#i know the lyrics arent about that but just the general time to go message ok

[blueberryexistence]

the good place finale, the only series finale to be both evermore bonus tracks coded

[dearweirdme]

so what are your genuine thoughts on jikook? because i feel like in order to be a taekooker you either have to be a jimin anti who believes he's getting in taekook's way or he's doing fan service with jungkook to hide taekook; which is dumb because how does hiding a gay couple with another gay couple do anything? it still breeds the same results in regards of putting a target on the artists’ backs (jk in this case cause he's supposed to hide, right?).

and then there's some tkkrs who just say jikook are good friends. but then how do you explain jimin giving jungkook a hickey? (i know they called it a bite but it's still fishy. drinking at night all alone, jk picking jimin up bridal style and spinning him around until jimin had to bite his neck to let go of him?? sus) and how do you explain jimin having the most screen time in jk's GCFs and getting GCFT all dedicated to him with a queer coded song? and GCF Saipan with queer coded lyrics on jimin's part twice? not to mention jungkook sucking and kissing jimin's ear on stage? jungkook using informal language with jimin but not with tae?

if all of the above can be waved off as friendship then that would make it that jungkook has pretty loose friendship boundaries, and that he'd do wayyy more sus stuff with his romantic/sexual partner, presumably taehyung. but here's the thing... taekook have never done something weirdly sus to that extent, ever.

Hi anon!

I sense, that you are a Jimin and Jk shipper, and that you are trying to test me (if I'm mistaken, I hereby apologize for assuming). I feel like you've made really narrow selection of 'ways to be a Taekooker'. I am not a Jimin hater (I love that man and I think he's a vital part of BTS, and a dear friend of both Jk and Tae), neither am I of the believe that everything Jk and Jimin do is fanservice. I suppose I would fall in the last possible option, I do believ Jimin and Jk are just close friends... and I feel I am able to explain my reasoning behind that pretty well.

Let me first point out a few things I feel vital to make people understand my reasoning. It makes a lot of difference if you look at this situation with the assumption that Jimin and Jk want people to know they are together and that their company lets them be bold about it, or if (like me) you think Tae and Jk don't want to be out and their company also doesn't allow them to be obvious. Let me elaborate a bit (it's what I do.. bear with me here). It's quite common knowledge that Idols in general arent allowed to (publicly) date, not even in a heterosexual way. I am pretty sure we can agree that the possibility of BTS members having dated in secret is quite real (we just haven't seen them, because they aren't allowed to do it publicly). I think we can also agree, that the likelyhood of the company allowing a queer relationship to go public is even less likely. So the likelyness of them allowing real footage of a real queer in-band-relationship, to me is nearly impossible.

The second thing I would like to point out is that we (both Taekookers and Jikookers) are basing a lot of our thoughts on edited footage. I recently made this post (which is vague as hell, but I think it conveys the message) .

Everything we see from official content has been edited and screened. It's stuff we are meant to see. Editing choices have been made. I find it way more likely for a company in SK to edit footage in a way that hides a queer relationship, than them making editing choices that highlights a queer relationship. That is just me following logical thinking. SK = queer not good + idols dating not good = no real footage of a queer in-band-couple.

So what do I feel about Jikook. Simply put, I feel it's fanservice combined with a real close friendship. You are right that covering up one queer relationship with another one wouldn't make much sense, but I feel they were attempting to level out the playingfield. Having more members act at a higly intimate level does make it easier for them to play the 'fanservice' card. Which is what neutral armies definitely do. Maybe they miscalculated the way Jk and Jimin's chemistry worked, because they do have that. They are very playfull and teasing. I can definitely see how that would make fans think something more is up. So now they have two huge ships both around Jk... and funnily enough... out of the three main players.. Jk is the least controversial one. You and I agree that Jk is most likely queer. I would even agree that Jimin is possibly queer. I think it very possible Jk, Tae and Jimin have this strong bond because not only are they close in age, but maybe they also have similar struggles. I am not mad at Jimin and Jk doing fanservice. Fanservice is part of their job. Tae knows that too, although he doesn't always like it. Jobs come with parts you like and parts you dislike. I think Jk and Jimin doing fanservice is close to how they naturally act, playfull, caring. I think Tae and Jk have been told to tone down the fanservice a lot, but when they do to me it looks like they both just melt into it.

