Jay Park Trends Worldwide on Twitter for Comparing Cultural Appropriation to Non-Asians liking K-Pop

[sjtaazrz.livejournal.com]

On January 30th, Jay Park posted a video of fellow rapper Avatar Darko, a member of Jay's H1ghr Music label, rapping to "Truly Unruly" on his Instagram.

https://instagram.com/p/BtQpXUwAyQj

Direct Link to IG video

As Avatar Darko is a White rapper with dreadlocs, many fans took to the Instagram comments to voice their frustrations. In the now-disabled comment section, Jay responded to multiple people who accused him and Avatar Darko of cultural appropriation.
(OP Note: Because the comments are now disabled and I am unable to link to them, I will be transcribing them and providing screenshots. I have tried to piece them together in order according to multiple sources)


"Like every time I twist my hair into spikes with gel, y'all say the same shit 'cause y'all THINK it looks like dreads… tbh getting pretty ridiculous… I can't style my hair???"


"Yooo feeling somebodies [sic] music is personal opinion but hating on somebody 'cause of their hairstyle… I'm sorry but THAT ain't it. Jay Park and Avatar Darko never disrespect the culture and always give back. That's like saying a non-Asian person shouldn't use Korean words and shouldn't listen to K-pop 'cause they didn't go through all the suffering Korean people went through (if you don't know, look the shit up). It's 2019 and every culture, every ethnicity influences each other and as long as we're not disrespecting each other, it's all love and nothing else. If I sound like a dumbass because of this comment, then I guess I'm dumbass"


"Let's not argue over dumbshit there are REAL problems out there much more serious then[sic] how u wear ur hair...if you wanna focus on something go focus on that. We just trying to put on for the city and our ppl while doin what we love...if you don't like it that's coo...much love to all the fans"


"Also if we are doing something wrong give valid points and a SOLUTION.. otherwise u just hating and adding to the problem"


(reply to someone's comment) "so its ok for non asian ppl to use the word "oppa" or "selca" and "mukbang" but have never lived in korea and don't know the culture? Is that cultural appropriation? Or is that just showing love and being interested or passionate about something? Pls educate me PLEASE"


(reply to another person's comment) "how about ppl that arnt [sic] korean that do mukbang. Or kpop reaction vids to gain followers or views? Or ppl that wanna be part of 'fandoms' cause they just wanna be accepted or part of something.. Is that appropriating? I think some people can take offense to it or some ppl could look at it as oh they are just fans and they want to be part of the culture..as long as its not disrespectful i see no reason why not.. if u don't know how they grew up or what they are about i don't think you should be so quick to judge just because of ones hair"

The conversation then migrated to twitter, where Jay continued:

in no way was I telling anybody not to listen to a certain type of music or do things from a certain culture cause in no way do I speak for everybody in that culture so who am I to say. I was just trying to give examples so ppl could understand perspectives but I feel there is

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

no talking to the internet. Some ppl had valid point's but most were just trying to ridicule and hate. Also I think it's a beautiful thing that culture's influence each other and inspire each other. If you've followed my career from my music video's to the artist's I sign

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

I probably have the most diversity around me more than anyone else in the Korean music industry and it's not just to look "cool". I've probably been the most vocal about certain social issue's as well and made it VERY CLEAR where I stand

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

When I didn't have to at all but I felt the need to. I won't let anybody bully me into anything. If u were disappointed or offended I apologize but I know who I am and what I stand for at the end of the day so my heads always held up high

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

as an Asian male, being considered ''not cool'' ''non masculine" "feminine'' ''chinky eyed'' '' short'' ''fragile looking'' being called bruce lee or saying I look like a girl by non asian ppl, most my life sometimes even till this day, although it is not the same at all I am not

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

completely numb to to being judged based on look's and tbh am saddened to see that some of yall would think that I'm that insensitive. We're not enemies. There are REAL ppl living on this earth trying to spread hate and cause harm in a horrific fashion and we are not them.

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

If fact we are probably the opposite. So trying to educate us is totally understandable and cool but to make fun and hate is just straight up bullying. Should spend that energy going after the REAL bad guys.

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

Also in no way was I trying to justify anything but just wanted ppl to be more open minded and see persepctive's nothing more nothing less. No matter what culture I come across I always come at it in a respectful manner so dont spread hate. MUCH LOVE to everybody.

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

Even to all of you trying to troll me and make me look bad. I would prolly give u a hug if I saw u real talk. Jay Park loves you.

