#LawrenceHive vs #TeamIssa: how Insecure fans use fandom communities to perform social and cultural identity

Abstract

HBO hit-series Insecure became a social media sensation much like the web series that inspired it. The relatability and freshness of the characters made the show an instant standout among fans and critics in a market starved for Black representation since the decline of UPN and the WB. Black fans created digital communities on Facebook and Reddit where they discussed the show, and these spaces quickly became places that prompted conversations about Black identity and traditional gender roles. This study will use textual analysis of the posts and comments in a Facebook group and a subreddit group to examine how users' discussion forums for popular Black television shows are used to define social and cultural identity.