AsToldByShan

As a black Woman and a massive kpop stan, I’ve seen my fair share of racism not only from other fans but also from the idols as well. It’s for sure one of the darkest parts of the kpop world and doesn’t seem to ever get better, even with acknowledgement and education. So with that being In mind , I’ve Also wondered should black fans forgive idols for their racist pasts ?

It’s definitely easier when it’s an idol from a group you don’t even like, because the childish part of you can justify your dislike for them by saying “wow see I knew I didn’t like them for a reason , they’re racist”. But it hurts so much deeper when the racism comes from one of your favorite groups and even worse your bias.

I’ve gone back and forth with this topic, many times. With myself and my mutual kpop friends. Sometimes I want to throw in the towel and hate the idol and drag it for ages,(I think that’s the Taurus in me). And the rational peace making part of me wants to forgive and educate them,( even though as world pop stars, they do know better.)

The argument always seems to be , “ they don’t see enough of black people everyday to know better”. But with kpop, K-R&B, and k-hiphop being heavily influenced by black culture, from the fashion, hair, even the way they talk , it’s hard to believe they don’t know any better. That can’t continue to be the valid argument, when kpop has now reached such a global status . And these idols are now traveling to different parts of the world where they are for sure seeing different cultures and different types of people.

It’s also very easy to NOT be ignorant and look up meanings to words when you’re cosplaying black art . It makes it even worse when said group has an American member who’s grown up in the states and knows better. Because how do you still massively mess up when you for sure have been a little educated on the matter.?

It’s not just saying the N-word, it’s the constant stereotypes and the black face that so many idols did back in the day. You can’t LOVE and copy an entire culture but disrespect where it comes from. In 2024 and the day of social media, there’s just no longer any excuse of you don’t know better. Singing a song with a word you know you shouldn’t say, if you don’t know the rough history behind the word. I don’t care how cool you think it makes you look, it doesn’t. It makes you look super ignorant! I’m also aware that they have a whole colorism thing going on over there and will be racist and ignorant against their very own. But that’s a topic needed to be discussed for another day.

But with that comes the lackluster apologies or no apologies at all. They either apologize quickly and say they meant zero harm. Or they ignore it until it blows over. And I honestly don’t know which is worse to be honest. I love getting apologies because it shows they know what’s going on, but in the same, do they even mean it?

But completely ignoring it also doesn’t help, because it shows you know what’s going on and choose to ignore it so it will go away.

Everyone deserves to have their culture be respected and treated like human beings. The same way I would stick up for anyone being racist towards Asians or any other culture. It’s definitely not just a one way street for me and many other fans . it’s definitely like they hate it when it’s done to them over here in the states so why can’t they just not do the same over there?

I say all of this to say, it’s so hard sometimes to look past racist things some of these idols do and continue to do. When they wouldn’t have these huge careers if it wasn’t for the black culture they profit and make fun of. They definitely need to do better and listen when fans are upset. To be loved truly globally, you need to love and see ALL your fans. Not just the ones who look like you. To be a decent person you need to respect everyone’s culture, not just yours. We could all learn from each other, if we just respected each other and listened first.