Selected Comments From The 2019 Reddit Discussion Thread "Blackpink is also appropriating Black Culture but no one calls them out for it."

 Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents some information about the K-Pop music group Blackpink and quotes selected comments from a 2020 Reddit discussion thread entitled "Blackpink is also appropriating Black Culture but no one calls them out for it."

The content of this post is presented for socio-cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip- Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/08/south-koreans-appropriation-of-parts-of_30.html for the closely related pancocojams post entitled "South Koreans' Appropriation Of Parts Of African American Culture".
These posts are part of an ongoing pancocojams series about "blaccent". Click the "blaccent" tag below for more pancocojams posts on this topic.

**** INFORMATION ABOUT BLACKPINK
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackpink "Blackpink (Korean: 블랙핑크; commonly stylized as BLACKPINK or BLΛƆKPIИK) is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. The group debuted in August 2016 with their single album Square One, which featured "Whistle" and "Boombayah", their first number-one entries on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, respectively.

 [...]

Since their debut, Blackpink have emerged as a prominent act in K-pop and have been described as the "biggest girl group in the world",[134][135][136] "biggest K-pop girl band on the planet",[137] and "K-pop Queens".[12] In South Korea, they have ranked first on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list in 2019, third in 2020, and second in 2021.[138] Multiple international media outlets, such as Forbes, Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter, have recognized the group's popularity and their contribution in spreading the Korean Wave around the world.[12][139][140][141] ...

Blackpink have amassed a large following on social media and streaming platforms. They became the most-subscribed music group on YouTube in September 2019,[148] the most-subscribed female artist on YouTube in July 2020,[149] and, as of August 15, 2021, they are the second most-subscribed music act, with over 64 million subscribers.[150] Blackpink's members are also the most-followed individuals in South Korea on Instagram, with the first, second, third and fourth most-followed being Lisa, Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo, respectively.[151][152][153] Blackpink became the most-followed girl group on Spotify in November 2019;[154][155] as of March 2021, they have accumulated over 20 million followers.[156]

Blackpink's influence beyond music, especially in South Korea, extends to fashion.[157] Each member has served as global ambassadors for different luxury brands"…

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS DISCUSSION THREAD

(Numbers are added for referencing purposes only. These numbers don't correspond with when these comments were published in that discussion thread.

I've added a few Editorial notes for clarification purposes) 

From https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularkpopopinions/comments/ip3sl3/blackpink_is_also_appropriating_black_culture_but/

Note: This comment or the entire discussion thread was ranked "Almost Unpopular".

"236 Comments

[...]

This thread has been locked by the moderators of r/unpopularkpopopinions

New comments cannot be posted

um_thatsnice

MOD

Locked because too many comments are offensive or disrespectful."

1. [deleted], 2020
"Blackpink is also appropriating Black Culture but no one calls them out for it.

Let me start by saying Blackpink is my ult group. But their glaring appropriation of black culture lately, specifically in their two most recent comebacks, makes me uncomfortable as a black fan. The girls speaking in ebonics/AAVE, gold teeth, hip hop mannerisms, black mannerisms, nails, styling etc. etc. Lisa's blaccent was so dominant in ice cream. It's like she was doing her best imitation of a black female rapper. It's like they are imitating black women. For once, I see international fans complaints when they say K-pop bites off black culture. I know it's not the girl's fault, but the issue still needs to be addressed.

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2. SirDorris, 2020
"To be honest, the thing I find most confusing about the discussion around CA* in kpop is how constantly fixated it is on hair. Plenty of groups, including Blackpink, are constantly mimicking Black clothing, music, mannerisms, vocab and are generally considered to be entirely innocent, then if one member puts their hair in locks, they're a monster. I feel like I'd have expected all those cases to be varying shades of grey where it's open to individual interpretation whether or not they are being disrespectful.

So I don't get it, but I do also feel like the way Blackpink is treated is consistent with kpop as a whole."

-snip-
*”CA” = cultural appropriation

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3. BashfulHandful, 2020
"I think hair is such a big issue because it's one of the most inarguable hallmarks of African/AA culture... hair has, by and large, been used to denigrate POC for decades. Even Malcolm X was impacted and spent years burning himself trying to "relax" his hair, IIRC. There are even slurs born solely from hair type.

"Cornrows" and dreads were unarguably "popularized" by POC, except that they didn't do it to be "cool". And they got/get a ton of f—cking* bullsh-t* for those specific hairstyles.

Like, hair and vernacular are two of the most identifying traits of any culture IMO, and I've seen discussions about Lisa as well as a few other popular idols who adopt "blaccents" with their rapping and speech.

