Navigating the Complexities of the BTS Army
Have you ever encountered a challenging experience within the ranks of the BTS Army? Or are you simply curious about what it's like to be part of one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in the world? In this article, we'll explore the various types of experiences that fans of BTS, often referred to as ARMY, may face and the types of fans present within the community. We'll also share personal insights on both the positive and negative aspects of being part of the BTS Army.
Positive Aspects: Finding Support and a Sense of Community
It's not all about the negatives. Just like the story shared, many fans have discovered that the support and welcoming nature of the BTS Army can far outweigh any initial negative experiences. The overwhelming positive experiences often revolve around the sense of community and the supportive environment.
One fan recounts, 'Later, a group of sweet ARMY members welcomed me with open arms despite my earlier negative interactions with someone. Now, I'm simply happy to share my love for the boys with others.'
Negative Aspects: Dealing with Toxic Fans and Drama
While the love and support are prevalent, the BTS Army also faces a variety of toxic behaviors and disagreements. Approximately 80% of these negative experiences can be attributed to several types of problematic fans:
1. Shippers
Shippers often get a bad reputation for causing drama. They may provoke other fans by discussing romantic ships that might not be supported by the group. In some cases, they can become hostile if someone disagrees with their view.
A fan explains, 'I came across so many people who attacked me when I told them I don’t believe Taekook/Vmin/Jikook was real. They would start insulting the third member from the make line, thereby creating a hostile environment for discussions.'
2. Possessive Fans
These fans believe they have a romantic interest in a BTS member and can be quite possessive. This can lead to a variety of unfriendly behavior, such as insulting others for not matching certain criteria.
3. Creeps
Behaviors that could be categorized as harassment, ranging from constant demands for private content to threatening messages and inappropriate behavior, are unfortunately not uncommon. These fans can be dangerous and emotionally draining.
4. Koreaboos
Some fans believe they are more authentic if they claim to be Korean. They often insult other cultures and use Korean expressions incorrectly to make a political claim of authenticity. This behavior can be exceedingly offensive and exclusionary.
5. Fanwar Fighters
These are fans who pressure others to stream, insulting other groups for their views. They often engage in bullying and dehumanizing language, making the experience of being a fan of BTS a tiresome and frustrating one.
Conclusion
While the vast majority of fans love and support BTS wholeheartedly, it's important to recognize and address these toxic behaviors within the community. If fans continue to support BTS and focus on the positive aspects of the fandom, they can help mitigate the negative experiences. The key is to not take personal offense towards these behaviors and not give toxic fans and haters any attention. After all, the goal is to appreciate BTS and their music, not to get involved in harmful drama.