That was me explaining my general thought on this matter. Lets get into the specifics you mentioned. I feel this won't go over well and people will be quick to just go defensive, but it is honestly how I see things. I do not mean to insult or argue... it's my honest interpretation of situations you've laid out for me.

So I have actually already adressed the bite and the earsucking. It's in this post and I still stand by my interpretations (although you will most likely disagree).

I would like to add, that if it's okay for Jikookers to use these moments... it's similarly okay for Taekookers to use Tae kissing Jk's ear, neck, and nape. Let's not be hypocrits. Drinking at night alone is not weird between friends. It happens so often.

Jk's GCF's are not romantic to me. None of them are, and several have romantic songs as background. I know Tokyo GFC is one of Jikook shippers main proofs, but point out the romance to me (like for real, because I genuinely do not see it. I can understand, if you were already a shipper or looking for a ship, this coming up will mean something. But I saw those clips before I became aware of shipping, and I only saw friendship. Troye Sivan himself said about that song that he saw it as being about his fans (platonic) and I am very much inclined to think that is what Jk meant to convey as well

(again, ofcourse you will disagree). I think it was two close friends on a trip. It was funny, cute, close, but not romantic. I also think it very unlikely that their company would allow Jk to publish anything romantic in origin. You can bet their contracts are full of image clauses and restrictions (the non-dating clause being an example).

Jimin having more screentime to me makes sense because aside from Tae, he and Jk were probably closest. I do not deny that they spent a lot of time together and that he is an important person to Jk. I think Tae and Jk were restricted in how much they were allowed to share of their bond. To me that makes sense in how I feel their company would deal with an in-band relationship.

If you search non-shipping conversations about BTS's use of informal language with each other (which I have done). You will find one thing everyone (Native Koreans included) mentions is that talking informally isn't a sign or indicater of a romantic bond. It is a sign of closeness between friends and siblings. While not everyone agrees on the specifics, it is generally believed that BTS amongst each other are more informal than when they are in function. Although they do in general stay at a middleground state of formalness. So they might slip up some times. The moments you refer to, are actually used as examples of members joking around.. as close friends. All members have slipped up by dropping honorifics or using banmal, although some more than others, the younger ones being more inclined to do so. In cases like this I like to look at neutrals point of view, because shippers are biased. (This is what my general view is, anyone with serious input feel free to add on or teach me).

if all of the above can be waved off as friendship then that would make it that jungkook has pretty loose friendship boundaries

Ah, this seems very judgemental to me. Does your faith and idea of Jk rely on your believe in Jikook this much? Him goofing around with a friend, who he is very close with, whom he has shared a large part of his life with, who he has lived with, isn't okay? Honestly the things you've described aren't actually that big a deal.

and that he'd do wayyy more sus stuff with his romantic/sexual partner, presumably taehyung. but here's the thing... taekook have never done something weirdly sus to that extent, ever.

Ah, anon... we haven't seen even ten percent of their lives. You can't say with certainty that Tae and Jk have never done anything sus. You are basing your opinions on the footage you have seen. And as I've stated before... I don't think it very likely that BigHit would allow footage with signs of any real relationships to get out.

What I see between Tae and Jk is a softness, it's in looks and subtle touches and the way they move around each other. It's vague as hell, and I cannot describe it much better, but that softness I do not see between Jimin and JK. I also see clear instances of especially Tae being jealous of Jimin at times, while I do not see that jealousy in Jimin when Tae and Jk interact. There are several moments I feel would not have happened if Jimin and Jk were a couple. I also feel Jk and Jimin do not fully engage as they often pull back and lean away.

[kingdom-of-kins]

sneaks my way over to your blog yo hi uhh here to request a shufflemancy. bro strider here. probably something about rox or a non-canon guy i was with, either work and also required little yadda yadda if ya don't like bro then cool have a good day but if you do then i'm doin a lil dance of joy and thanking you

you got it man! i did both just for the fun of it :3 (under the cut!) obligatory reminder that these arent always fully accurate but i hope they help to at least jog some memories :]

rox - lone digger - caravan palace Hey brother, what you thinkin'? Leave that old record spinnin' You feel the rhythm going (They call it lonely diggin')

Legs ain't got time to lay low Your knees are bending, so It's time to get up and let go (You're gonna come undone)

