BTS Are Discussing The Racism They’ve Faced as International Asian Stars

Bill Maher made headlines with his rant about the music industry and how some people succeeding and others failing is because it’s a meritocracy and some people make better music than others. Now, this was right around the Grammy Awards ceremony, and it’s worth mentioning that success and talent and winning awards are entirely unrelated.

Case in point: Beyoncé’s daughter has more Grammy awards than BTS, the most popular band in the world. 4 out of the top 5 best-selling songs on Amazon last year were by BTS but sure, Blue Ivy earned that Grammy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sharp increase in hatred and violence targeting Asians, much like the violence targeting Muslims we saw after 9-11. Even BTS has felt the effects of this sort of racism, CNN reports.

“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,” said the band in a statement posted on Twitter Tuesday.

“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason.”

The band was characteristically humble, even in this, saying that they know others have been subjected to much worse.

Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem.

Racism is pretty stupid just in general. Like, punching some old Asian woman who is just minding her own business is going to accomplish what’s in your mind? That’s going to solve COVID? Getting vaccinated when you can is going to solve COVID. Be nice to each other.