A case of Sherlockian identity: Irregulars, feminists, and millennials

Authors

  • Liza Potts Michigan State University Sherlockian.net

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3983/twc.2017.01150

Keywords:

Fan community, Gender, Generations, Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes

Abstract

This essay describes a study of how fans participate in memory-making activities. I call this activity participatory memory, blending theories from collective memory and participatory culture. Interestingly, while studying spaces of memory for Sherlock Holmes (the Canon) and BBC's Sherlock (2010–), I began to realize that these spaces have much to do with gender, generations, class, and cultural differences that helped regulate (and even segregate) different ways in which people were allowed to participate in the Sherlockian fandom.

Author Biography

Liza Potts, Michigan State University Sherlockian.net

Liza Potts is an associate professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures at Michigan State University where she is the Director of WIDE Research Center. She is the Caretaker and Project Leader of Sherlockian.net. Her research interests include digital rhetoric, social user experience, and participatory culture.

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Published

2017-09-15

Issue

Vol. 25 (2017)

Section

Symposium

License

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