Hey Mama, how is it going? Can't see your body movin' Don't leave the party dyin' (They call it lonely diggin') - Baby, can you move around the rhythm So we can get with 'em Jump around, and get us a rock'n roll 'round Just a downtown body-body Comin' with a super hotty Let's go, real slow, hell no

Baby, can you move around the rhythm 'Cause you know we're all livin' in the fast lane Speed up, it ain't no game Just turn up all the beams when I come up on the scene

personal interpretation: i ended up writing out a LOT of the lyrics because this one kind of keeps relevancy through most of it. the general jist i got was that a)the first section was about you, b)the third was about roxy, and c)the rest was more about how the two coped with loneliness & preparing for the game(?). the second bit refering to how you prepared for it, and the rest referring to roxy trying to ignore/forget it. ofc, thats just my take.

non-canon guy - e-girl - negative xp

She's an MKUltra victim I can't get her out of my system

I wanna see her Touch her, hug her Kiss her, fuck her Love her, be with her

Hey, I messaged you Can you see what I said? 'Cause I can't get you out of my head

Hey, e-girl, e-girl, e-girl, e-girl - See the pictures you post See how pretty you are So close to me but yet so far - You're on my screen like a TV star You're so close to me but yet so far You're like a disease, poison in my system You make me seem special, but I'm just another victim

personal interpretation: i get the vibes (and double checked with my pendulum lol) that this was more his feelings abt you than vice versa. uhh honestly this one seems kind of self explanatory. long distance relationship/crushing/e-dating type deal. fun fact! i redid this one bc i clicked on the wrong playlist at first, but it ended up popping up twice.

[meyhew]

.

[crunchyspicysalmon]

heres my drunk review of LOVE + FEAR

Handmade Heaven: so when I first heard this song I was already in love like wow.... the song just gives me chills in general and is a very cute song. this song was beautifully produced - ive just overplayed it for myself which is unfortunate for me

Superstar: TBH not sure about this song at first, BUT I ended up eventually loving it a lot actually omg. very good song for radio, technically a great pop song. 

Orange Trees: Same as superstar, ended up loving it, but also not my favourite yk?? good to listen to on a nice day while on the streetcar or a train

Baby: fun song tbh!! also not my favourite, but the video was cute. I know this one was an obvious collab. liked that bit of gay/bi rep in the video. also I do like marinas solo version on the LP a little better

Enjoy Your Life: this one is a fun cute song, but also one I think we can all relate to. I actually got chills listening to this song bc of how damn relatable it was and how we all need to think about how were human and make mistakes and thats okay!!! just live your life right??

True: this song just reminds me of Taurus’s now lksdhfklhkhs but like it’s accurate right??

To Be Human: on a serious note, this song I feel is like.... just a lyrical masterpiece like its stuff that needs to be said, and like on a global scale. this song has an energy that everyone can relate to its a very 2019 song

End of the Earth: fucking underrated as hell!! like this song almost brings me to TEARS like I cannot express how much this song means to me like wow!!!! My hair raises when I listen to this song every time without fail and its just so underrated and doesnt deserve it!!! one of the best on the LOVE side imo. im cryin rn listening to it (legit not joking)

Believe in Love: this is one of those songs that I wasn't sure about at first, but actually ended up absolutely loving. this one became one of my faves on FEAR and it also almost brings me to tears. I have a lot of issues with love things and letting people in which may be why I feel emotionally connected to this song lskhdflkhskfl plus good harmonies also get me

Life is Strange: so like this song I kind of.... forgets it exists until it comes on either on the album or shuffle. like this is true, life is truly strange but this also isn't my fave. however I do like how its composed.

You: okay this song goes fucking HARD!!! at first I didnt even think I like it but like I really do like it a lot. i feel I perceive this in a celeb culture kind of way and its true, you dont rly know the person you stan, and sometimes even people you think you know yk?? also just the beat of this song goes hard too in general

Karma: hell YEAH!!! this song SLAPS!! its about women and what they have to deal with in the industry nd how it will no longer be tolerated and I fucking STAN BITCH!! shocked this wasn't a single... but like yo this song deserves hella praise!! its also fun to sing

Emotional Machine: the chorus fucking gets me, yall know harmonies fucking GET ME like wow!!! otherwise this song is aight yk? but still good. something actually young girls need to hear, their emotions are normal and make them strong!!!

