Kpop Meets Black Women (tumblr) Review

It’s not very easy being an international Kpop fan - especially if you are a person of colour. The reason for this, I am honestly not sure. I wonder if it is because Kpop exists outside of the stereotyped idea of what persons of colour are supposed to like. For some time now I’ve noticed that it’s especially worse when you're black. One such site that explores the intersection between Kpop fans and black people - specifically black women - is Kpop Meets Black Women.
Now I’ve checked out this site a few times and there are lots of things here that you find on a typical fan website, regardless of what or who said website is dedicated too. With that said I have noticed that this site gets loads of negative attention for being what it is. That is why I have decided to review it, like I would anything else. It took me a while to put together because I have some strong opinions on this particular website and the amount of hate it receives on a regular basis. With that being said, I hope that I managed to portray some of the good and bad about this website, from my point of view.
According to the moderators, the site is about: “The men of Kpop/Korean music interactions with Black Women. Fan Accounts, & stuff…. & more stuff…etc.” It goes on to say [which is the primary reason that sites like this is important], “To show that they care about the Black Fan Girls too & appreciate us!”


The good

1) Kpop meets black women is a great site because it shows not only idols interactions with people of colour (which is not something we see on a regular basis) but it also shows that some of these people are willing to understand the history of the music that they make. Some people believe that Kpop groups do not know where the history of the music comes from but posts showing these celebs talking these black heroes show that these idols are not oblivious as some may think.

2) Although the main idea of the website is geared towards black women it is not only for this group. They highlight issues and interactions with idols of all women of colour.

3) Fan interactions show direct interaction with idols and can be lots of fun to read. It gives you a chance to experience what it would be like to meet some of these idols even if you don’t ever get the chance to meet them.

4) Seems like a very friendly community. Although I have yet to comment on the site I have read many of the topics and questions asked and the moderators are very friendly towards visitors. Even salty haters like this one;

“Ugh, Asian men should never be with black women. Its too disgusting. Asian men are too perfect.”

And Kpop meets black women response;

“We don’t have to tell you how beautiful and wonderful black women are. They constantly prove it simply by existing. Continue being salty.”

5) It fills in a much needed gap. There aren’t many websites dedicated to multiracial interactions at this level and it’s interesting to say the least.

6) It points out the random black people moments. This is something I do unintentionally as well because it’s not very often you see a person of colour in kpop anything and its cool when they point it out. Kind of makes you see certain videos differently.

7) Takes note of Idols music choices and also the inspiration from where their songs come from (at least for the idols who write their own music). For eg. I didn’t know that Rap Monster (leader and main rapper from the group BTS) got his inspiration for 'Do you' (single on his mixtape) from India Arie’s song of the same name.

8) It is an AMBW fan girl dream page.

9) It relays the idea to kpop fans that their idols would love them just the way they are BECAUSE women of colour are beautiful (all people are beautiful regardless of the colour of their skin).

10) Cool background music. I discovered some nice new music and got to listen to some favorites while reading and not just Kpop either



The Bad

1) The Haters. Like this person, “Yeah that site is tragique! They could make a blog like this one that celebrates kpop but is also an encouraging, safe & smart place for young black girls to be instead they are helping feed delusional, harmful fetish fantasies and making these girls feel like validation from a man/idol means you're attractive. Instead of saying 'damn right that idol was checking you out/likes bw because we are beautiful' they are saying 'omg he didn't openly vomit when he saw you! he listens to beyonce!!! that means he loves black women!!!'” Have you been on this site? Totally not what it’s about.

2) Some of the stuff they talk about are a bit farfetched, but so what? We all act that way when we like something or someone and hope that they would notice us. It is a fan website, you are going to read and see things that will make you feel the 2nd and 3rd hand embarrassment, making hide your head in shame but most fan pages are like that anyway.

3) Sometimes they point out idols that they think would date Persons of colour because of the way said idol acts. Sometimes this rubs me the wrong way but I don’t really see it as a bad thing just adds to the farfetched point I made earlier. (Not always though as sometimes they have valid reasons for why they think an idol would date a person of colour).

4) Honestly I believe the race of a person should not matter BUT it can be a preference and whether we want to admit it or not MOST of us have a preference when it comes to those we like. For example, I will read any book that interests me but when it comes to mystery books I will read it even if the read up doesn’t sound like something I would like too much. Get what I mean?

5) Not highlighting the negative meetings between Kpop idols and black fans. Generally I think this website focuses on the positive because the negatives are pointed out many places, however those interactions still matter.



General Thoughts

While doing research for this article saw a lot of misuse of the word ‘fetish’. Kpop has opened the doors for Asians (both male and female) to be seen as sexy and talented for more than just martial arts. So it really is no surprise that people on the outside of Asia are becoming romantically interested in them and for some, dating Asians might simply be a preference. It is the same way as dating people that are only of your race may also be a preference.
The word fetish gets thrown around lots when talking about black women and kpop. I am not really sure if you can have a fetish for a person. Body parts, inanimate object yes but a person maybe not. You can be obsessed but that is a different story all together.

People who make comments like this;
“…This shit is embarrassing. Real talk. And now there is a tumblr dedicated to Asian fetishism and we got black Kpop fans up in there, going wild and acting a fool. The worst part is that everyone is watching.. They're outside and looking through window, curious about what the black folks in the fandom are doing and then they see that foolishness out in the open for everybody to see…
And before folks take this the wrong way.. I know there is always that one among them, I am not saying.its wrong to be attracted to Asians. I am complaining about racial fetishism and folks dating Asians only because of Kpop. Dating someone because they seem like a cute accessory is fucked up. The end.
Man, this is sad. Ladies and Gentlemen of the BKF, WHO ACTUALLY ENGAGE IN THIS MESS please love yourselves. Invite Jesus into your life, set yourself free. Seeking validation for your blackness from Kpop idols OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER is sad. Very, very sad.”

Comments like this make me very sad about the world that but I totally agree with what this person replied and said;
“Why can't black girls just be themselves and do stupid and silly things like every other race of woman instead of having to constantly be concerned about presenting herself properly as if she's representative of the entire black community?”

Anyway the real question is; would this blog get as much hate if it was a blog about black women and their interactions with black celebrities? Probably not, because black women wanting black men is considered to be the norm. What I like most and what lots of the people against this website don’t seem to ever notice is that this website often helps people with self esteem issues. Someone commented this:
“I use to feel like shit about my dark brown skin and living in a world where it's White people and skin are beautiful and Black people and darker skin isn't, I've even had a family member tell me not to go for acting because I'm Black and I don't have white skin, I even use to buy skin bleach and wanted to get my skin bleached by a Dr, but your blog made me feel so much better about myself, the advice you give others and hearing others accounts on Kpop idols, I love my skin now! thank u so much!”

Kpop meets black women response:
“Thank You!! I’m so happy you feel better!! dark skin is sexy ok! There’s a lot of handsome men out there who loves our skin, I’ve seen a lot of beautiful, hot, interracial couples out there! and never listen to the ignorant people, they will say anything to stop you from your dreams and there are successful Black Actresses out there and they’re amazing! go for it and don’t give up! ^_^ love ya!”
In the end this website basically wants to spread goodness and there is nothing wrong with that. It does add lots of needed positivity in the black kpop fan community and hopefully is here to stay. Good luck to them and hope to see many more websites like this in the future.

Love yourself the way you are no matter what!!!!

P.S. the quotes are not mine and you should check out the website for yourself and see what you think.