Two weeks ago I answered an “ask” about why BUCK-TICK hasn’t done a foreign tour.
We discussed the major music markets that they would have to crack, UK and USA, and how nearly impossible it is for Japanese bands to get a foothold, and the xenophobic and yes, racist homophobia that they all face when trying to tour North America, Canada included.
And in light of current events, it is clear that we need to have further peaceful discussion of this issue. As fans of Japanese Visual Kei and Jrock, this affects us deeply. And it’s going to be difficult.
I’m writing this as they are still investigating the cause for the shooting in Atlanta. There are two distinct lines of investigation: was it because the gunman blamed anyone that looks Far Eastern for the current pandemic, or as he reportedly claimed, because he has a sexual addiction to Far Eastern women, and felt the need to eliminate his temptation.
Either route opens up a nasty can of worms. People were doing similar racial targeting in the wake of 9/11. But 9/11 didn’t happen after the year of pandemic and violent civil unrest we’ve just had... and continue to experience.
As as fans located in the United States and Canada (and for many of those of you watching from afar), we’re keenly aware of how it’s not the language barrier that has made it impossible for the music to export successfully. It’s racism, and it’s the huge cultural gap, including very different culturally rooted ways of artistic expression; and that cultural gap amplifies intense anti-Gay/LGBTQ sentiment.
Racism, just like homophobia, is going to take decades and decades to be reduced by education and creating new standards. We can’t flip a switch and make everyone’s deeply rooted beliefs change. It’s learned, passed down generation to the next, from family and community. And just like the “common cold”- which is actually background remnants of pandemics past- it’s likely never going to be completely gone.
Something that also urgently needs to be kept in mind is that allowing what is happening to stir up anti-White sentiment creates more of the same racial hate environment we’re fighting so hard to end. We need to drop all racial biases in peaceful unity, or things are going to get much worse, and have no end. We need to stop criminalizing entire races, and look to the individuals themselves who are perpetuating hate. It’s the only way. Let’s unite in love for all.
And the other topic- one that I’ve seen misinformation and misunderstandings percolating through the fandom from- is the sexual nature of Japanese Visual Kei and Jrock.
It’s sexual. It’s very, very sexual. And there’s nothing wrong with responding to it. That’s not sexualizing, not sexual objectification, nor is it fetishizing an ethnicity or race. You can’t sexualize someone that is already presenting explicitly, overtly sexual material. It’s intended to be hot.
Where the problem comes in is when they’re stereotyped, and when they’re not acknowledged as complex, whole, flawed, and yes, wounded human beings. Those wounds and flaws are what give them depth, and fuel the creative process that becomes the music we so love. And they can also be a great source of comfort as we face our own wounds and suffering.
As foreign fans of edgy Japanese Rock, we have a unique opportunity to drop all racial, homophobic, and gender expression/identity barriers, and express equality in peace. Let’s show people how to do it by living it in our own lives.
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