Too Afraid: god..... at first I was like... this is chill, but I went through a depressive phase + listened to the lyrics and H E A V I L Y related like damn... this song started to really give me chills like every lyric in this song I relate to and it really kind of captures that feeling of isolation and being trapped in a lifestyle you dont want to live which is EXACTLY how I feel. also the chorus is fun to sing

No More Suckers: this one is just really fun tbh. its also a good message yk, like leave those leeches in the past who needs them!! dont let people take advantage of you!! 

Soft to be Strong: I dont know where the fuck to start on this song. this needs to be heard by everyone, especially men. like this is a universally relatable song, and something we arent told like at all really. being vulnerable takes fucking guts and its important to be able to show that sometimes. its better to be kind in the end, as cruel people have a lot of insecurities of their own. it’s easy in todays society to talk shit, we all do it all the time. but we've lost our sense of empathy in a way, and I dont know how to explain this since im drunk, but like as a psych major and empath this hits me in a certain way. another one of those songs that just gives me goosebumps

OVERALL:

okay tbh this is probably the best album Marina has released like EVER in terms of lyrics and technical production. her lyrics mean something, they aren’t just empty gestures and you can tell. she has so much wisdom and awareness of what is going on, and it shows in her lyrics. she has done a lot of collabs on this one, yet is still able to have her style shine through, even when you can tell it is a collab. im super proud of Marina, and actually happy she waited 4 years to release this. I think in terms of a number scale, I’d rate it a solid 9/10 - esp since I haven't been able to stop listening to this album since LOVE came out in early April. I HIGHLY recommend taking a listen and digesting the lyrics bc she has a lot to say and we should be listening!!

[blackgirlandkpop]

I know yall tired of me talking about B.A.P but almost a week ago Zelo uploaded a teaser of his new song on IG and a couple od us thought he was saying the N word but no one accused him, we just asked for him to clarifying with the lyrics or something. Today, he wrote in the description for the video " I cannot use the n word in my lyrics and I havent. I wouldnt use racially discriminatory words". So we all like YES KING ZELO STRIKES BACK AGAIN. Cause you know, you gotta be sure people aint using the word. Now I go check the comments...... "Anyone who thought he said the n word needs to leave the fandom" "All these stupid ppl always hating, haters bye" Along a plethora of other comments. Being the slightly impatient and immature fan that I am, I get upset and comment back. And get I something along the lines of "English isnt the only language and he is korean speaking Korean, people also try to blame them and say that they are racist when they are speaking their own language". I try to talk to the person and say that no one was blaming him or sending hate (and junhong was singing in english and then the audio was hard to make out so the next lyric could have been english or korean) and we just needed to make sure he wasnt saying the n word. And so this back and forth continues and then I block the person bc Im tired. FAM HOPPED INTO MY DMs WITH A DIFFERENT ACCOUNT. So we continue this thing, obviously they arent listening to me. So I stop responding, tell me why they continued to send me 12 messages after I stopped responding??????? Like yes, I understand that he didnt say it, but that's no longer the problem. The problem is nonblack kpop fans keep invalidating the how black fans feel on certain issues to protect their faves. I'm not any less of a fan because I want to make sure that my faves are not racist. Im not any less of a fan when I try to correct someone when they are being rude. You dont have to insult and degrade someone because you dont think saying the n word or racism is a big issue (when it is and will always be). (Also yes I can be very irresponsible/immature at times but I will never curse at someone and try very hard not to be ignorant and call them rude names. But like dang, Im sick and tired.) To conclude, B.A.P remains unproblematic but kpop fans in general remain antiblack and rude towards anyone who genuinely cares about anything to do with black people, the n word, racism, etc

[btsxlami]

Why Namjoon isnt accepted in the krap scene (and why thats a good thing)

  unpopular opinion and confession 

*****im not saying all krappers are like this btw chill ur dick

***also butthurt ppl dont come at me saying YEAH YOONGI TOO bc i shall make a post about him too i didnt forget about yall, always coming into namjoon rap posts and making it about yoongi

****My intention of this post is not to diss your faves or rappers in general. This isn’t a post that has the intention of throwing shade I am simply expressing my respect for an artist. 

