Drew Kalil

Rhetorical Prcis
First Year Writing
February 8, 2015
Henry Jenkins, in his novel Textual Poachers, defends fans, fanatics and
fandom. The professor at University of Southern California claims that groups of
fans, such as Trekkies, have found that being part of a fandom has many benefits.
Jenkins begins is argument by presenting two cases of the popular perception of
Trekkies, a Saturday Night Live sketch and a Newsweek article, both painting
Trekkies in a terrible light. Although he begins with this approach, Jenkins quickly
diverges to the benefits of fandoms that can only be seen once one looks past the
stereotypes of each fandom. Jenkins purpose is to call attention to the benefits of
fanatics and fandoms. He cites examples of people profiting from fandoms and uses
these examples of reasons why the public should not be so against fans. The serious
tone established by Jenkins is intended for both sides of this fandom phenomena,
however it seems to be directed towards people who have been told to Get a life.
This work is important because it provides a strong argument for those fans who are
usually looked at unfavorably. In fact, it makes a case that there are benefits to
being part of a fandom.