u/Common-Raspberry-243

The post on Chris Brown inspired this one.

Enter Yung Miami. Another Diddy defender who just won the BET Award for “Best Song of the Summer” for “Spend Dat,” which glorifies scamming and stealing. It is disgusting and couldn’t have been released at a worse time… when Black people in America are literally catching hell form Yahtzees.

(Side note: For those who don’t know, BET has not been black-owned for quite some time.)

To add injury to insult, content creators are acting like Miami is the face of feminist martyrdom and a civil rights icon after India Arie (and many others) rightly called out the song as degrading and the wrong message to send to Black youth.

Predictably, the Whataboutism Olympics went full steam. Why didn’t she/critics call out Black male artists with problematic lyrics (we do)??? Why did this dark-skinned woman call out another “dark-skinned” woman publicly (uhhh because she released the song publicly, duh)? And on and on and on.

I’m not crying for corporations by rolling my eyes at this song…. Nor did Miami write some deep, thought-provoking anti-capitalist anthem. Please 🙄.

Another content creator coined the term “relatable dysfunction” to describe many in the Black community’s obsession with celebrating “hood rich aesthetics” while putting down “Black women in luxury” as not being “relatable” enough. Though criticism and love for this song do not likely fall across class lines (I’m sure there are a lot of working class Black people disgusted by the song), I think the same “relatable dysfunction” spirit explains the popularity of it. To be clear, it has 16M plays on Spotify… not 100M yet… but, like most of today’s music… the controversy is only making it more popular.

It really hurt to see so many of my favs dancing to it online (No KeKe …. NO 😢😭… Raven Symone has to do this for clout… and attention…but not you, Sis!!). It just feels like if something is trending.. people will say “Ok this is what is popular with The Blacks now … so I’d better get on this train.” Enter Queen 👸🏾 India… who I appreciate for calling this song what it is, a disgrace.

Worst of all… this song is mid at best. Definitely giving bland oatmeal, predictable slop.. that’s too basic to be accused of having been written by AI. I heard it for the first time and couldn’t believe THIS was the song people were willing to risk life and limb for. Obvi her fans don’t represent the entire Black community.

But, what’s your take? Is this much ado about nothing or is it hard to see this song gain popularity? Does it sting when the rise of yahtzeeism and all that’s going on in our country is taken into account? Do artists bear any responsibility for the outcomes their music inspires? Or should it be viewed as merely fantasy? Lastly, do you think Yung Miami is being judged fairly or unfairly?

There is a genuine question at the end. So please read through and respond.

I was kicked out of Black People of Reddit because I asked why more Black people don’t know about/care about the deaths that resulted from the illegal USAID cuts. Despite it garnering thousands of views and much engagement (mostly comments agreeing and perplexed the issue hasn’t resonated more), they locked the post. When I asked why, they shared a link to a rule about bigotry, which was offense since I didn’t use any slurs of offensive language. When I asked them to please share the offensive language, they kicked me out. Check out screenshots of the post below to see for yourself.

They are just one group; but this mirrors a pattern I’ve seen outside of Reddit.

My question is, are we that sensitive to any critical conversations in our community that it warrants this level of overreaction/censorship? Is there a truly free, safe space for Black people to ask the hard questions of each other? I’m hoping this is it. But, please pop others you know of in the comments section.

I get that we’re under a lot of stress and it can feel like we’re “getting it from all sides” sometimes. But, to stop a convo that is raising awareness about the deaths of what is likely over a million people… 200,000 of which (outdated number from last June) were children, largely some of the world’s poorest, many of whom were Black and Brown, is just so sad to me. To do it under some bogus claim of bigoted language is also pathetic. Having people make up lies about your conduct is something Black folk have to deal with every day… you would think our skinfolk would not engage in that sort of mud slinging just to end a discussion they felt made us look bad. Very silly.

What say you? Is this an issue you have experienced or am I just tripping?