I never really respected a lot of k-rappers. I do like some songs because they have a good beat but respect is something that an artist should earn. I respect rappers and groups like epik high, verbal jint, and tiger jk for influencing the krap scene for the good.

I wont touch on american rap but the krap scene is so generalized. Like hey have fake gold chains and a bunch of girls while I rap about shit that doesnt make people feel better about themselves with lyrics that i didnt even write. Many generalize culture, rap about degrading others, and you know all that shit. But let me tell you: RAP stands for RHYTHM AND POETRY.

POETRY

Listen anyone can have their different perspective on poetry and maybe to someone “squad shit it g ma” is the most well thought out poetic verse that they have heard. 

But rapping all started when people were in pain, when people were in dark time period in life and spilling out their feelings through rhyme made them feel better and got them out of trouble. I`m not saying you need a depressing life story to be a rapper (you dont need a chicken to recognize an egg) but rapping is way more than some beats and a snapback, its a coping mechanism, maybe not always for the artist but definitely the audience.

I sound so old when I`m saying this but rapping isnt just talking fast, its a lengthy process of finding strong and meaningful word play, to beats and rhythms which compliment eachother which is then it put together in one song almost like a prayer.

and don`t come at me with the WELL I LIKE HOW IT SOUNDS, because these days i swear to god ANYONE CAN BE A RAPPER, and thats how it shouldnt be. 

They get others to write songs for them, songs usually have no smart wordplay or meaning and just talk in slightly faster pace. (i definitely find rap flow and speed a plus point in rapping). 

Rappers who arents even all that shit get praised and recieve so much attention and go on judging others just bc their not AS famous.

(random thought i really dislike smtm) Rapping isnt a childsplay. Common korean rap communities like smtm etc are extremely trashy to me.

 In 2015 during bangtan`s vacation Namjoon released his first mixtape (legendary) which proved his ability to write lyrics in both english and korean, write lyrics about depression happiness life hope etc, he made a damn song DISSING rappers who only have flow and lyrics that don`t make sense AND SPAT BARS SO FAST IM LIKE BOI BREATH, he teamed up with a western artist and recieVED EXTREME APPRECIATION IN THE AMERICAN RAP SCENE. 

If you don`t know he started rapping at 13 because he was going through a really low point in his life. He then started writing HIS OWN lyrics about his feelings and educated himself in hip hop and rap culture (he listened to a lot of nas and tupac what a man). He then joined an underground rap team which he gained skills like free-styling and flow (BOY CAN RAP SO FAST BRUH). But definitely his raps are extremely smart. He uses so much worldplay their almost like a riddle you need to figure out. Not only that he can rhyme and compose and has the qualities of a true rapper who IS PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC HE LET DOWN  HIS FAMILY TO BE A RAPPER DESPITE HAVING SO MUCH GRADES

AND EVEN AFTER ALL THAT HE GETS DISSED IN THE KRAP COM-

Like when someone would think of k-rapper they would think Zico, Gd maybe, Jay Park, Dok2 (and if you are fans of common krappers thats okay) but I honestly feel as if rappers like them are so common. To me they don`t show anything exceptional. Its like comparing Eminem with Lil yatchy (you can like either and thats okay) but Eminem did his own thing with no influence from the stereotypical culture. In shows like SMTM or unpretty rapstar you definitely see the rap community come together and Im like boi why isnt joon there he can own yall asses.

Namjoon however is on a whole different level. He does in own thing without the influence of popular culture (which refers to his message in his song DO YOU). He raps about things that are special TO HIMSELF and doesnt care about others opinions. He never thinks about what others might think of his song or what he should do to catch the attention of the audience. He does what he likes to do and goes with HIS gut.

Namjoon is a special snowflake and I dont want him to be thrown in the *oh look another korean rapper lets put him in smtm and not let them grow as an artist* pile bc I feel as if thatll take away his authenticity.

I`m kinda happy that Namjoon doesnt associate himself with common rappers because he is way better than that. He strives to collab with artists of his choice, his taste, and doesnt go for popular or common people. 

Like you know what I`m trying to say. Imagine an exceptional student who isnt really popular among the folks. and all the students who get like c`s or b`s are extremely praised and popular.

Don`t get me wrong despite getting SO MANY opportunities like 4 features in official songs from other groups (one being korean hip hop legends MFBTY), being in the 4 things show , performing at multiple festivals individually,etc. I really don`t feel as if he reached the legendary rap title yet. He definitely was close to being “part” of the community as in 2014-2015 his rap career was highly active but is on the low now as a individual. 

