Behind the Scenes of Toxic K-pop Stans: An Insider’s Perspective
Introduction
Welcome to my first proper answer on Quora! Today, I want to shed some light on the often misunderstood world of K-pop fandom, particularly on the issue of toxic stans. Before diving in, it’s important to understand that hating on someone, whether it's an idol or not, is never a joke. These idols work incredibly hard to reach the level of success and recognition they achieve, and tearing them down is not just harmful but also disrespectful.
Observations and Experiences
Let's talk a bit about my personal experience. I have a friend who is a hardcore Blink—a term used to describe BTS fans. She introduced me to the world of K-pop, and her enthusiasm was infectious. However, what happened next was a testament to the polarizing nature of online fandoms and the role of social media in shaping perceptions.
One day, she shared an article about how BTS is breaking stereotypes for men in the West while Blackpink reinforces them. I wasn't particularly interested in the discussion, but the article piqued my curiosity. Soon after, I found myself trying out some Blackpink songs, influenced by my friend's endorsement.
From Skeptic to Devotee, Then Back Again
Initially, I did my due diligence, researching and reading various opinions about Blackpink. A Quora answer mentioned that Blackpink releases more songs and has higher-quality content compared to BTS. Being new to K-pop, I took this at face value and started listening to their songs.
I fell in love with their music, but the honeymoon period didn't last long. After a while, I noticed that the songs were starting to sound repetitive. My initial excitement waned, and I realized that the Blackpink songs were all similar in nature. My friend would often dismiss these feelings, stating that this was just how K-pop is. Her insistence on the "supreme quality" of Blackpink songs became apparent in her reactions to other genres.
The Reality Check
Despite these initial reservations, my friend held on to the belief that Blackpink was the pinnacle of K-pop. She found Little Mix’s Woman Like Me too complex and TXT’s Cat and Dog too childish, which she found unrelatable. Her judgmental stance and limited music horizons became the straw that broke the camel’s back. At that point, I realized that my friend was toxic in her approach. She didn’t appreciate different genres and couldn't even comprehend why someone would like music outside of Blackpink.
The Struggle with Toxic Fans
Such experiences leave one questioning the very essence of fandom. It's hard not to feel sad when you encounter people who refuse to acknowledge the merits of different groups and genres. While there are many good fans who support their idols with love and respect, it's disheartening to see such negativity seep into the community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the entertainment industry is full of talented individuals working hard to bring joy to their fans, it’s equally important to foster an atmosphere of love and respect. Whether you're a fan of BTS, Blackpink, or any other K-pop group, it's crucial to remember that variety is the spice of life. So, embrace different genres and show some kindness to fellow fans.
Lastly, if you have any burning questions or want to discuss this further, feel free to reach out in the comments section or through the Quora platform. Spread love, not toxicity!