IDK... I could be wrong and am not a POC, so take it all with a grain of salt.

I just think a lot of people don't realize how big a deal hair has traditionally been in racism and bigotry. It seems to get glossed over quite a bit, but it's a massive issue. Most women didn't even opt for natural hair over relaxed hair en masse until relatively recently despite the damage relaxing can do to your hair and scalp.

It's f—ked* up and I think it should be talked about more tbh, because it's an aspect of racism that a lot of people don't think about.
-snip-
*These words are fully spelled out in this comment.

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4. CookieCatSupreme, 2020
"exactly! not to mention, black people who choose to wear their hair naturally or in locks are still discriminated against specifically for their hair. there are tons and tons of stories from recent years of kids being sent home from school and told to "cut their hair off" or "straighten their hair" or people not getting jobs/getting into trouble at work for their hair. iirc the American army doesn't even accept cornrows/locks as "acceptable" hairstyles even though they're very clean and help keep hair out of your face better than other styles.

so when you contrast that with non-black artists running around with locks for the "aesthetic" it's like...okay, but at the end of the day you can put your hair back to its regular state and never receive the kind of discrimination that black people face for keeping their hair natural or in protective styles. non-black artists can profit of the aesthetic and look while black people are still getting denied opportunities and jobs for wearing their hair that way.

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Embarrassed_Coyote_5, 2020
"But a problem I have with the dreadlock/braided hair argument is that it doesn't just originate with african/black american culture,

Literally dozens of cultures have had similar braided hairstyles at one point or another, and I think it's unfair to just single out Asian artists for wearing them.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/does-the-origin-of-dreadlocks-stem-from-ancient-greece/%3famp=1

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5. Yunglethe, 2020
"Truthfully, this is one of the biggest factors that will impact the length/magnitude of their success in the U.S.

Iggy Azalea went from a #1 single to a laughing stock because of it. What hope does Lisa — Asian, never lived in the U.S., never mentored by or collaborated with Black Americans (yet, see Cardi feat on their upcoming album), never attempted to talk about her "rapping accent," never written anything she's rapped — have? They've been able to avoid an "Igloo Australia" type controversy about this simply because they're not on the U.S. GP's radar yet IMO."

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6. mylovelifeisamess, 2020
"I don't think anyone's ever taken her or Jennie seriously as rappers though--they're idol rappers which is honestly at the bottom of the rung since there's usually zero authenticity to it. They're using blaccents but since it isn't a cornerstone of their music the way it was with Iggy, I think most people are going to let it slide. There also seemed to be an aspect of slutshaming Iggy for dating black guys and criticizing her body but since BP doesn't really date publically and can't be criticized for having plastic bodies, their reputations are going to be harder to attack.

YG's rappers' blaccent has always bugged me, but I think there's an aspect of pretty/cool privilege that's going to protect BP from backlash. The reality of the industry is that male musicians are going to want to collab because they think BP's hot and if Cardi B's featuring, it doesn't seem like female musicians are going to call them out when it's a lucrative partnership.

It's just interesting to contrast them to BTS' rapline, which I like specifically because they don't use a blaccent unlike a lot of other groups, though some of RM's earlier stuff sounded kinda sus. Suga's gotten together with Logic to produce and a few rappers have recognized them at awards shows so it seems at least like there's some mutual respect there.

I think BP should figure out a rapping style that works with their music and isn't so obviously a blaccent, but I can't see it happening as a result of public pressure."
-snip-
Here's information about YG
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YG_Entertainment
"YG Entertainment Inc. (Korean: YG 엔터테인먼트) is a South Korean entertainment agency established in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk.[3] The company operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management and concert production company, and music publishing house. In addition, the company operates a number of subsidiary ventures under a separate public traded company, YG Plus, which includes a clothing line, a golf management agency, and a cosmetics brand.[4]"
-snip-
This page includes a list of current artists and former artists signed to that record label.

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7. Jenobestboy, 2020
"But the thing is, rapping is supposed to be their strongest aspect considering their concept and how they want to present themselves or at least their company. They aren’t most definitely a vocal-centric group either so it’s just a matter of time GP from the west will caught on to their mediocre rapping and use of blaccent/CA but ofc, fans will always yield. It’s a cycle of - group gets called out, fans will turn a blind eye and move on. And yes, that’s privilege right there."