  I appreciate Bangtan as a group and all the contributions of all 7 members  but since BTS is a group who produces their own music, one member can`t just go off making MVs while their writers do the job for their (cough cough, bts dont got writers they got mean namjoon) I know he is busy writing for bangtan, producing beats, and a whole lot of shit for the group and he is happy with doing that but that also takes away time from doing his solo rap career AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT.

He doesnt care of not being able to produce music all the time to the likings of krappers. He cares about Bangtan. He knows his potential and doesnt need to highly promote in order to prove his worthiness. He can promote small mixtapes or covers for his armys and he is content with that. His intention isnt to get famous, as he always says: i do this for the  music not the fame.

He does his own thing and doesnt worry about the drama. He is too good for them. Someone who is beyond expectations doesn’t mingle with people who are popular. They dont worry about irrelevants. They just keep on focusing on themselves and how to grow.

I can`t wait to see him become so well known as a rapper (he already is so high up in his journey) that everyone who looked down on him now want to be him.

Namjoon is a person who expressed that their isnt a right wrong with hip hop just passion

[theconservativebrief]

If there is an age when Kidz Bop is cool, I was never that age. Kidz Bop’s mission is to make “kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits,” which translates to compilation albums of kids covering popular songs stripped of obscenities and suggestive language. As a kid, an ensemble of nasal voices singing castrated covers of the most overplayed songs on the radio was always upsetting to me (even in the condensed form of a one-minute commercial between Spongebob episodes). Now it’s something I forget exists unless I unfortunately stumble on it during one of the few times a year I have access to cable.

Yet somehow Kidz Bop has proven to be an enduring brand. As of this year, it has released more than 38 albums. The Kidz Bop Kids were Billboard’s No. 1 kids’ album artists from 2011 to 2017 and have had 22 Top 10 albums on the Billboard Top 200 chart — more than Madonna or Elton John. Since its genesis in 2001, the brand has expanded to live music, merchandise, and brand partnerships. The rotating roster of Kidz Bop Kids have gone on six national tours, serenading audiences across the country. There is a Sirius XM channel that plays Kidz Bop music 24/7 (something that seems specifically manufactured by the Bad Place).

What makes Kidz Bop such a confusing success is that it fails in its primary mission: Though it sanitizes popular songs, the music that results could not fairly be called “kid-friendly.”

A 2017 study on the effects of censorship in Kidz Bop found that replacing phrases does not actually wipe lyrical recognition from children’s minds if they have already heard the original song. Even if it did, what Kidz Bop is enforcing is also not kid-appropriate: The study says the music perpetuates the sociological phenomenon of “kids getting older younger” (KGOY), which claims that marketing is pushing kids out of their childhood earlier and earlier. The study says that repackaging adult music as kids’ music doesn’t eliminate the adult messages, even though some words and phrases are changed.

One source quoted in the study is Christopher Bell, an associate professor of media studies at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs who is an expert on how race, class, and gender intersect with children’s media. He has hosted a TED talk on female superheroes, is currently consulting on an upcoming Pixar movie (which he cannot talk about because of a very long NDA), and is an avowed Kidz Bop hater.

He sees the product as both lazy and emblematic of our mistaken views on what censorship accomplishes. Kids’ media may take out “bad words,” but it doesn’t fix the problem of violence and oversexualization of women in media and pop culture. I asked him about how what is censored, in Kidz Bop and otherwise, can affect what children learn. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Aditi Shrikant

We all know Kidz Bop censorship to be kind of odd and annoying, but is it actually insufficient?

Christopher Bell

Kidz Bop is an abomination because it censors language but it doesn’t censor content. I don’t need a sanitized version of “Despacito” — I need 8-year-olds not to be singing “Despacito” because that [song] is super dirty. And Kidz Bop doesn’t always make that distinction. Fundamentally, I don’t understand why Kidz Bop has to exist. It’s like censorship of the most banal kind.

It’s very gender conformist and racial conformist. You’ve got kids posturing in ways that I don’t know if they understand what they are doing, but the people filming definitely understand. Kids are doing dances that are sanitized but sexual at the same time because no one understands content; they just understand form.

