I have observed something interesting in the Duran Duran fandom in the last few months. Some Duran fans do not like the term “Duranie” and would never refer to themselves in this way. This is fascinating to me. I have always called myself a Duranie and never thought much about it. To me, the term equals any other term used to identify fans. For example, my brother and sister-in-law are Trekkies. (I realize that some Star Trek fans prefer the term, Trekker, but the idea is the same.) So why wouldn’t someone want to be called a Duranie?
I am not sure where the term came from or when it started. I did listen to Top 40 Chicago radio as a kid and remember hearing the term then (early to mid 1980s). Even as a young age, I remember understanding that the term was not always used in a complimentary fashion. I knew that some of the DJs were making fun of Duran Duran fans even as they played Hungry Like the Wolf. Could this be part of the reason that some fans don’t like the term? They don’t like it because it was/is used by people to make fun of the fans? I can understand not wanting to be made fun of. Then, there is another part of me that says that I don’t care what people think of me. If they want to make fun of me because I’m a Duranie, go ahead. It won’t change how I feel or that I’m a Duran Duran fan.
I heard rumors that the term started in America. (Is that true? Does anyone know that for sure?) Perhaps, if this is true, that could cause negative feelings toward the term. If the term is connected to American fans, I can understand the rest of the world being annoyed. After all, Duran Duran fans are everywhere and the band themselves are from England. They aren’t an American band so why should the fans there get a nickname to identify them, right?! If the term just reminds people of American fans then that isn’t good. Yet, I wonder and worry if the dislike towards the term has more to do with the stigma involved with being a Duranie or a fan, in general.
It seems to me that fans get a bad reputation. Fans are often seen as slightly crazy, slightly obsessed. People, sometimes, think of fans as people who haven’t grown up. They worry that people who identify themselves as fans might be stalkers who follow the band or celebrity. Maybe they would do something harmful to the famous person/people. Now, obviously, there are fans who cross the line. While it is rare that fans actually want or do harm the subject of their affection, there are people who seem to take it a bit too far. Thus, is it possible that normal fans don’t want to be associated with these fans who have gone too far? Yet, I believe that normal fans have nothing to be ashamed of because we know where the line is and would never think of crossing it. We shouldn’t let those who are unstable ruin something that we enjoy or make us ashamed. I, instead, embrace the fan in me.
Of course, another possibility here is that our fan community has forced this anti-Duranie feeling. Perhaps, people have seen or been in the line of fire with other Duranies. Our fan community is not always one of love and inclusiveness (as much as we like to think otherwise). Duranies can and have had arguments. They do not always get along and have talked about each other, both in public and in private. Thus, is it possible that some fans reject the term because they want to reject this negativity? I think that is possible and is understandable. Yet, again, I refuse to let that type of activity influence me. I realize that this type of behavior happens within the community. While I hate it, I’m still going to do what I want to do and be proud of who I am.
I am a Duranie. While I realize that there are negative connotations to the term, I don’t let that control me. To me, the term means that I’m a Duran Duran fan, nothing more and nothing less.
-A
Wait a minute. You mean our fan community isn't all about hearts and flowers??? No rainbows and unicorns?!?
Ok…at least we've got John, Roger & Dom. Nick & Simon too! -R
And I'm DEFINITELY a Duranie. I like it, dammit. 😀
That was Rhonda commenting! She got so excited that she didn't leave her name!
-A
If you own an original UK 12″ single of Planet Earth, get it out. In the runoff area of the track, the words “Duranies Rock On!” are etched into the wax. (I am not positive about the capitalization; I don't actually have it in front of me.) Now, yes, it SHOULD have been spelled with 2 Ns, but it wasn't. So as far as I am concerned, I am a proud Duranie! I always have been. I always will be.
It is most definitely NOT a US thing. It was not something the press dubbed us. And as far as people making fun of us, well, they always have. If you haven't been able to deal with it after 30 years, how in the hell are you even still here? I love this band. I love every album. Yes, EVERY album. I have never cared what anyone says. Even when they were the most popular they ever had been, I stood my ground as one of their most devoted fans. For some odd reason, people actually used to try to convince me they were bigger fans than I was. All of those people I used to argue with stopped following them when it stopped being trendy. I never followed trends. I made my own choices, especially about music. I have occasionally run into those old friends and they are amazed I am STILL as devoted to the band as I was then. And frankly, most of them are a little jealous now that I have seen them so many times and met them briefly a few times. The disdain I used to get from them has turned to an odd admiration.
And there are still those who would give me a hard time about it, mainly because they know it annoys me. Most of those are now starting to admit to me that they do, in fact like the band, too. Ha! I've worn them down! Closet Duran Duran fans.
I won't call them Duranies, though. To me, that is a term strictly for those who truly love the band. You have to EARN being called a Duranie. We have lived through decades of ridicule just for professing our love. We have bought their albums, posters, books, and all sorts of memorabilia. We have gone to concerts. We openly declare they are our favourite band. We deserve the badge of honour of calling ourselves Duranies.
Now I know there are those who will try to say that some deserve it more than others because they've been to more shows or spent more money. I think that's crap. I has to do with devotion. You don't have to be rich to do whatever YOU can. If you've only been to a few shows in your lifetime and bought 1 or 2 copies of each album (maybe in different formats, or to replace a worn copy), you are still a Duranie if you have always been committed to being a fan. I am even willing to say those who ditched the band temporarily, but have returned and are in full swing of the aDDiction, should still be proud to say they are a Duranie. Just like in religion, people falter, but if they find their way back, you welcome them to the fold.
To me, THAT is what being a Duranie is all about and nobody will ever take that way from me.
I do like the idea that it is about devotion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this topic. I find it interesting about how the fan community is so passionate about this topic.
-A
: ) funny… Passion is something important in everything realtionship, job, games, music etc. Maybe it is what is specific about Dunanies because Duran Duran is passion, the guys have passion for music and we can feel it. But as everywhere else people are people and sometimes like arguments more then everything they prefer to argue than have fun. Strange behaviour…
Pat
I just had to comment that I've never heard that story about the 12″ Planet Earth UK vinyl. I have one – I'll have to look at it! -R