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8. justarandomfellow284, 2020
Rm speaks in blaccent lol
-snip-
-snip-
Here's information about K-Pop singer RM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RM_(rapper)
"Kim Nam-joon (Korean: 김남준; born September 12, 1994),[1] better known by his stage name RM (formerly Rap Monster), is a South Korean rapper, songwriter and record producer. He is the leader of the South Korean boy group BTS. In 2015, he released his first solo mixtape, RM. In October 2018, his second mixtape, Mono, was the highest-charting album by a Korean soloist on the Billboard 200 chart, having peaked at 26. He has recorded with artists such as Wale, Younha, Warren G, Gaeko, Krizz Kaliko, MFBTY, Fall Out Boy, Primary, and Lil Nas X."...

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9. mylovelifeisamess, 2020
It’s gotten a lot better in the past few years, I don’t think what he sounds like now is considered a blaccent.

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10. KTKT11, 2020
"I agree. I've tried to bring this up but often get downvoted or no response. I would like CA to be addressed so that they can flourish in western markets. CA is not going to be a good look as BP gets bigger in the US. BTS has had to put out statements about a lot of their earlier actions. Blackpink got a headline from the NYT, but not necessarily for a good reason. And I think it will only get worse if they continue the blaccent/"hip hop" look without seeming authentic about it. Not writing their own raps and coming from privilege is not going to seem a lot more like Iggy than Cardi B. Then again, people often don't look much further than their bad bi-ch* persona and might not care."
-snip-
*This word is fully spelled out in this comment

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11. Embarrassed_Coyote_5, 2020
"It's not going to happen because they really don't really care about the wests opinion most of the time, nor should they have to.

And I don't know what world you live in but K-pop will not take off with the mass general public in the for a lot more reasons than just "cultural appropriation" (which btw a lot of which Korean culture doesn't see it that way to begin with) and writing their own raps lol."

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12. CharlottePage1, 2020
"I obviously can't speak for everyone but I think most people outside the US and maybe the UK don't understand the issue of CA as what American poc see as appropriation most see as appreciation as long as it's not stereotyping or mocking them.

Also for the stereotypes, when you don't know people from a certain culture most of your knowledge about them comes from what you see on TV and movies(most of which are produced in the US).And while that's not necessarily an excuse people shouldn't jump to call them racist because of it as they imitate what they see and think it's the standart.

Other thing is that westerners especially Americans have kind of a superiority complex when it comes to their views.They think their way of seeing things is the right way and everyone should adopt to it.And the phrase "educate yourself" is very entitled as they expect everyone to know about their culture and history while not doing the same."

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13. itzyitzme, 2020
"I could not word it any better, at first I do willing to learn but now every bit people just casually throwing racist accusation, and the more I think about it by default-ing cultural appropriation as something problematic in some cases it's speaking over the native people who live in the country of origin who doesn't see the problem with "sharing their culture".

Even Adele is accused of cultural appropriation, I thought it's okay if it's on festival because it's the point of that kind of events to share culture.

And please American you guys aren't even educated on other cultures, Hwasa most recent case is one of the example.

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14. [deleted], 2020
..."Hip Hop is from afro-americans so ofc Lisa will have some influence because they are the ones who do the best rap (imo). If you like something you will always take influence from where it came from. THATS NORMAL

Those gold teeths are actualy even older but I dont remember where it came from. So, following what some people consider CA, hip hop is also doing CA? xD

EXACTLY! Even afro people outside of america copy them because they have a huge influence . Even I sometimes copy their english for fun. I am doing CA too ? xD

Exactly bro, those things she mentioned on post arent black culture. Its like saying korean culture is all asian culture. I think people can get offended because its a stereotype or simply because they think everything is CA :/ But if hip hop is a global thing that americans created so how they get so mad? I dont know why....All modern musical genres came from america that were influenced by EUROPEANS instruments and some european instruments were influenced by arab and african so....OMG EVERYTHING IS CA HFWHFB4HFUFH"

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15. asshat_74, 2020
"iKON

american black people own everything apparently lol"

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16. ashthemarvelous, 2020
"I mean if theyre basing it off of Hip Hop, which was created by African Americans, then they do technically “own” it. The same way a painter owns their creations, the origin of Hip-Hop origin is rooted in African American culture.

Edit: That does not mean Hip Hop represents all African Americans, but the shared cultural experiences helped to bring about the genre."

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17. Blondie-Blue, 2020
"Sis if we go with this type of mind, then Spanishs "own" Tango but many non-Spanish-people do Tango but that doesn't count as cultural appropriation. This is stupid."