“We are weird about what we censor and weird about what we care about”

Aditi Shrikant

Do you think kids can recognize context even with the censors Kidz Bop applies?

Christopher Bell

I believe they can. People don’t give children enough credit for cognitive development. I think it’s lazy parenting. I think it’s listening to a song where someone says a quote-unquote bad word and then taking the bad word out without ever being like, “What is this song about?” I think it’s super lazy.

Aditi Shrikant

Do you think what Americans censor in general align with what Kidz Bop censors?

Christopher Bell

Well, look around: Our culture prioritizes censoring language over violence. Take a movie like The Avengers: Black Widow shows up in a skintight black latex outfit for the visual, sexual pleasure of the audience. She engages in horrific physical violence — kicks the holy shit out of eight guys on the screen. Tasers them, electrocutes them, kicks them in the face, throws them across the room. That is a PG-13 movie, but if it had said the word “fuck” once, it would have been rated R. That’s the nature of our society.

We are weird about what we censor and weird about what we care about. And violence is always at the bottom of that list. With language, say two “bad words” and you have to be rated R, but go ahead and shoot 15 people in the face. We censor words and we censor explicit sex, but we don’t censor sexual content and we absolutely don’t censor violence.

Aditi Shrikant

Does this lack of censorship when it comes to sexual content and violence affect boys and girls differently? Especially when it comes to KGOY?

Christopher Bell

I do think it’s geared toward girls. Particularly in terms of this whole getting older younger thing. We have the exact opposite effect when it comes to boys, and if you don’t believe me, you haven’t been paying attention for the past two weeks. This whole idea that “boys will be boys” — no, grown-ass men will be responsible for their actions. It’s a complete double standard in our culture.

Aditi Shrikant

So boys don’t have the pressure to grow up faster?

Christopher Bell

Our boys are getting older younger, too, but it manifests itself differently. With girls, it manifests itself with sexualization. With boys, it manifests itself with violence and this sort of never-ending stream of violent content and the ideology that violence is an acceptable means to solve your problems.

For girls, adulthood is tied to their sexuality; for boys, adulthood is tied to the ability to win. And winning, in our culture, almost always has the baseline that is violence.

“At the end of the day, no culture in our society gets produced if it can’t sell”

Aditi Shrikant

Pixar hired you to consult. Are you seeing a change in companies wanting to learn how to craft more conscientious kids’ content?

Christopher Bell

I think a generation of people who have been in charge of things for a very long time are slowly moving out of those positions of power, and the people coming in after them have a different sensibility.

If you look at the acquisition of Lucasfilm, for example, the way George Lucas runs that company is not the way Kathleen Kennedy is running that company. We see the direct result of what happens when there is a woman in charge and not a man. We get The Force Awakens, we get Rogue One, we get Forces of Destiny, we get all these great things.

When you look at things like Moana, that couldn’t have been made 25 years ago. We know Moana couldn’t have been made 25 years ago because 25 years ago they were making Pocahontas, which is an incredibly horrific film. We live in a time where they’re contemplating canonizing the fact that Elsa from Frozen is a lesbian. They had to redesign the Transformers series because it got too Michael Bay violent for no reason and people stopped going because it had no soul.

It’s showing that there’s a market for inclusiveness. There’s a market for dealing with sex and violence differently in our culture. It can be profitable. And at the end of the day, no culture in our society gets produced if it can’t sell.

Aditi Shrikant

How are the effects of companies not understanding what should be censored felt today?

Christopher Bell

This whole cultural concept of boys will be boys is one of our most problematic core ideologies that we are literally, in real time, witnessing the cultural backlash against. We are literally witnessing our society evolve for the better. It’s going to be Brett Kavanaugh [on the Supreme Court], and that’s going to be sad for everyone, and it’s Trump right now [as president], and that’s sad for everyone, but I honestly believe that’s because we are watching the death throes of this ideology, and our culture reflects that as more women and more people of color are put into positions where they are the ones telling the story. The main thing I teach my students every day is if you control the means of production, you control the narrative. Who gets to tell the story matters the most.

Aditi Shrikant

That’s a very optimistic view.

Christopher Bell

Well, you know, it’s either that or I not get out of bed tomorrow.

Original Source -> Kidz Bop’s “censored” songs aren’t just annoying — they’re problematic

via The Conservative Brief