Intro: Dispensing More Period Drama Discourse
My Twitter display name is Amanda, Dispenser of Period Drama Discourse for a reason other than ego inflation. My micro blogging has expanded since the days of Downton Abbey live tweets. I’ve moved on to live tweet other PBS shows, Doctor Who, and sometimes previewing new UK TV shows before the US premiere. Many of my tweets and threads are about activism for greater racial representation in period drama/Doctor Who fandom, calling out tolerance for bigotry/gatekeeping in fandom, independent research into Black British history and depiction in pop culture, tracking TV industry events/updates, and dabbling in fandom meta (hence the word discourse). However, many of these Twitter posts would likely be better served on a blog with no limits on word count.
The pandemic removed many of my previous excuses for not writing a steady blog. My day job allowed more work-from-home time. There were no more Doctor Who or other fandom conventions and events to prepare for or attend. I obtained paid freelance writing work which proved there was an audience beyond Twitter for my niche expertise, perspective and interests. Recent BLM protests made my calls to end racism in fandom more important than ever before. Most importantly, I had time to sit and unpack my past mistakes and realize that I have wasted a lot of time trying to create change and socially progressive discourse in fandom spaces and with people who didn’t want to change their views.
This for now frill-free blog is a space for everything in my head which doesn’t turn into a published piece. It will be a mix of fandom meta, essays, reviews of new and upcoming TV shows, and opinions. I can’t promise daily updates but I will post on Twitter when I do make updates. There will be spoilers for UK shows without a US distribution contract yet, but I will warn as I go. Comments which question the need for more representation racial/other marginalized groups in media will be deleted. I hope you like what you read.