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18. Sdahh, 2020
“Tango is from Argentina. As an argentinian, I know that no argentine person would find it disrespectful if people from other places danced tango. BUT, that doesn’t mean that we should disregard when African American people say that the kpop industry is constantly profiting off their culture and they don’t even respect it a lot of the time. There’s a lot of nuance when it comes to culture and what is comfortable and uncomfortable for every culture, particularly in the United States who have a long history of discrimination and racism, they don’t like when their culture is being disrespected, and listening to them and their wishes is not that hard, it’s their culture after all.”

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19. kpooper2020
"u can acknowledge that they started it and the pioneers behind it but doesn't mean u "own" it, anyone can do it ANY RACE, i saw a black rapper on stage at an award show once, he pointed to the screen and it showed rappers from all around the world. and said those aren't black people, and he was happy that the art of rap was global"

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20. young-renzel, 2020
"Hip hop was created by African AMERICANS"

**
21. [deleted], 2020
"Yg’s style of rapping” is also a bit problematic at times too. YG in general is a very rap focused company and so of course they’re going to take inspirations from where rap started in the first place. I remember when an idol once said that ZICO is so good at rapping because he “sounds like a black person” which is kinda what YG’s style of rapping is based on/took inspiration from. Which is why it’s problematic in the first place, “so where’s the problem” the problem is that Lisa got her training from a company that focuses on this “style” of rapping whether or not it’s her fault doesn’t change the fact that it’s still offensive which is what op was saying in the first place. When a black person says someone has a “blaccent” it usually has a double meaning. Number one being that black people don’t necessarily talk a certain way it’s called AAVE or Ebonics yet we’re all put into this bubble that all black people speak this way (which they don’t)it really just depends on how you grew up or where you’re from. Number two being that black people who do speak with Ebonics are treated poorly because it’s seen as “ghetto” and not speaking “proper” and black people can sometimes lose jobs over it however whenever a non-black person uses Ebonics it’s always seen as “cool” and “hip”, therefore it’s unfair especially when people are forcing this “blaccent” when in reality there are people who are forced to teach themselves “proper English” just so they can get a job. Forcing a “blaccent” can also be seen as “imitating” how a black person speaks which is offensive in itself because it’s just stereotyping people."

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22. TheChunLisa, 2020
"no one calls them out for it” you must have been living under a rock, lisa has been dragged many times for wearing braids and jennie was also accused of saying the n word in a pre debut clip"

**
22. keente, 2020
"My exact feelings but I guess people let it go because they 'have no control over it'. Like Lisa was most likely 'coached' to rap like that etc. I don't know but 👀."

**
23. inbox789
"I understand that it makes you feel uncomfortable op but can we really gatekeep how she raps ? It may seem like a blaccent to you but do we really know what she bases her rapping style on ? I heard some thai people say she raps with a thai accent so I guess we don't really know ? As for the 'hip-hop' mannerisms, I say it's inevitable that they're inspired by hip-hop when the music is also inspired by hip-hop and as for the styling, most of the clothes they wear are sold by international brands so isn't it just fashion ?"

**
24. Puncomfortable, 2020
"I am a little confused about accents. Like are people saying that if she raps in English she has to sound white when she does it?”

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25. elenatk7, 2020
“no she should sound like her normal self and not try to sound “black” “

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26. inbox789, 2020
"Do we know if she is purposefully trying to sound 'black' or if she's inspired from american rappers ? Or if she has a particular rapper in mind when she herself raps ? Does she really have to rap the way she speaks ? English is not her native language. A lot of people don't rap or sing like they speak."

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27. heirtocamelot, 2020
“if op feels uncomfortable, then they are more than valid to feel that way. so many people on this subreddit are so quick to dismiss ca it’s actually disgusting. stop defending these kpop idols and companies with your whole life and realize that people out in the real world are not okay with it. please get out of your kpop bubble.”

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28. CharlottePage1, 2020
"I obviously can't speak for everyone but I think most people outside the US and maybe the UK don't understand the issue of CA as what American poc see as appropriation most see as appreciation as long as it's not stereotyping or mocking them.

Also for the stereotypes, when you don't know people from a certain culture most of your knowledge about them comes from what you see on TV and movies(most of which are produced in the US).And while that's not necessarily an excuse people shouldn't jump to call them racist because of it as they imitate what they see and think is the standart.

Other thing is that westerners especially Americans have kind of a superiority complex when it comes to their views.They think their way of seeing things is the right way and everyone should adopt to it.And the phrase "educate yourself" is very entitled as they expect everyone to know about their culture and history while not doing the same"

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29. King_Kai96, 2020
"So by saying Lisa is “imitating” a black rapper, and that it’s culturally inappropriate, should she stick to rapping cutely like an asian cutesy doll because that’s what asians were known for? I’m sorry but this post ruined my day.