Listen, I know I’m a jerk on this. I’m owning it and slowly working through it. But, when I saw them give Glorilla and others SWIM windbreakers after the AMAs … I cringed. I guess I’m posting this because I want to be smacked back to reality. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the group, truly. But, I just can’t help it.

Maybe it’s the fact that JHope just did a major hit collaboration with GloRilla and this was their first time meeting in person that makes it feel… off. Or, the fact that it’s being recorded and given to her in a big box… You ever remember being a kid excited about a big big box reveal… and then it’s like… socks lol. 😂

It just felt like basic promo swag you throw out at a people on the street for free. This might have even been an improptu moment their PR teams cooked up quickly. But, I just remember Halsey coming and giving them those Diamond friendship bracelets (I don’t remember the exact details… I don’t think they were crazy expensive but they weren’t promo swag she pulled out of her truck). 🤣

Glorilla was gracious and appreciative. So, it’s all me. But, am I the only one?

She’s a powerful, influential woman who is one of a handful of people who would have the most insight into what’s going on in Iran. I’m glad to see she’s getting more prominent spots now (she just has a very informative appearance on George Stephanopoulos’ This Week).

I enjoy The View the most when they host experts… not just share opinions. Obviously, Sunny’s insights as a lawyer are helpful when relevant. But, tech experts, foreign policy, and history buffs really make the show stronger. I know not all women have the same background/want that kind of show. But, it makes me sad when it feels like we, women get shoveled the more “soft” interviews, even on difficult topics.

I don’t want to start any silly fan wars. I like Katseye… but I think MEOVV is more in line with what I would have expected when I heard global girl group concept (obviously with the original diversity of Katseye). And, I’m sure MEOVV was meant for Western audiences as well. But, so much of what Katseye is doing feels like what Korean executives think American Pop is about. I know it’s a joint effort with Geffen and that, it is KPop afterall…. But, hear me out.

It feels different. At times, Katseye feels really cool but other times it feels reductive… like, just strip more and more clothes away and put in more suggestive lyrics. Cool… I am not a prude and we all know that does well in America but… it’s as if they think that is all American pop is… there has to be more “there” there… even with a sexy concept…sometimes… it’s just missing. I’m sure they’ll find their voice.

EDIT: NMIXX gets honorable mention. Their sound is definitely right in line with the global group concept. The only reason they don’t fit as much (again in my American brain) as MEOVV is the initial styling.. they had the had the reverse of Katseye’s problem.. sound like an R&B group but looked like they were going to Sunday school.

After doing some quick Googling, I see that all three had different marketing strategies and that’s why they seem different and yet clearly more Western. In KPop marketing is everything (in all music.. but especially KPop … it is sort of fascinating to learn about the machine behind the scenes).

What do you all think? What is the strongest of the “Global KPop Girl Group” concepts right now?

Of all the videos and think pieces I’ve seen about why so many Americans were duped into falling for the spectacle we’re living through, this is one of the most profound on the aspect least discussed: manipulation through religion (specifically the prosperity Gospel to Trump pipeline). Rev. Kay does a masterful job of showing the link that I found to be very healing.

As a bonus, it also instantly explained for me why so many so-called Christians are completely indifferent to the human suffering of so many in the world. When you hear it, it’ll instantly make sense. But, you have to watch to the end to get it (and no, I am not affiliated with her or this YT page in any way).

If it is as impactful to you as it was for me, consider sharing it with a loved one would benefit from this awareness.

When I say 7th Heaven had me in a chokehold as a kid, I’m not exaggerating. But after my views (thankfully) changed, I became afraid to watch it because I didn’t want to be traumatized with the awareness of who I used to be (even as a kid). I knew it was full of bull. That is until I found this guy. This is HILARIOUS and the only way I recommend anyone watch this “wholesome” show.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

I’ve been trying to find the words to articulate how I feel on this topic. Like most things in KPop, it’s complicated. But, here’s where I landed:

The constant internal fandom policing under the guise of member health, safety, comfort, and happiness definitely gives parasocial. It makes me uncomfortable.

