The Dark Side of the BTS ARMY: Inside the Fandom
By Zeisha Bennett
ARMY, the fandom that continuously walks by and supports the worldwide Korean music sensation, BTS. ARMY like to see themselves different from other Kpop fandoms, claiming to be the most diverse. The fact goes to be that all ARMY’S are represented through many ages, cultures, gender identities, and ethnicities. But is that actually true?
Being an African-American ARMY myself, I searched for the answer. After compiling data from over 120 Black ARMY participants, a consensus was able to be reached. From asking a variety of questions ranging from casual to serious.
You’ll get to see ARMY from the darker perspective.
Age
The majority shows that most individuals range from 13 to 17, which slightly debunks the age diversity from normal teenage fans that ARMY claims to not have, but the second largest portion comes very close to the first percentage, which in a full show that young individuals support BTS; not just the stereotypical teenage girls outsiders see the fandom as.
Though only a small percentage at 6.8%, individuals 22 and older participated, making their presence known. The under 12 years of age portion is almost nonexistent. ARMY proves it does have diversity in age within the fandom.
ARMY Birthdate
The chart shows that most Black ARMY’s became fans in 2017, the year they won their first Billboard Music Award. The other years almost alike in number.
ARMY Stories
Here's a few experiences of different African American ARMY and how they found BTS:
Why Do You Love Being in the ARMY?
This is what they said:
Anything About the Fandom You Feel Should Change?
Within the Kpop community and even by some ARMY's, they believe the fandom can be problematic at times. To better the fandom, Black ARMYs suggested change in a many of areas.
Further down the survey, I steered away from the Icebreaker questions and asked the vital ones. The ones no one cares to ask.
Representation
Nearly 2/3 of the participants admitted to not feeling equally represented in the ARMY. What happened to the perfect equality projected from the fandom?
I, then, asked them to state why they feel that way if they said yes. The answers are unbelievable.
#BlackOutBTS is a hashtag used for Black ARMYS on Twitter to post selfies of them to try and boost their support and representation in the fandom.
Anger is not found anywhere when asked of this question, only remorse as Black ARMYs simply wish to be accepted; especially by the people who claim to be their family.
Negative Encounters
Though most said no, one cannot ignore the whooping 42.4% of Black individuals who have seen or been in a situation in the fandom, just because of their ethnicity.
Here are their stories:
Reactions of Being Fans
A solid 88% of Black ARMYs experience judgement for just being into BTS. This is unacceptable in this day and time in all honesty. Why must their likes and dislikes be a problem?
Stigma
I asked why exactly was there a stigma against Black ARMYs and was not disappointed by the many answers.
The participants know exactly why things are the way they are. They have completely uncovered the stigma of African American ARMY and even as Black Kpop fans.
Here’s what they said:
It all comes down to stereotypes and downplayed racism. Black ARMYs are expected to be someone they’re not and follow the assumed behaviors of others.
Before all the hate and backlash I receive, this expose was created to give a spotlight to those in the dark. To those whose voice is smothered by the majority. To those who wish to be accepted fully. African Americans ARMY struggle to be included and fully represented in the most "diverse" fandom in the world.
You have seen a glimpse into the hearts of African American ARMY. Though it took about three weeks to gain over 120 responses, there are actually a lot of Black ARMY. They just stay in the background, not wanting to be judged or attacked.
We are the dark side of ARMY. Proud and Strong.