I understand that there are some things that are inappropriate such as saying the “N” word but even criticizing the way they “rap” and their “style”? How about we call out Nicki Minaj for blatantly using the word “Chun-Li” and dressing up in Chinese clothing for her music video of the same name? Let’s not be hypocrites. Black artists are inspired by different cultures - why can’t K-Pop be? Specifically BLACKPINK?

When other races copy, or does the same thing ya’ll black people did, it’s culturally inappropriate - but when ya’ll do the same thing to other races, it’s fine? Make it make sense, please and thank you.

Hip hop is a culture in itself, and should not be made exclusive ONLY for black people, because although it is primarily front-lined by black artists, some records have predominantly WHITE producers.

It’s also suspicious that after this post, the user deleted their account."

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30. Ashthemarvelous, 2020
"Speaking in ebonics? Bruh what are you even talking about. Do you even know what ebonics is? Or are you trying to equate ebonics with African American Vernacular English? I dont know many black people who bring up terms like ebonics so casually, so im a bit skeptical about this post. But Ill assume your being upfront for my reply.

YG was started as a label for hip hop artists. They constantly work with american producers and Blackpink has always had a hip-hop influence. Since you deleted this post im sure you wont reply but maybe, just let me speculate here, they are not trying to mock hip hop but instead pay homage to it?

Its not like theyre a gimmick, just doing hip hop culture for a dance cover or whatever. They have always had hip hop influence in their songs and not in a mocking way, but a normalizing way. Theyve done covers of Beyonce and Miguel, Lisa and the others have videos of them practicing to hip hop and practicing their rap, etc. And look how popular they are! They are even wearing a clothing line in IC that donates to Black Lives Matter. What more could they do to show respect and admiration for hip hop music culture and african americans?
-snip-
The word "you" is written in bold font in this comment.

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31. kpooper2020, 2020
"this is what i dont understand.. they aren't mocking it anyway, and its culture appreciation, the same way koreans are proud of kpop going global.. yet people in america seem to gatekeep and get mad? u can see why koreans dont understand america's rage about everything..."

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32. ashthemarvelous, 2020
"African Americans are uniquely able to comment on the usage of their culture in Hip-Hop, so its their ‘gate’ to keep. If not done seriously, the cultural appreciation can come off like playing a role, or a character of a black person, which typically happens in the US. So in the same way Kpop groups may be trying to emulate a hip hop aesthetic, some black people may feel uncomfortable with that. And its their right to express their discomfort. Speaking up about the usage of your own culture when you see something offensive is common, the same standards apply here.

With Blackpink, in my opinion, they dont seem to be playing a ‘hip hop’ role for a comeback or two, they embrace hip-hop and black culture in a positive way and show different sides of it (comparing Whistle to IC for example). They are even supporting Black Lives Matter, which is positive and has been widely praised.

If kpop companies are able to research hip hop culture enough to portray it, then they are equally able to research the genre and what can be offensive. I dont think they purposely want to offend their fans, so fan feedback is really the only way to express discomfort."

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33.lostandbefuddled, 2020
"I just have a question. I agree that African-Americans should get to comment on the usage of their culture, but why do so many black artists appropriate other cultures and get away with it? Some examples I can think off of the top of my head are:

Beyonce wearing my country's traditional clothes in Coldplay's Hymn for the Weekend and doing these vague hand gestures (that were supposed to look Indian I guess). I don't live in America but I have relatives who do who have said that they get mocked if they ever try to wear our traditional clothes in public so I think it is fair to say that it's the same as when black people are discriminated against for, say, wearing dreads whereas an idol is seen as 'cool' for wearing dreads.

Kendrick Lamar and his Kung fu Kenny shtick. He has this whole alter ego called 'Kung fu Kenny' who is a promising martial arts student or something. He has performed multiple times with martial arts style dancers and embraced has Kung Fu themes in his work. Nowhere in his music does he even mention Chinese culture or even Asian culture. Isn't this profiting off a culture that isn't his own? Asian Americans face a lot of racism in America and elsewhere so I don't think is right either. I find Kendrick a little hypocritical because he's spoken about people appropriating black culture (which is very valid) while appropriating Chinese culture himself and not acknowledging it one bit.

