of the leading factors in the rise in suicide rates in order to weaponize them for your own gain.

Additionally, organizations that benefit in a more passive way from these toxic fandoms should bear some responsibility to address the online bullying that they would not condone in any other circumstance. For instance, AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) has received large donations from the Snyder fandom and seemingly as a result failed their purpose by ignoring the vitriol this group has spread online. If your goal is to help prevent loss of life through preventative measures, then you as an organization need to call out bad behaviors without regard for the financial contributions the fandom has made to your cause. Remaining blissfully ignorant is simply not an option in today’s world.

Some suggested ways for creators to take responsibility for their toxic fans include:

Publicly denouncing harassment and aggressive behavior: By making it clear that such actions are not condoned, creators can help establish a standard of behavior for their fanbase. While some individuals that experience trauma become more empathetic, some actually are emotionally hardened by the same situation. There is a belief that this has happened with Zack Snyder, as he seems to be unimpacted by the fact that his fandom could be responsible for behaviors that could lead to a similar tragic result like his family has faced. While simultaneously praising and also blatantly encouraging the behaviors, Zack Snyder has clearly embraced the role of enabler. 
 
Encouraging open and respectful discourse: Creators can promote healthy conversation by engaging with fans and promoting discussions that prioritize respect and understanding.

Collaborating with platform administrators: By working with social media platforms to monitor and report toxic behavior, creators can assist in addressing the issue at its source.

Creative Works and Their Impact on Fandom Culture

It is important to understand that the impact of creative works on fandom culture extends beyond the artist's intention. The content of a movie, book, or other creative work can sometimes inadvertently foster a community that is prone to toxic behavior. In the case of Zack Snyder's films, the dark and gritty tone may unintentionally appeal to individuals with more aggressive and confrontational attitudes.

In light of this, it is essential for creators to not only be aware of their work's potential impact on fan culture but also to be proactive in promoting healthy engagement within their fanbase. They can do so by ensuring that their work carries a positive message, addresses social issues responsibly, and includes diverse perspectives. 

The Power of Education and Awareness

Education and awareness play a crucial role in addressing toxic fandom. By understanding the potential consequences of their work and how it might foster toxic behavior, creators can take the necessary precautions to mitigate this risk. This may include being more mindful of the messages they are conveying through their work and ensuring that they do not unintentionally contribute to the normalization of aggression or harassment.

Fans can also be educated about the potential negative impacts of toxic behavior, which can help to reduce instances of harassment and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. Public figures, influencers, and creators themselves can contribute to this effort by using their platforms to raise awareness and promote positive discussions around the issue.

The Potential Benefits of Addressing Toxic Fandom

Addressing toxic fandom can have several positive outcomes for creators, fans, and the broader entertainment industry:

Improved reputation and public image: By taking responsibility for their toxic fans, creators can show that they care about the wellbeing of their audience and the overall health of the fan community. Additionally, things born out of toxicity tend to rot from within, as is the case with Zack Snyder’s fandom attacking each other now. There is an old idiom that states “a fish rots from the head” and this is evident by how Zack Snyder’s fandom consistently refers to him: Boss, Zaddy and even replacing Jesus’s face with Zack’s.

They think of Zack Snyder as Jesus 🤣🤣 ya really need help https://t.co/cUHy4VMKTp

— Shazyboy50 (@Shazyboy1992) February 19, 2023

Increased enjoyment for all fans: A more respectful and welcoming environment can lead to greater satisfaction and enjoyment for everyone involved, whether they are casual or dedicated fans.

Broader appeal and accessibility: By eliminating toxic behavior, creators can ensure that their work appeals to a wider audience and can be enjoyed by people from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry.

To wrap it up here, taking responsibility for toxic fans is an important step that creators like Zack Snyder should consider to foster a healthier, more inclusive, and welcoming environment for their fanbase. By recognizing the potential impact of their work, denouncing harassment and aggressive behavior, and working collaboratively with platform administrators, creators can help to create a more positive and enjoyable fan culture for everyone involved.

While it is impossible for creators to control every aspect of their fandom, they do have the power to influence and help establish norms for fan behavior. Addressing toxic fandom, as seen with Zack Snyder's fanbase, is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable space for all fans to engage in their love for creative works. By acknowledging the issue and taking appropriate action, creators can help to create a more respectful and understanding fan culture.

The amazing thing is that all it would take is a simple statement from Zack Snyder to say “Come on guys, this has gotten out of control, and this is not what we should be about. Let’s dial it back and be kind to one another” Seems like such a simple solution that any rational person would see as right. Will Zack ever change his approach? Doesn’t seem likely at this point, but hey ZSJL came out and that was impossible too!