Sometimes there are people in our fandom who are downright rabid. It’s toxic behavior, and I don’t get how people can so easily be that way towards total strangers. There is a hyper-protection mechanism that kicks in and people literally attack others without a second thought. All in the name of protecting one or all of the guys (BTS), when many times they don’t understand fully what the situation or question is. We have seen it over and over again, especially when crossing language, culture, and religious boundaries.
I recently was pounced on by a couple of people who didn’t like a question I asked. I naively asked, as that is my nature when I don’t understand something. Sometimes I will look online for answers, and sometimes I’ll go directly to ARMY. When it is related to cultural matters, I have very little understanding as I am from the West. I don’t have any direct connections with anyone in South Korea. (Thanks to discovering BTS, I have taken time to read about their homeland, and attempt to learn.)
BTS is literally my first step into the world of KPop. Prior to them, my musical life was one filled with multiple genres, including Classical (I’m a trained musician), African, Native American, Native Sami, Pop, Rock, and New Age... A big hodge-podge of musical tastes and experiences. KPop was totally new. I had zero experience in the world of the fandoms, I didn’t know what “shipping” was, had never heard of combining names (Jikook, VMin, HopeMin, etc. etc). It took me a long minute to finally figure that one out.... lol...
I joined this platform a year ago, and all I did for the last 12 months is cruise through a handful of accounts that are focused on clear and true information. Accounts that don’t twist and fight and create lots of negativity. There’s enough of that in this world, and in ARMY.
I’m older ARMY, like way older. Lots of life experience, lots of travel in other lands, lots of friends who grew up speaking other languages, believing in God a different way, and who have taught me how to look at myself, question my beliefs, and to work hard to be a better Human every day. Always a Student, in a Human Body.
As we navigate into the coming time when the guys are enlisting and serving, it’s important to remember that we as ARMY have a common ground to stand upon. That common ground is our mutual support and love for Jin, Yoongi, Namjoon, Hobi, Jimin, Tae, and Jungkook. There is no room for toxicity, negativity, and the attacking of other ARMY’s, in that space. The guys would NOT want it. It’s the classic “agree to disagree”, during difficult times, when people of very different beliefs, backgrounds, and awarenesses come together for a common purpose. It’s important that ARMY stands strong, and in peace with one another.
I hope that we as ARMY can help to uplift one another, through the next two years. I hope that we can be compassionate and empathetic with one another. Truth is, one never truly knows what another is going through in life. Sometimes, that kind word can make all of the difference for someone.
Sending Love and Peace to everyone. God Bless.
