Canon vs. Headcanon: Understanding the Meaning and Importance
Canon refers to actual, established elements and happenings in the plot of a book, show or movie, brought forth by the original creators. These are undisputed facts within the storyline that directly influence the overall narrative. On the other hand, Headcanon, a term stemming from “head” and “canon”, is a concept or idea generated by a fan of a particular work which does not contradict the original canon, but isn’t officially acknowledged either. This is a personalized interpretation of the story or characters, a creative freedom used by fans to
Examples
- Person 1: I'm totally convinced that Harry Potter actually loved Hermione more than Ginny. That's my headcanon.
- Person 2: But isn't it canon that Harry ends up with Ginny?
- Person 1: Yes, but in my headcanon, Harry and Hermione are the real love story.
- Hey, in Harry Potter, we know canon is that Dumbledore is gay, right?
- Yeah, J.K. Rowling confirmed it herself.
- Well, my head canon is that he actually had a secret love affair with McGonagall in their younger years. I like to imagine it added some depth to their characters.
- Interesting take, though it contradicts the canon.
- Person A: You know, in my Canon, Harry Potter ended up with Hermione.
- Person B: Actually that's just your Headcanon, in the actual series Harry ends up with Ginny.
- Person A: You are right, but I really think Hermione is a better match for Harry. She's smart and brave, just like him.
- Person B: Hmm, that's an interesting headcanon indeed. Maybe, I'll also start thinking that way.
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How to Effectively Communicate with Children About Canon and Headcanon Concepts
- Start from a place of understanding about the term ‘canon/headcanon’ and other slang words.
- Listen to how your teen uses the word in conversations or while texting. Respect their viewpoint about their interpretation of characters or storylines.
- Attempt to engage in their headcanon discussions instead of dismissing them.
- Clarify their interpretations if they contradict the canon content in books, movies, or shows.
- Encourage the appropriate use of slang in conversations.
Summary
Canon is a definite element in a narrative by original creators influencing the plot, whereas Headcanon is a fan-made concept or idea that doesn’t contradict the original but isn’t confirmed either. This discussion can facilitate parents to better comprehend teen lingo and tailor communication accordingly. Always invest time to understand your child’s perspective on their favorite fiction.
Test How Well You Understand Teen Slang
What to do if you recognize your child's dangerous slang
Keyword alert is a feature in parental control apps designed to notify parents or guardians when specific words or phrases are detected in their child's online activity.
When triggered, the parental control app sends an alert to the parent's device, allowing them to promptly address any potential issues and ensure their child's online safety and well-being. We recommend adding slang related to drugs and sext to your keywords alert.
