>>46861697Shipping isn't annoying, shipwars are, and straight coomers are more repulsed by the idea of ash being gay than getting with the wrong girl (because they self insert). As a fag, I grasp at straws myself naturally to keep invested, I like to pretend most characters are gay if there's a boy I could see them getting with. the difference is that in 99% of cases I know its not the intention so I dont end up breaking down like a pussy if he kisses a girl in the end.
When there's undeniable queerbating but not explicit OTP stuff, like with goh here or like the entire kingdom hearts series, there's always ugly shipwars to follow. Its annoying to see fujo's militantly defending their ship, or have the more canon straight ship feeling insecure & harshly biting back. this shit only happens when the creators push hard enough and play coy enough to make the gay ship actually feasible through subtext. Loud enough that normies (disgusted by homos) can even see its leaning that way, thats the formula that makes a shitty fanbase.
Its when there's an obvious girl love interest but also give the boys enough sentimental/touchy attention to create something that can be believed in. If shippers go beyond that line of fun "I like these characters" and into the realm of "I BELIEVE in this pairing" people get this defensive, religious zeal about it. its awful. they should set up one love interest, or use indecisive angst for drama/storytelling. aimless "will they or wont they" blueballs people & poisons the waters.
