Deep Thinking

As Outlander fans, we’re part of a vibrant community united by our love for Sam Heughan’s incredible talent, warmth, and dedication. From his unforgettable portrayal of Jamie Fraser to his inspiring work with My Peak Challenge and Sassenach Spirits, Sam gives us so much to celebrate. But with that admiration comes a responsibility to treat him as a person, not just a celebrity. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on behaviors that cross the line: ambushing Sam at airports for autographs, making vulgar comments about his appearance, and even posting bizarre remarks online—like wanting to “eat the crumbs on Sam’s sweater.” It’s time for us to do better, and for Sam’s management to step up to protect him.

Why Airport Ambushes Are a Problem

Imagine rushing through an airport, maybe exhausted from a long flight, just trying to get to your gate. Now picture a crowd approaching you, demanding autographs, some planning to sell them for profit. For Sam Heughan, this is all too common. Airports aren’t fan events or red carpets—they’re private spaces where Sam deserves the same peace as anyone else. Here’s why ambushing him there is intrusive and disrespectful:

• It Invades His Privacy: Travel is stressful, and being swarmed in a busy airport can feel overwhelming. Sam’s not “on” as a celebrity in these moments—he’s a person trying to catch a flight. Constant interruptions can create stress or make him feel unsafe.
• It Exploits His Generosity: Some people seek autographs not out of fandom but to sell them on platforms like eBay. This turns a kind gesture into a transaction, taking advantage of Sam’s trust in his fans.
• It Disregards His Boundaries: Approaching him in a hectic, non-consensual setting assumes he owes fans his time. This entitlement can make him feel trapped, eroding his ability to enjoy normal moments.

Why Vulgar and Weird Comments Are Just as Harmful

Equally troubling are the comments fans make about Sam’s appearance, especially when they veer into vulgar or downright bizarre territory. We’ve all seen posts on platforms like X that cross the line—crude remarks about his looks or physique, or even weird statements like wanting to “eat the crumbs on Sam Heughan’s sweater” from a photo. (Side note: in that one photo, it wasn’t crumbs—it could’ve been flaky skin on his dark sweater, which happens to everyone from time to time and shows up more on dark clothing. Let’s not jump to odd conclusions!) These comments, whether meant as jokes or not, are disrespectful and harmful.

Here’s why:

• They Objectify Him: Crude remarks about Sam’s appearance reduce him to a physical object, ignoring his talent, hard work, and humanity. It’s not a compliment—it’s dehumanizing.
• They Cross Emotional Boundaries: Publicly sharing vulgar or weird comments can be embarrassing or uncomfortable for Sam, especially when they spread online. Statements like wanting to “eat crumbs” off his sweater are not only inappropriate but also amplify scrutiny on his personal appearance in ways that feel invasive.
• They Undermine Respectful Fandom: Both vulgar and bizarre comments create a culture where Sam’s dignity takes a backseat. They’re just as harmful as airport ambushes because they invade his emotional space, making him feel like a spectacle rather than a person.

Both behaviors—ambushing him physically and making crude or strange comments online—strip away Sam’s autonomy. One exploits his time for profit; the other exploits his image for attention or fantasy. Together, they create an environment where Sam can’t escape being scrutinized, whether in person or online.

Fans, Let’s Look at Our Comments More Carefully

It’s time for us to take a hard look at what we say about Sam, especially online. Comments like wanting to “eat crumbs” off his sweater or fixating on his looks in a sexualized way might seem playful to some, but they can come across as creepy or disrespectful. Misinterpreting something as innocent as flaky skin (a normal human occurrence!) and turning it into a weird fan moment only adds to the problem. Before posting, let’s ask ourselves:

• Is this respectful to Sam as a person?
• Would I say this to his face at a professional event?
• Does this focus on his talent and contributions, or just his appearance?
  By being more mindful, we can keep our fandom positive and avoid crossing into territory that makes Sam—or other fans—uncomfortable.

A Call for Sam’s Management to Protect Him

Fans aren’t the only ones who need to step up. Sam’s management team has a responsibility to ensure he can travel without being overwhelmed. Airports are chaotic, and it’s unfair for Sam to navigate crowds of fans alone. His team could help by:

• Arranging enhanced security or escorts to help him move through airports safely.
• Coordinating discreet travel routes to minimize unwanted attention.
• Communicating clear expectations to fans about respecting his privacy during travel.
  These steps would show Sam that his well-being is a priority, allowing him to focus on his work and personal life without the stress of unexpected encounters.

How to Be the Fans Sam Deserves

As Sassenachs, we have the power to make our fandom a place of respect and positivity. Here’s how we can show our love for Sam the right way:

• Give Him Space: Save interactions for official events like fan conventions or Outlander premieres, where Sam’s ready to engage. Avoid approaching him in private settings like airports.
• Reject Exploitation: Don’t support or engage with people selling Sam’s autographs for profit. Fandom should be about appreciation, not profit.
• Comment Thoughtfully: Share praise for Sam’s acting, charity work, or projects like Sassenach Spirits. Avoid vulgar or weird remarks—stick to comments you’d feel proud to say in person.
• Build a Positive Community: On X or in fan groups, promote respectful content and gently call out inappropriate behavior. Let’s create a fandom that uplifts everyone.

Let’s Make Our Fandom Shine

Sam Heughan pours his heart into his work and his fans. Let’s return that gift by treating him with the respect he deserves. By giving him peace during travel, being mindful of our comments, and urging his management to prioritize his safety, we can show Sam that our love is rooted in kindness. Let’s make the Outlander fandom a beacon of positivity—one that celebrates Sam’s talent and humanity without crossing boundaries.

So, Sassenachs, what do you say? Let’s commit to being fans who make Sam proud. Share this post, reflect on how we can do better, and let’s build a fandom that’s as warm and inspiring as our favorite Highlander!

I had to redo this due to a duplicate issue I didn’t catch in my brainstorming.😅😂