Exploring the Fascination: The Fanfic Rice Purity Test

Fanfiction, a subculture within the vast landscape of online creativity, has given rise to various forms of fan-driven content, ranging from the transformative to the provocative. Amidst this diverse world of fanfic, one curious phenomenon has emerged—the “Rice Purity Test.” This test, originally designed to gauge an individual’s level of purity, has been adapted and adopted by fanfic communities, serving as a unique and often humorous way for fans to bond, reflect on their interests, and even engage in some self-deprecating humor. In this article, we delve into the origins of the Fanfic Rice Purity Test, its significance, and the communities that have embraced it.

Origins of the Rice Purity Test

The Fanfic Rice Purity Test, also known simply as the “Purity Test,” has a long history dating back to the 1980s. It was originally created by students at Rice University in Houston, Texas, as a means of humorously assessing one’s level of innocence or “purity.” The test consists of a series of questions, each representing a potentially “impure” or questionable activity. The respondent checks off which activities they have engaged in, and their score is tallied to determine their level of purity. A lower score indicates a higher level of experience or “impurity.”

Fanfic Adaptation

The concept of adapting the Rice Purity Test for fanfiction communities likely emerged from the inherent nature of fanfic itself, which often explores mature or unconventional themes related to existing works of fiction. The fanfic version of the Rice Purity Test includes questions that are more tailored to the interests and experiences of fanfic writers and readers.

Key Characteristics of the Fanfic Rice Purity Test

1. Humorous Self-Reflection: The Fanfic Rice Purity Test serves as a humorous self-reflection tool. Participants answer questions that range from innocent (e.g., “Have you ever written fluff?”) to more explicit (e.g., “Have you ever written smut?”). The test is taken in good fun, allowing participants to acknowledge and laugh at their diverse fanfic experiences.
2. Community Bonding: Taking the test is a shared experience in many fanfic communities. It’s often used as an icebreaker, a way to bond with fellow fans, and a means to discover common interests and preferences.
3. Exploration of Fanfic Themes: The test questions often explore the diverse themes and genres present in fanfiction. This includes questions about writing different pairings (e.g., slash, femslash), handling mature content, and even experimenting with alternative universes.
4. Acknowledging Personal Growth: As fans evolve in their writing and reading preferences, their scores on the Fanfic Rice Purity Test may change over time. This can be a lighthearted way to track personal growth and evolving interests within the fanfic community.

Criticism and Controversy

While the Fanfic Rice Purity Test is generally taken in a spirit of fun and camaraderie, it has not been without its critics. Some argue that it can inadvertently shame or ostracize fans who have explored more mature themes in their writing. Others question the relevance of such a test in a community built on creativity and imagination, where there are no definitive standards of “purity.”

Conclusion

The Fanfic Rice Purity Test is a quirky and beloved aspect of fanfiction culture. It offers a unique way for fans to connect, laugh at themselves, and reflect on their fanfic experiences. While it may not be without controversy, it continues to be a light-hearted and humorous fixture in fanfic communities, providing a glimpse into the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of fan-driven creativity.