Exotics, Please learn from ELF
It's probably clear to everyone that Exotics have been going way too far as of late.
Firstly, the Kris situation was handled completely wrong. And then Baekhyun gets into a dating scandal as well as a minor drinking issue. To top it off, Exotics are proving themselves to be as ill-prepared for conflict as expected.
They've always been known for being...extreme, but things have gotten out of hand. What sort of fanbase are the Exotics trying to make themselves out to be? Do true fanbases try and self-destruct their own bias group? Honestly, telling Kris to never come back and trying to start a petition to get Baekhyun kicked out are not normal fan behaviors. Furthermore, it seems as if Exotics are actually searching for wood to feed the fire around EXO. They dug up Baekhyun's underage drinking photos. What does that tell you about Exotics? Why? Why are you trying to destroy your own group?
It makes me so angry. Ever since EXO debuted, I've come across those crazy Exotics posting about how they've been through so much with EXO - when in reality they were saying that after EXO just debuted and were sky-rocketing to fame at an unbelievable rate. As an ELF, how can I sit there and take that nonsense? ELF know what it's like to be with a group who faces problem after problem tirelessly. We were a walking-talking time bomb from the very beginning - just look up Super Junior's origins and you'll understand.
Now that Exotics are actually facing problems with EXO, they're failing to handle it. This is where a fanbase is really tested. Are you a fanbase that will support your group to the end? Or are you going to make them fail? Right now, it looks a lot like the latter. Right now, EXO is facing a major crisis that's putting them in jeopardy of disbanding. That is not an exaggeration. However, at this crucial time when so much depends on their fans, the fans are turning against them in hoards.
Everyone else can bash EXO. Everyone else can hate them and scold them and attack them, but not Exotics. Exotics are the heart and soul of EXO. You are the ones who make or break them. One dating scandal is going to be the downfall of EXO? Really? If that was the case, how can Exotics even call themselves a fanbase?
A fanbase is about more than being delusional. It's about love and admiration. You protect your fucking group when the world turns against them. Do you know what ELF say? It's a very common phrase for us.
"If one day, the world betrays Super Junior, ELF will betray the world."
I know that not all Exotics are crazy. There are many good ones, but the ones who have taken control - have taken power in the fandom are Psychotics. Don't let them destroy your group. EXO has just begun and although I'm not their fan, they don't deserve the treatment they're receiving from their fans. Fan love is special and it's taken for granted.
What does EXO give to you Exotics? What feelings have they entrusted to you? You may think that fan love is just a pretty phrase, but it's not. ELF revere it because SJ reveres it. EXO is a young, immature group that's still growing.
If EXO is the plant, then fans are the sun and rain and shade. They are there to protect and love when no one else will. Exotics need to reflect on their views of fandom culture because it's more than a romance. We are family. When we pick our fanbase, we dedicate a part of ourselves to those idols who have inspired us to keep going.
Just like they inspire us to keep going, we ensure that they are able to continue inspiring us. It's a balance that's hard to strike and it's the downfall of many great groups.
So please, as an older fandom speaking to a younger fandom, think about what you're doing. Think about what EXO means to you.
You promised them loyalty and love. If you can't even keep that simple promise, how can you keep the greater promises you will make in the future to your friends, family, lovers? Idols and their fanbases teach you faith. Faith is blind and honest. It's hard, but it's important no matter where you are in the world.
titsay
prguitarman
jacobvanloon
gummygunk
blakekathryn
tangentwithtanner