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

He then replies to a tweet that is now unavailable saying:

I understand that but why take your frustration's out on someone who admire's black people. it's like since ppl made fun of me for being asian I take those frustrations out on you for liking asian things. we just appreciating each other's culture. all LOVE on this side ❤️🧡💛

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

No more explaining myself lol I'm just too damn nice 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

He then, seemed to have a change of heart (or was tired of the comments) and tweeted:

if I fucked up if I crossed the line, I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE I can see where a lot of ppl would be offended. Stop playing tho. yall know JAY PARK LOVE'S YALL. I'm sorry I fucked up

— JAY BUM PARK (@JAYBUMAOM) January 30, 2019

He also disabled the comment section of his Instagram post of Avatar Darko's video, and changed to caption to "If I spoke out place my fault I apologize. 🙏 Just know @avatardarko and I love yall. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤"


Sources: Jay's IG (jparkitrighthere), AsiaOne, Hollywood Life, Jay's Twiter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7,8,9,10,11,12, Screencaps via Seoulpimpin tumblr 1 and 2

Comments

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

My brain is not equiped to understand that level of stupidity

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

Also I'm sorry but people randomly using Oppa in conversation in cringy
My 15 y/o was guilty of using kawaii way too much, my old ass now knows it was dumb. Just... don't do it

[drfaith101.livejournal.com]

I thought it’d never end tbh. There really was no point asking people to explain their POV if he weren’t going to take it on board.

[theweebdream.livejournal.com]

Omg...can he just disappear already

[maebyfunke.livejournal.com]

he's the fucking worst

[donaldjdrumpf.livejournal.com]

Just shut up and stick ur dick in me, Jay

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

come on baby, love yourself, you can do better than this shrimp

[pepsi-twist9.livejournal.com]

A mess from the performer who defended being on stage with 69? Color me shocked

[kcaomei.livejournal.com]

TLDR cause knowing him i don't need to read all that to know his responses were dumb lol

[vintage-boom.livejournal.com]

"so its ok for non asian ppl to use the word "oppa" or "selca" and "mukbang" but have never lived in korea and don't know the culture? Is that cultural appropriation? Or is that just showing love and being interested or passionate about something? Pls educate me PLEASE"

...so he gets it completely just refuses to acknowledge when it's happening using black culture. but I guess then he'd have to examine how his whole career is black culture repacked for asian and white audiences and that's just too much critical thinking for him. ignorance over accountability.

[stephantasm.livejournal.com]

it really feels like people like this don't see black culture as worthy of respect and humanity. it's like blackness is simply an idea but his "Koreanness" is real. Korean is a real language, AAVE is just sentence enhancers.

[http://users.livejournal.com/psychedelico_/]

sooooo many tweets and none with any substance... also why does he randomly refer to himself in third person like he's elmo

[modestgoddess79.livejournal.com]

like he's elmo

this part took me out

[scionofawhisper.livejournal.com]

The difference between cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation can be blurry and confusing, but Jay Park isn't even trying to understand here and always sounds like a fool. He's been 'Only god can judge a convicted pedophile' to me, ever since that shit went down.

[jaelissi.livejournal.com]

He's just a loster and loster cause

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

i thought he learned from the 69 shitstorm but nope. he's really as dumb as a brick.

[modestgoddess79.livejournal.com]

I really wish someone would explain to me why they can't do hip hop without copying our hair, like no one said you can't do music or dance or dj or graffiti, all we ask is that you stop dressing like a caricature of black people, it's so basic and it's such a little thing

honestly its so common that I don't even get angry I just think they look dumb doing nasty unnatural shit to they hair

also people who randomly say oppa are embarrassing and he obviously brought it up cause he himself finds it annoying

[nekobot.livejournal.com]

Weak people with no culture, personality or originality don't like being told what to do, especially if they're men, and in this case the truth hurts even more because it's not just that they're not allowed to do something because it's insensitive, they're being told they look like total clowns doing it and that hurts them even more than just being a shitty person. They can't accept it. Don't people know how amazing they are and how cool they look??

Logic or reason has no effect because the worst thing they can imagine is being "exposed" as a loser (nevermind that being able to admit your faults and learning from them is a very admirable and charming character trait) and they would rather ruin any bit of credibility they might have than to admit to being wrong or taking other people's advice into account. You could tell them they shouldn't drink bleach because it's misogynistic and they'd be on a stretcher hooked up to a stomach pump before you've even finished your sentence.