Nicki Minaj's Harajuku Barbie persona...I don't think I have to say much about this. She even wears an overly sexualised kimono in the Your Love MV. She said she was 'doing an ode to Japanese culture and anime' in the Check It Out MV but it ended up having Korean elements instead which just proves she doesn't have much knowledge of either culture. There's also that Chun-Li song. I could go on and on but I think you get my point.

Wu-Tang Clan: the legends themselves also did this. I understand they chose this name out of their love for Kung fu movies, not knowing the history of the cultures these movies came from and that they were just appreciating these cultures. But can't the same be said for a Kpop idol, based in SK, who has probably only seen black people on screen as rappers. They fall in love with this and try to imitate black rappers and try out their hairstyles etc. to seem 'cooler'. In their heads, they're also just appreciating these cultures because they aren't aware of how much discrimination black people face for doing the same. Of course, I don't condone this, but I find it odd that the Wu-Tang clan hasn't gotten similar backlash for doing what IMO is the exact same thing.

I personally think it is perfectly fine for us to find solace in each other’s respective cultures. Since I'm from India, where everyone around me is the same race as me, I haven't really faced the kind of racism Black people or Indian people in the US and elsewhere have faced. TBH we were all pretty flattered that a huge star like Beyonce was wearing something from our country and I saw this video where Japanese people living in Japan were asked to comment on Katy Perry's kimono and they all liked it. But I get why Indian and Japanese folks living outside of their countries would feel upset at this.

I'm sorry if my comment comes off as rude! That was not my intention. Sorry that this got so long lol

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34. sekai-31, 2020
"And all those people were also wrong to culturally appropriate. Two wrongs don't and never have made a right."

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35. lostandbefuddled, 2020
"I realise that. My question was why it's not as much of an issue when they do it. I haven't heard of twitter or any other SM platform try to cancel them for the same."

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36. CookieCatSupreme, 2020
"i wlil say, a couple of these happened before social media was huge enough to spread but the Beyonce and Nicki Minaj issues have been discussed a ton by Asian-American folks - I specifically remember how annoyed people were at Beyonce in that music video and a lot of discourse from that time.

people have definitely talked about these issues. it's just that kpop fandoms tend to be more intense/active on social media (more so than a lot of american artists) which is how scandals within kpop spread so quickly."

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37. ashthemarvelous, 2020
..."Well, first I will say that I cannot explain every single instance of why those artists made certain style choices. If you were offended by them, or if they were inaccurate, then you have a right to speak up. For some of those examples, I would say they probably meant to embrace some of those cultures, but maybe went about it in a wrong or offensive way. I dont assume malice on their part, I think those artists understand how harmful certain stereotypes can be, given that they are also minorities in the US.

I would just say to you that the culture of African Americans has never really been allowed to flourish until now. African Americans have been enslaved, then given freedom, then oppressed and mocked for their culture. The situation is uniquely complicated. Your line of thinking would be accurate, if it was not for the social , societal, and legal  oppression that African Americans face for merely existing.

And I dont think South Korean kpop groups are trying to be offensive. However, when you see hip hop aesthetics being used for ‘edgy’ or ‘tough’ comebacks, it feels like they are playing a character of black people, which happens in the US. I think speaking up and explaining when something comes off as offensive is really the only way to truly bring awareness to the problem. Just like Japanese and Indian people have cultural history that deserves to be treated with respect, I feel the same when african americans speak up about their culture being used in kpop.

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38. squad2soifon, 2020
"This is so true. Lisa has been rapping with a blaccent for a while but it's gotten super noticeable in AIYL (along with her hair and mannerisms), HYLT and Ice cream. Ice cream had to be the worst because it was like she was imitating another rapper; it wasn't 'Lisa's' tone and I can just picture her in a recording studio being directed to go harder with the accent. I don't think Lisa has ever had exposure to living in a society with black people; Korea and Thailand are pretty monoethnic and I hate that YG or her music producer is trying to make her adopt this rap style that very clearly isn't naturally hers but is taken straight from black culture."

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39. theUltimateSlothxx, 2020
“Actually blackpink's tour band is all black membered band, Lisa's lilifilm production group has significant nom of black people directing or helping so they do have a lot of exposure with them"

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40. squad2soifon, 2020
"Spending a few months with black people on your team that are paid to co-operate with you isn't the kind of exposure I'm talking about. She didn't live with black people prevalent in her society, nor did she live in a society with black people as a majority and somehow grew up adopting their accent. Just because there are a few black people around her does in no way give her a pass to use a blaccent or act like she's black, just for music. It's not a costume you can wear to make yourself more hip and trendy, it's literally an entire community and culture that you're appropriating.

