Since
the dawn of the internet, people have found spaces where they can congregate
with other like-minded souls to discuss and share opinions about things they
love. BBS, IRC, Usenet, MySpace, Facebook, Reddit, Twitter – there have been
many places where communities have grown and thrived. What was important was
not where the community was, but rather what it was about. Unfortunately, not
all communities are equal.
Internet
communities can be a mixed bag. The thin veil of anonymity that pervades the
internet affords individuals the freedom to act without the fear of repercussions.
Newton’s Third Law, that for every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction, holds true for the physical world, but holds no weight in a world
where individuals can shield themselves from the fallout of their own actions.
Some online
communities are notorious for their lack or ethics or respect for their fellow
humans. We have all seen these deplorable people. They are the trolls, the
haters, the discordant. They are the ones that spread their brand of vile
hatred beyond their own association and infect the lives of other people.
Thankfully,
not every community is like this. There are safe places on the internet where
people can congregate and discuss their common interests. These are places that
champion ideals like respect, inclusion, and understanding. One such place that
I like to call home is Geek and Sundry, and specifically the community around
one of their shows – VAST.
VAST
is a show about people from different backgrounds and with different ideals
working together despite those difference to achieve a common goal. The show
deals with difficult issues around sexuality, inclusion, existence, love, family,
and betrayal. The characters deliver heart-felt and honest performances as they
discover as much about themselves as about the story they tell.
It’s
also an RPG, and it is set in space.
 |
| The cast of VAST |
Whilst
the show is arguably a masterpiece of storytelling and performance, what is
most remarkable about it is the small but effervescent community that has grown
around it. Through a variety of mediums, the fans of the show have built a kinship
with each other that is somehow greater than the show itself. This society of ‘Vastronauts’
is built upon the same principals of the show – respect, inclusion, and
fellowship.
Despite
the level of anonymity afforded through cyberspace, the people of the VAST
community have connected with each other in a way akin to family. Although most
have never met in person, Vastronauts openly and honestly discuss issues that are
socially awkward or difficult, and each is met with a compassion and grace not
found in most corners of the internet. This is a testament to how the
characters and players in the show respond to each other when dealing with new
or difficult situations.
That
is not to say that the community only deals with the more difficult issues in
life. Fun and frivolity abounds with games, friendly competitiveness, and an amazing
level of creativity. Barely a day goes by where the populace is not in joyful screams
over a new piece of art or good news from one of its members. Giddiness abounds
during the nonsense of “The Finger Gun Hour” – a self-styled period of absurdity
brought on by a combination of joy and fatigue. In a community based on a game
that features a transgender space cockroach and a ten dimensional entity with
swag, this is not weird – it is the norm.
In a
world filled with tragedy and torment, an online community such as that which
has grown around VAST is a rare and special place. It is a place filled with
wonderful people with open hearts. It is a light in a storm, a beacon of hope. It
is a society that build joys, champions inclusion, and cares of its members.
It may
be small, but its power is vast.