[jazzygyu.livejournal.com]

The guy he’s sticking up for made fun of black womens hair and bodies so honestly fuck him for standing up for him. And what way did he give back to the culture? Like I’m generally intrigued by that statement. He thinks making one or two statement in support of black lives matter and has racially ambiguous black women in his videos means he can do what he wants I guess. He actually thinks ppl are trolling him too, like no it’s an issue it’s not “just hair”, it isnt just hair when we can’t get hired for jobs, our hair gets chopped off by schools/sports teams and is generally scene in a negative way until a non-black person decides it’s okay. He need to stop acting like he actually wants to learn when he disable comments section right after asking someone to educate him. He just wants to continue profiting of a persona cuz we all know he can’t really rap.

[sjtaazrz.livejournal.com]

The guy he’s sticking up for made fun of black womens hair and bodies

I was going to add it to the post, but Jay's comments were so long and I didn't know if it really added much. But for people who are curious what he actually said

[stephantasm.livejournal.com]

The need to copy and accessorize other cultures when you can simply be yourself and honestly express yourself in those mediums will always fuck me up. There's no respect for the art, just a desire to seem more interesting without working on yourself first. Poorly copying black people is not a personality.

[jazzygyu.livejournal.com]

It’s so funny cuz 9 times out of 10 black ppl will respect you so much more for doing that instead. But he rather play victim than learn.

[daynr.livejournal.com]

mess. I'd be more inclined to listen to his points (of which there is some, even if he's deflecting and avoiding a deeper, nuanced conversation) if he hadn't refused to judge a convicted sexual assailant.

I feel like there are almost valid points buried in there under his defensiveness and refusal to admit he's being a jackass but ... jackass covered in hearts and LOVE is still jackass.

[evilcoc0nut.livejournal.com]

He basically defended a pedo so nothing he does in the stupid department surprises me anymore. I wish all his edgy fans would quit giving him attention.

[countthesaints.livejournal.com]

Once trash, always trash. Just shut the fuck up and disappear already, asshat.

[nana-the-dwarf.livejournal.com]

Did he grow up a day after he hit 14?

[rosiemotleymind.livejournal.com]

I knew when I saw him trending that he did dumb shit again. The dragging was hilarious tbh. He won’t learn though. He’s going to keep making money off of black fans while issuing black music but also hanging out with people who only view black people as accessories. I was already over him but now i’m ready for him to fall away into the void

[daynr.livejournal.com]

that tweet is savage.

[thebloomroom.livejournal.com]

I have no idea why anyone likes or supports him.

[evilcoc0nut.livejournal.com]

Lol I feel like he has a bunch of fans who want to pat themselves on the back for not supporting idol pop or something Idk. He's rubbed me the wrong way from the very start and he's incredibly annoying in every way.

[juhli.livejournal.com]

Man, he likes to defend the unworthiest people....

[rainstormraider.livejournal.com]

He has always been the typical dumb af frat-bro.

This is hilarious to me because it was only a matter of time before he sabotaged himself.

[love-keiko.livejournal.com]

i feel like i keep refraining from dragging his ass bc he has a lot of black stans and i feel like i'd like to see some asian writers assess him bc i'm curious for that perspective. but it's been nothing radio silence as far as i've seen and that frustrates me.

jay park is literally over in korea calling himself black by proxy. i will NEVER forget a fashion ad i saw of him in korea the first time i went where he's wearing dreads, a grill, a jersey, and posing sexily with girls on a basketball court. he knows exactly what the fuck he's doing. and he's extra wack for thinking that bc he has black associates he deserves a pass for openly profiting off of black culture.

and all these young black girls and gays thirsting for acknowledgement in the kpop world, esp since they borrow SO HEAVY from our shit, look to him for validation of their worth. but when every kpop group has a "rapper" what exactly are you looking for?

if jay park was creating opportunities for half black koreans, THEN i'd say he was giving back. he would be using his platform to create a space for blackness that literally no one in the kpop industry offers beyond broken promises (YG and lee michelle) or gimmicks (alex and rania) but he's not doing that!

it's just so funny to me the ways in which we as black ppl are constantly expected to make space for ppl who NEVER make space for us.

[rosiemotleymind.livejournal.com]

I agree with EVERYTHING in your comment. Especially about helping out half black koreans trying to break into the entertainment industry.

And your last sentence is a hard ass truth

[kenziekinz09.livejournal.com]

TK from ask a Korean wrote about cultural appropriation and specifically mentioned Jay at one point.

Spoiler alert: it’s a garbage fire
http://askakorean.blogspot.com/2019/01/k-pop-in-age-of-cultural-appropriation.html?m=1

He also acted a whole fool on twitter if anyone is curious.

[juhli.livejournal.com]

Askakorean showed their ass during that bts-shirt-thing, i was honestly kinda taken aback because they used to seem so knowledgeable and...balanced when i read them 7 years ago or so.