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i just wanna share some personal feelings in regards to the idea of BTS at the super bowl as an asian american. first, i wanna note that ppl are entirely valid in being concerned about racism and xenophobia from football fans/casual american audiences. it is an obvious reality.
i also want to note that i don't support the NFL and though i enjoy the sport, i rarely watch anymore. i don't feel the sport is going to retain its threshold of popularity for a lot longer--but it is the biggest sport in this country. and the super bowl is a huge, huge deal.
the reality is that BTS are shouldering orientalism and xenophobia every day, both in macroaggressions and microaggressions, and often when they do literally nothing. remember the BTS coronavirus jokes? those did big numbers, were RTed by celebs, and all out of... what? nothing
i personally would be completely thrilled to see BTS do the super bowl halftime show. it would be landmark moment, especially at a time wherein anti-Asian racism continues to gain a frightening amount of steam, from media coverage to hate crimes. but i would also hold my breath.
for me, the pros outweigh the cons. i have unwavering faith, as we all do, in BTS' ability to put on a spectacular show and win over even the most cynical skeptics. and god knows the halftime show needs that level of artistry, conviction, and entertainment.
i think it would present an opportunity for many to become fans--super bowl ARMYs--and for many to open their minds up a bit more to art and media from asian diaspora.
but it also will elicit hate. a lot of hate.
but it also will elicit hate. a lot of hate.
we live in a country wherein orientalist narratives, especially techno-orientalist narratives, are prominent. asian people are dehumanized and otherized. and many of our public faces do not make it easier on us through their lack of solidarity with other marginalized people.
BTS stand out to me as different, and i shouldn't have to explain why. their charity and their outspokenness on social issues is powerful. more than that, they are really really good at bringing people together to heal and create positive change.
i think that would translate well to a lot of super bowl audiences. i think it would result in one of the best super bowl performances ever. and i think it'd be a landmark moment for asian people in america. but.
i also totally get why people are hesitant. this isn't just the BBMAs. if you don't see the vitriol from visible sects of sports fans towards marginalized people and progressive ideas, take it from a lifelong sports fan: it's bad. it's getting better, but it's still bad.
and so i need white people to be really careful in how they brooch this subject. when marginalized people are expressing discomfort or fear with tackling this kind of thing--which would not happen for just one day, but over the course of months--let us vent. don't judge us.
nobody is a bad ARMY for wanting to avoid dealing with racist hit tweets, harassment and whatever other challenges might arise. especially when those people suffer from the racism. you don't know how much it affects me as an as-am to hear ppl make racist asian jokes abt BTS.
i will also say this. with every big leap BTS makes forward, racists and xenophobes find more energy and space attacking them. it's unavoidable if BTS grows--and we want BTS to grow, bc we believe in what they're doing. BTS have never let that stop them.
the results always lead to more positives than negatives, in my mind. and so too would a great BTS halftime show. yes, a lot of the worst ppl will come out--but great things can come of it too.
however, the most important part is what i'm abt to say next.
however, the most important part is what i'm abt to say next.
if BTS want to perform at the halftime show, then we get behind them.
if BTS don't want to perform at the halftime show, then we get behind them.
it's about what they wanna do. and everybody here knows that, i'm pretty sure.
if BTS don't want to perform at the halftime show, then we get behind them.
it's about what they wanna do. and everybody here knows that, i'm pretty sure.
as badly as We may feel as POC seeing racists get off their jokes at BTS, imagine what BTS might feel. they're not oblivious. we know they know. joon didn't make that "alien" comment for nothing. and so if they decide it's worth it, then there's no room for arguing after that.
i feel similarly abt this as i do with the grammys. i don't give a damn abt the grammys, and i don't give a damn abt the super bowl halftime show. except when those huge platforms--built from racist institutions--can be used to broadcast something amazing.
in conclusion, white ppl don't speak over POC, and just in case anyone was planning to speak over BTS (which i don't think anyone was on My TL), don't speak over BTS. and if we do face challenges, let's support each other and do our best to fight the bad and amplify the good.
alright corny speech over alcohol on 3. 1 2 3 ALCOHOL