In this clip, the fans are rightly acknowledging that Jungkook’s mom deserves her privacy… which of course she does. I also understand the law and culture around filming people without consent in Korea is very strict (that’s just smart; wish the US would tighten up).

But, there is a point where it crosses a line into this weird space… almost performative. It looks like not just worrying about a stalker… but about everything. This rapper mentioned them… was that a diss? They were featured in this song… this person isn’t good enough will it hurt their career… they don’t know any better and they must be protected. And on and on and on…. It’s not the reasonable people who fear realistic threats, it’s the people who think everyone and everything are a threat/op to the group.

It’s as if fandom members feel that if they police each other or manage more behavior on a member’s behalf they are proving their love and true loyalty over other members.

I’m a Millennial… were we all like this around pop and I just aged out? Or, is this especially intense because of BTS’ popularity? If I had to guess, I think it’s a combination of reaching so many fans AND the unique nature of KPop and its marketing techniques. I don’t know if folks in J-Pop and C-Pop don’t date publicly out of respect for their fans, but I assume KPop is unique in how far it goes.

I’m sure there must be someone who has given a name to this… I don’t think parasocialism is actually an accurate description. Parasocialism is technically a one-sided relationship with someone you don’t know in media. However, this is something else and we have to call it. Members of many groups say “I love you” and pretend not to date. They have “thousands” of “girlfriends.” I would say it’s more like a faux relationship with intense engagement and purchasing on one side, with fantasy and fan service on the other side.

Am I just overthinking?

This one is personal for me. Believe it or not, J-Hope was my introduction to BTS. I saw a clip of the Killin’ It Girl video on Spotify and was intrigued. Was this a new Asian rapper out of San Francisco (🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣)? Why I thought San Francisco I will never be able to explain. Still, I was completely shocked and had to know more. June 12, 2025. The rest is history.

Congrats to “J.Ho” and all of his Hos 🤣🤣🤣 (I didn’t come up with this… the reactions were loud and clear after the video… the girls said that’s his name now and I’m not going to fight them).

Do you prefer the Glorilla track/video? The Glorilla song/or solo version? Funny to see that the video has half of the solo version but the track has way more plays on Spotify.

EDIT: I have to say this is one of my fav solo/BTS7 videos. The artistry… the cinematography… the chemistry between the dancers… the choreography… it was as close to perfect as I’ve seen in a MV in a very long time.

I think a completely stripped down performance, seated… no dancing… just singing… with either just acoustic accompaniment or a capella from Jungkook would be really nice. Honestly, a set with several songs… like MTV Unplugged would be really nice…. With a cameo appearance from V (I like the contrast in their voices) would be very cool. He may have already done a song or two this way… but, if so, another wouldn’t hurt.

Not only would ARMY get a chance to enjoy his voice… but a Western audience would really get to focus just on his vocal ability.. with so many people and beats and dancing etc the artistry can get lost. I’m sure he doesn’t care… but I think it would be nice for more people in America in particular to be introduced to him in that way.

Whoopi is legendary… at what she’s good at. I normally wouldn’t openly question such a thing because I wouldn’t want to give execs an excuse.

As moderator, she’s just ok. I don’t feel like she comes to most conversations with a relatable point of view or enough background knowledge to speak to the issues at hand in a compelling way. And, as moderator she sort of takes a long time to rehash points that didn’t need expanding or repeating or half the time just weren’t worth the wait. It feels like she’s taking up valuable air time just to get her applause.

It pains me to say that. She is a legend. But, for me, showcasing the very best women is the key. I like that the panel is diverse… I would love to keep it that way. But, aside from a few key issues, Whoopi doesn’t even speak to that experience all the time.

I would HATE to see her go and be replaced with some puppet (which you know they’d love to do)… but if she decided to leave… I’d love to see the following folks try it out:

Yvette Nicole Brown (I know she wouldn’t do it without Whoopi’s blessing)

Ali Wong… I don’t know her personal politics… I assume she is a liberal. I think she would be funny

Hi all,

I’ve seen enough during my limited time as a Redditer (of 1 year) that I think it’s time we had a space specifically dedicated to Asian and Black solidarity. If such a place exists, please post it in the comments. I haven’t been able to find it.

