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The trending hashtags included #DisneyFail and #StarWarsFandom, illustrating that fans were expressing their disappointment and frustration openly. The #MayThe4th hashtag, which is usually a fun, celebratory tag, was hijacked to voice dissent.
Some fans humorously declared that Disney's actions had invalidated their participation in May the 4th celebrations altogether.
The Broader Context: Ownership of Memes and Fandom
This incident underscores a crucial point about modern fandom: the community’s culture and memes are organic, often generated freely by fans. Disney’s attempt to control or monetize fan expressions, even with well-meaning intentions, risks alienating the very audience it seeks to engage.