Stop excusing idols for the sh-t* normal people would get flamed for. Imagine a white beauty guru doing a photoshoot with a bindi and Indian clothes, just because she has a few Indian friends. She would get cancelled in seconds."
-snip-
*This word is fully spelled out in this comment.

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41. theUltimateSlothxx, 2020
"Wait I am not talking about her accent in any way just saying she has enough exposure to know what is acceptable what is not and needs to know how what she does affects people. Geez I was not defending her."

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42. ayo!gg, 2020
"You just defined the YG style of rapping and mannerism. If you’re gonna call out Blackpink, don’t be shy and call out Big Bang, 2NE1, and iKON, too."

**
43. kthnxybe, 2020
“I've seen a couple of things said about Lisa's blaccent. I'm not Black so I can't say if it's enough but there are at least a few people out there who hear it. I also hear it in other groups, notably (G)Idle's Uh Oh. I really like the song otherwise and that intro makes me cringe every time.

It's really hard because of course K-Pop wears its heart on its sleeve when it comes to how much they admire and want to use elements of American Black culture. But so often it's without the understanding of the context or respect for the history. As a white kpop fan all I can do is call out other non-Black fans who want to keep Black fans from talking about it. (This is also true for indigenous folks re: Dreamcatcher, etc.)

Hopefully the more we talk about it the more artists and companies will begin to be more responsible.”

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44. Clayton_Warner, 2020
“So how should Lisa rap so she won't offend black people?”

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45. squad2soifon, 2020
“Rap how she normally speaks English lol? Why is she trying so hard to be someone she's not, she's literally emulating a way of speaking that black people get criticized for in society. Just rap how you speak sis it's not that hard, or maybe work on finding a style and tone that makes you stand out as a rapper. There are tons and tons of idol rappers in kpop and the girls, like Soyeon, Yeeun, Mimi, Moonbyul, none of them imitate a black accent to seem more hip. They come up with creative flow and vocal tones to establish their rap style.”

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46. Clayton_Warner, 2020
“But what if the "black female rapper" style is the one that she really loves and enjoys? Lisa raps like that because it sounds really cool and she loves it, not because she wants to make fun of black people. I don't understand why people get so offended.”

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47. [deleted], 2020
"There's nothing surprising about this though. The whole kpop industry was founded off of the imitation of black musical culture, fashion, hairstyles, you name it. I say that as a black woman who has been a fan for well over a decade. What I don't understand is why people are now all of a sudden offended. One of the reasons that many people like the genre is because it showcases strong elements of what's familiar to us (i.e. rap, dancing) but with just enough touch of a difference to make it compelling in its presentation. I really don't get the sudden outrage.

I personally don't care if they are wearing hairstyles or clothing that they've seen in black culture as long as they are respectful and are not doing it to mock us. No matter how the world likes to try to denigrate black people, we ARE trendsetters in every sense of the word and it's not surprising that others try to imitate us in every way as a result. That's should be expected."

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48. Yo-Jim-Bo, 2020
"I have yet to see a compelling argument on why cultural appropriation is bad. I've tried reading several arguments on why its bad, but none of them gave any facts on how it hurts other cultures. I've also read that white people can't be victim to cultural appropriation. Which I agree with because I believe that cultures should be shared.

I've spent time with many different people from many different cultures. The one thing that is common is that they love to share their culture. They always tried to teach me about their culture, and if I took part of the culture and started to use it my life, they would be proud that it was from their culture.

Cultural appropriation is only used to divide people. At the rate this is going, Jim Crow Laws will be back in effect. People complaining about cultural appropriation is a step in the wrong direction."

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49. KTKT11, 2020
"What part is hard to understand? People profiting off of other peoples' culture while the originating culture is shamed and persecuted because of the same thing? How do you not see how hurtful that is? I don't think it can be more obvious than that."

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50. Yo-Jim-Bo, 2020
“As far as Hip Hop is concerned, I don't think the people in kpop were shaming and persecuting the hip hop culture.

I also don't ever remember Hip Hop ever being shamed or persecuted. Its the most popular music right now.

So it really doesn't make sense to me.

If I use something to mock or insult another culture, that is wrong.”

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51. KTKT11, 2020
“It's not saying they the appropriators are shaming or persecuting another culture necessarily (though that does happen), but that they get to profit off that culture while the original culture has the opposite happen. Or they perpetuate stereotypes of a culture. When a kpop idol has cornrows or speaks with a "blaccent" (often to show off a "tough/bad girl" concept - a stereotype), they get praised and use it for views and popularity. When a black person has those traits, they get criticized, get turned away from locations and jobs, and are called "ghetto." ”

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52. Yo-Jim-Bo, 2020
"There is some truth to what you are staying. However, most of the time that is an individual that makes the connection between cornrows and ghetto.

