Some frequently asked questions:
What
is a "shipper," anyway?
Does
"shipper" apply to any show?
How
do I know if I'm a shipper?
Why
is being a shipper so important to some people?
What
is a "shipper," anyway?
First of all, the word "shipper" is an abbreviation
of the term "relationshipper." Relationshipper refers to someone
who would like for two characters to get together in the romantic sense.
So, a shipper is someone who supports, actively or inactively, the furtherance
of a romantic relationship between two characters.
I have heard it said in several places that the term originated with "The
X-Files" and the Mulder/Scully shippers. However, I do not have concrete
evidence to support this claim. For now, it is an internet legend.
Does
"shipper" apply to any show?
Yes. One can 'ship for any two characters
on any TV show. For instance, I am both a Cordy/Angel shipper and
a Harm/Mac shipper. Two different couples on two different shows,
yet I am a shipper for both. Shipper is a universal term. It
is not restrictive to any one show. Not even "The X-Files" can claim
sole ownership, as the term has so rapidly spread to all corners of the
television universe.
How
do I know if I'm a shipper?
Of course, individual experiences will vary,
but the general idea is this: if you find yourself enjoying the development
of a relationship and you are receptive to the idea of a romance, then
you are probably a shipper for the respective characters involved.
There are different degrees of shipper obsessiveness. To what degree
you support a particular 'ship is completely up to you.
Why
is being a shipper so important to some people?
I can't speak for everyone else, but this
is my reasoning. I enjoy being a shipper for so many different shows
and couples because it adds to my overall enjoyment of the show, it enriches
my discussions about the show, and I can't help it. I'm all for intelligent
conversation and an enhanced television experience, but sometimes I just
can't help but say "aww, how cute!" Being a shipper is simply a lot
of fun if you can keep out of very many couple wars.
Hope that answers some of your questions!
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