#it always felt like it was reserved for native hindi speakers

[yslkook]

I was wondering since you’re desi what’s your opinion on Indian cultural appropriation in kpop? How is it being a desi fan but also being a kpop fan? A lot of people say that some Indian fans overreact when their faves wear bindis or maang tikkas because other Indian fans aren’t offended. And some people claim that it isn’t even Indian culture. I hope you don’t mind me asking this?

hello, i def dont mind and i dont mind discussing things like this. as a general statement though, at the end of the day, these people are not my friends. i (and everyone else) dont know what they care about and what they dont care about- and im tired of people giving them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to straight up cultural appropriation. all i know and can comment on is their actions, or lack thereof. ill be honest, im pretty new to kpop in general. but you dont have to be an old fan to see how deep this runs. i cant say how much of this is pure, genuine ignorance though...all i can hope for is that they listen when people speak up.

as a south asian fan...it frustrates me for two diff reasons. 1. because cultural appropriation is not ok, we are in 2021, and these companies/idols need to do better, and people dont get to dictate when they are upset that their culture is being appropriated 2. i hope that we can discuss cultural appropriation across all cultures without focusing on only indian cultural appropriation

i don't think it's anyone's place to say that indians or hindus are overreacting when they're upset that kpop idols with no connection to being indian or hindu or south asian wear bindis or maang tikkas, even if not every single indian person is offended by it. idk who's claiming that bindis are not native to the indian subcontinent LMAO because they definitely are. and also a lot of hindus in south east asia wear bindis too.

for me PERSONALLY....when i see people who are not south asian or hindu wearing the bindi or the maang tikka, i kinda just side eye them and am like okay...why are you doing this...like when i saw miss jennie wearing a bindi in the one music video, i was like okay...the one individual, isolated instance didnt make me super upset. BUT HOWEVER when you compound everything and ask WHY do people feel that its ok to culturally appropriate like this when 1. no type of acknowledgement is given 2. your FANS are hurt in the process 3. it's clearly done for the aesthetic an no other reason... idk what to say other than it's messed up

and also for ME, i have a bone to pick with this because the same things that i and other south asians have been ostracized for are being touted like this for what?? for the aesthetic?

tbh the whole issue of cultural appropriation in general in kpop is a HUGE problem. of black culture (i mean....this one is obvious), indigenous culture (bts and their teepee in that one video idk where from), and its sad that despite the blatant instances of it, people will continue to coddle their idols and ignore the issue. how many kpop groups have apologized for wearing blackface? using slurs? how many idols have worn locs or dreads?

if youre gonna use the aesthetic of a culture that is not yours you better be prepared to face the callouts and repercussions. i just think if kpop has become as global at is has, it's their responsibility to be aware of how these things upset their fans. and also, kpop is so heavily influenced by western sounds...i.e.: rap, hip-hop, rnb. i do not think that it's asking too much for these idols and entertainment companies to get a fucking clue, especially considering how pervasive kpop has become in recent years.

maybe someone can argue that pointing these things out is so very american or western...that not everything is about americans or westerners...but how is that a defense when other people of color are continuously hurt

here are some examples of south asian cultural appropration in kpop

here is another article abt black cultural appropriation in kpop. one of the comments pissed me off lol

[cynic-spirit]

Purely upon the request of @caffiend-queen. Here are what I feel are good things about me, I will first tell you that it may make me look as a know it all but I have always been a reserved and introvert child. I have been doing the things that I can do alone. So here goes. 

1. I started painting at the age of 5 years old. Even with talent, I could not get an art education because in my culture, art education is not considered career choice and parents decide for the child. I painted alone in solace, I am good at it. I will put up some scans for it once I have saved enough for an exhibition. 

2. This brings me to the second thing. I am good at reading and writing. Not fanfics, but academic works. I will do assignments for money, It is unethical but it helps me to survive and pay my bills. I am not proud of it but it has helped me to become independent. I started this work two years ago when I was laid off from my job. 

3. During the lockdown period I taught myself some photoshop. I got fairly good at it. Below are two of my original works (please do not copy them). I also took french course and russian course. Now I can proudly say that I am intermediary level french speaker and beginner level russian speaker. My native language is Hindi, I am from India. English is my second language. 

4. I will not put up my photo from front or back (LOL) because I dont think I look good. I am a bit on the heavy side and have a slight double chin. In my culture, that is considered ugly so that has really shaken my confidence all these years. I am 30 years old. 

5. Finally, I love poetry and classical music. So far, poetry exploration has been through quora and amazon recommendations (I’d love if anyone recommends any, I’d defintiely read and leave you a long ranted message on how I felt about it) About classical music, I took a primephonic subscription. (it is an amazing app, try it) I have been listening to their favorites and currently I am listening to the piano rendition of schumann’s traumerei on loop :). (It sends you to another world)

SO that is all about me. @caffiend-queen​ thank you for making me do this. Also, whether you own the snake or not, its just cool to see a woman wrap it aorund herself like a scarf. It IS BADASSS. Love ya GURL!!!

(Also I dont think I have 10 followers) yet. :P

Hi! Once you get this you have to say five things you like about yourself, publicly, then send this to ten of your favorite followers (nonnegotiable) SPREAD POSITIVITY - and yes, Caff, this is really me.

@nildespirandum You’re kind of freaking me out right now. This is from you. YOU. but thank you, my beloved girl.

1. I have the great fortune of finding simply amazing friends. Friends who’ve taught me about patience and kindness and honor and how wonderful it is to have a friend that I truly Iove like a sister.

2. No matter how fucked up life becomes - and god knows 2020 is the case study - I am constantly gifted with things to be grateful for, things that make me laugh, experiences I treasure, reasons to hope. And I hope I pass that on to my friends and family.

3. I have good hair. (And I like snakes. Like Loki.)

4. I (mostly) like what I write and it makes me so happy (and a little surprised) when my work seems to move readers as well.

5. I’m loyal, sometimes to a fault. I’m Scottish and our motto is “The enemy of my friend is my enemy.” However, my sister added that while she appreciates my loyalty, “However, it’s important to be clear about what “having your back” means to you to avoid Caffiend shedding the blood of your enemies.” 

I want to know more about your wonderfulness, my dearest @imanuglywombat @threeminutesoflife @myoxisbroken @hopelessromanticspoonie @shikin83 @jevans2 @archy3001 @texmexdarling @lokilickedme @wrathkitty @saiyanprincessswanie  And anyone else who’d like to share.