I'm white, and in the mid 80's my sister started to date a black man I was about 12 years old. He was a college football player so I looked up to him. He and my sister broke up when I was 16 or 17. He was a big influence in my life at that time with how I acted and how I dressed. He lived with us for awhile after my sister had a baby.

Now lets say I grew up and was really big into hip hop because of him. Then I had talent for Singing Hip Hop. So by your statement, I shouldn't pursue that career because I'm white. There is no way I can agree with that. Even if I liked cornrows and had a grill. I still should be able allowed to follow my passion.

I can't sing hip hop and that never happened but my sister's boy friend being a big influence was true. I can guarantee you that a lot of the kpop rappers were influenced by rap artist in America. They most likely wanted to be like them. But they can't cause their Asian. 

I'm tired and rambling on. I just hope my point came across clear."

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53. amoonchildspersona, 2020
"Well K-Pop is based off of Black Culture. There's a whole Harvard essay with 245 pages talking about it*

 but I understand if you feel uncomfortable."
-snip-
*This second sentence is given as a hyperlink for this pdf:
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/42004187/GARDNER-DOCUMENT-2019.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.

The reprint of that thesis abstract is included in this pancocojams post  https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/08/south-koreans-appropriation-of-parts-of_30.html

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54. nadjp, 2020
"What the f I just read? So an Asian girl is not allowed to reap because rapping is too black? This is not an unpopular opinion this is some bullshit. What you talking about is rap culture not black culture. I thought in 2020 no one tries to connect this kind of things to skin colour... Let's ban them from wearing basketball jerseys or baseball hats too. Or from the English language! See? Bullsh-t*"
-snip-
*This word was fully spelled out in this comment.

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55. squad2soifon
"You missed the point entirely. She can rap, just not trying to imitate ebonics/AAVE tones. Why is that so hard for her? She literally can't say a single English line in her own natural accent? Jennie doesn't do that, neither do the hundreds of other idol rappers out there. Soyeon from G-Idle? Nope. Or even in YG, CL never had a blaccent, she was perfectly comfortable in her own English, because rap is about flow and rhythm and tones and not just an accent. Lisa literally just depends on her fake blaccent to come off as hip in her raps because she has nothing else going for her."

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56. nadjp, 2020
"Nonono what you are doing is spreading hate. This wasn't an unpopular opinion this was "why Lisa doesn't gets hate for..." I don't even understand why. Because she tries too hard? Because her rap doesn't pleases you? Because her accent is too "black"? What? Srsly you are pulling an Eminem on her :D she is too Asian to reap like that. If your title would have been something like "I think Lisa tries way to hard and I don't like it" I wouldn't even comment because ye that's an opinion but this? People should finally stop trying to get offended on everything. She won't steal any culture she won't destroy it."

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57. Ariyah_spooky, 2020
"I think that it is racist to the members to say they can't wear something because they happen to have been born Asian instead of black. Let the girls do what they want"

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58. sofiaduany7, 2020
"Hongjoong, Hoseok & Haseul

Honestly I think BP, Lisa especially gets called out on for CA, on twitter especially. I’ll be honest i haven’t seen a lot atm but during KTL (I think) she wore box braids n got dragged. Also ppl have picked up on her blaccent too, which I also find pretty .. cringe? It would probably make me uncomfortable too n I’m sorry you feel this way. It’s not great when your faves make u feel uncomfortable. I know many will come for u for this but what you’re feeling is valid."

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59. PalagingPuyat, 2020
"Why single out BP? Roughly 60% of the industry appropriates Black culture if that needs to be called out?"

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60. sarahep68, 2020
"More like 95% lol"

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61. unkle, 2020
"is this really that unpopular? i see this come up all the time on western social media"

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62. wasupwasup05, 2020
"I feel like a lot of Kpop artists(esp those who rap) imitate black artists because they are cool and well respected since they are the creators of rap. They need to roll it back because they look and sound lame."

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63. bruiseballet, 2020
"when people bring it up they always have their crazy stans shielding them. its frustrating."

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64. [deleted], 2020
"As I've said about CA in other cultures, the culture that's affected should call them out. Not others. I see some discussion around Blackpink's CA/potential CA in other subs, but I don't know if we have it here."
-snip-
"Subs" here may refer to Reddit sub-threads

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