Who would’ve thought that BTS, a boy group from the East, would become global superstars in an industry dominated by the West? Their booming popularity came in like a tidal wave. They were the sole boy group of a small company - the least likely idols to make it to the top of any music scene, much less an international one. But look where they are now.
We cannot deny that BTS promoted diversity in an industry filled with discrimination. As their loyal and dedicated fan base, ARMY is expected to promote diversity as well. And as the majority, we do. ARMYs differ in color, age, body type, way of life, and beyond. ARMY represents BTS, so ARMY must be presumed as a fandom that does not tolerate any form of discrimination. We do promote diversity - most of the time.
“One woman talked about how she posted a selfie in a BTS group chat and later says she discovered her photo had been edited to make her look white. Other black fans reported being harassed online and attacked with racial slurs.” This seems unbelievable, right? They must be from an inaccurate source. Sadly, that isn’t the case. These events really happened. This quote comes from an article by TeenVogue.
In a fan base with millions of members, it is highly likely for people to experience discrimination. Yes, you read that right. Even though we all share the same love for one group, some fandom members won’t stop discriminating against other members just because of their age, color, body type, or other characteristics one can think of. This case is not unique to ARMY as well, as fans of artists also experience the exact same thing.
The majority of ARMY is not included in this narrative, but the fact that there is even a fraction of ARMY who do discriminate against others is alarming. Why, besides the obvious reason that discrimination is never acceptable? Because this affects how the world views BTS. Like what was mentioned previously, ARMY represents BTS. Our actions affect the boys.
Discrimination is exactly what BTS has endured in the music industry, so why do some ARMY continue to discriminate?
The fight to stop discrimination isn’t totally finished. BTS still continues to experience this horror. They are continuously ignored by the international industry just because of their race. Race was ignored in Recording Academy’s Diversity Initiative. A new K-pop category was created during the MTV VMAs to prevent BTS from winning the pop category.
There are various reasons why people discriminate: insecurity, ignorance, weakness, and pride. But these reasons aren’t valid excuses for people to discriminate. There are better, healthier ways to deal with these issues instead of discriminating against people because of characteristics out of their control.
There are times when ARMY needs a gentle nudge. Someone to tell them to get their act together. Now’s the time where we ask: how might we promote diversity among the portion of ARMY who discriminates? During these situations, we can remind ARMY that we are representatives of BTS. Reiterate that our actions reflect on the seven members. Keep in mind that BTS also faces discrimination as well, and it would be great if we don’t let other people feel what BTS has felt when they were being discriminated. It cannot be avoided that some fans are problematic, but it does not represent all members. In fact, a lot of ARMY show support for those who experience discrimination.
Majority of ARMY are supportive of campaigns and groups regarding anti-discrimination and are even going all the way by trending these campaigns on Twitter. There’s the #BlackARMYsequality that aims to create a supportive, anti-racism community among the ARMY. There is also a Facebook group and Twitter account where middle-aged ARMY can get to know each other and bond. ARMY also participated in other online campaigns. Plus-sized K-pop fans trended a hashtag to give them space where they can feel seen and represented. Whenever there is ARMY who promotes discrimination in the fandom, there would be a majority would jump right in and justify why discrimination is wrong - therefore living up to the messages BTS spreads through their music and actions.
These are the ARMY who live up to BTS’ message, not those ARMY who discriminate. If almost all ARMY are quick to jump in whenever BTS experience racial discrimination, we should do the same to fellow ARMY who also experience that same thing - be it on color, age, or body type. Imagine if ARMY would quickly address this issue, then it would create a ripple effect on other people.
Let’s follow their example.
Let’s promote self-love by stopping discrimination.
And little by little, we will be able to encourage diversity in the fandom. This action won’t just affect the ARMY, but it will also affect the world.
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Written By: Euni
Edit By: Aury
Checked By: Anna
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