Assuming it doesn’t, I am willing to start it. I have witnessed great organizing offline. But, let’s be real, the culture wars are fought online. It’s where misinformation and propaganda spread the fastest. Even in legit instances of interracial hate between our communities, those instances spread without proper context and are made to represent entire communities.

Why now? THIS is the time. I know it feels like the world is on fire and we all need to “worry about our own.” And, to be clear, I don’t want to create a space that turns a blind eye to racism or invalidates people‘s lived experiences. But, I’m convinced that keeping POC warring against each other is yet another way to keep us divided.

There are decent convos happening in siloed communities and I’m glad those Black-only and Asian-only spaces exist. But, there needs to be a unified space moderated by like-minded individuals. I would also want some folks involved with high-level anthropological/sociological background or perhaps have that work inform the guiding principles.

Though I look forward to having the hard conversations, it doesn’t have to be mired in negativity. For instance, we don’t have to be purely reactionary. We could start by doing a series of posts on examples of Black and Asian solidarity in history (e.g. the American Civil Rights and workers’ rights Movements), which is sorely needed in one place, not scattered in random posts in various groups online.

If you are of Asian or African descent (from anywhere throughout the diaspora) and would be willing to help shape this new community, please share below. Even if you wouldn’t be able to moderate, how would you envision this space operating? What would good moderation and rules look like? Are there “ways of being” that could be adopted from the offline world? Could members of the group serve a special role on Reddit? For instance, if there was a viral anti-Asian/anti-Black moment, and a member made an especially thoughtful post that was aligned with our mission… would it make sense for members to actively disseminate it in related spaces throughout Reddit?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies.

I think the bar for what is or isn’t cultural appropriation has gotten too low. People are missing the plot completely.

This four-year-old clip of a Korean band, Korean Soul, singing on AGT was posted to an all-Black subreddit. Despite all of the Soul and them hitting every note perfectly, I was shocked to see the comments full of the typical “culture vulture” and “this so mid compared to most Black groups” commentary. They didn’t come out in Blackface or use the N word. They didn’t even have twisties in their hair or wear a grill. They just came out and sang the song. I’ve been around musicians and Black music all my life. They did great.

I know this was just a subreddit online and each one has a certain flavor based on topic. Those Black folk don’t represent all people no matter than a random Asian uncle or auntie being recorded doing something racist represents all Koreans.

Still… I feel like letting people label every attempt at enjoying or participating in Black art appropriation unchecked has consequences. I will always check disrespect but will also stand up and say “Black people are not a monolith and you don’t speak for me.” There’s a point where it veers into righteous bullying territory. And, tired of people doing that under the banner of speaking for Black people. You don’t.

Were any of you so passionate about KPop that you learned the language? I’m about a year in. For folks who are near fluent, did your passion for KPop or Korean wane at some point? Do you regret committing so much time to it?

I don’t have any Korean family members and don’t have any illusions of traveling there and dating a Korean guy (or a Korean American for that matter). So, I am thinking about the time commitment and if you all still feel it was worth it after time has passed.

EDIT: While I appreciate all the kind encouragement, I am really looking for insight from people who have actually studied Korean that are in a similar situation. I know that learning another language is impressive and fun (I’m more advanced at Spanish and am picking French up again… two languages I will use more frequently) … but anyone that has studied Korean knows that it is a considerable time and (in a lot of cases) money commitment. So, I’d especially like to hear from them.

All the BTS members looked great. But, I’d give the fashion icon award to V. I’m obsessed with this look. He is styled to perfection.

What looks were your favorites?

I know a lot goes into producing these songs. But, when will they put the pinkies down? I’m trying to support the group… but seriously… am I the only one that wants HYBE to abandon this song?

“One day soon the world’s gonna end… I’m gonna make out with my new bestest friends…” 😵‍💫😒