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"Xenophobia is not humor." BTS fans come together once more to #StopAsianHate

ESTIMATED 
"Xenophobia is not humor." BTS fans come together once more to #StopAsianHate

Earlier this week, the BTS ARMY have once again taken to social media to remind everyone that xenophobia and racism is not a laughing matter, accordingly resurfacing the #StopAsianHate movement. 

This comes after radio hosts from a Dominican radio station, Esto no es radio made racist comments towards BTS. In one of their shows, the radio hosts described the South Korean group as a "Chinese version of the Backstreet Boys" despite consistently acknowledging that the GRAMMY-nominated act made Korean music and sang in Korean. 

Following the episode, which is currently up on the station's official YouTube channel, the radio hosts took to Twitter to continue to make – now, deleted – vilified remarks against the multi-awarded group and their fans. One of the show's hosts, Santiago Matias, even momentarily changed his Twitter profile photo to a picture of BTS member, SUGA. 

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The official Twitter account for Esto no es radio have also celebrated the attention they've been receiving over the last day and is launching a special episode to further talk about the topic. As of press time, the radio station has not issued a statement of apology.

BTS fans and Twitter users alike took to the social platform to criticise the actions of the Dominican station, reinstating that xenophobia and racial discrimination are not meant to be taken lightly using the hashtag: #XenophobiaIsNotHumor.

With the proliferation of Asian music in the West, Asian acts such as BTS have been frequent victims of racial discrimination. In the past year alone, the group have also been subject to racist remarks from Bavarian radio station Bayern 3, and Chilean TV show Mi Barrio. American collectible company Topps were also under fire earlier this year for negatively depicting BTS as bruised and beaten in a recent card collection. 

Amidst these incidents, the Stop Asian Hate movement was amplified after an increase in racially motivated hate crimes in the US, namely the death of six Asian women in Atlanta in March. Several musicians, including BTS, have spoken up on the matter and shared ways to support the Asian community around the world. 

Musicians speak out and unite together to #StopAsianHate

"We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English," reads BTS' earlier statement, following the Atlanta attacks. 

"Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred but these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem. What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians. But what our voice must convey is clear. We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together."

BTS have recently renewed their LOVE MYSELF campaign with UNICEF, which aims to end violence and promote self-love. Since its launch in 2017, the campaign has raised over USD 3 million for UNICEF's global efforts. 

The group are also slated to speak this year's upcoming United Nations General Assembly where they will be delivering a speech of hope and encouragement to people all over the world as part of their ongoing mission to promote self-acceptance and love amongst young people. 

Check out BTS' LOVE MYSELF campaign below.

 

 

 

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