Lots of discussion on the twitter feed about Kpop stans and whether they are good or bad. Are they toxic or socials justice warriors? This type of narrative is bad and framed incorrectly. Here is why:

Most times in defense of themselves stans start with “I’m a kpop stan, but I dont (insert negative stereotype of kpop fans here).” This is effectively saying kpop fans ARE indeed these negative stereotypes and that people who don’t fit these expected stereotypes are expecptions.

This is type of language from stans is equivalent to women saying, “I’m not like the other girls.” Saying this reconfirms people’s negative beliefs about women in an attempt to appeal to the acceptance of those who are sexist and misogynistic. You see the problem, yes?

Why are Kpop stans so ready to appeal to those who believe stereotypes about their own communities? Why can’t we be a part of the normal and widen the definition of a kpop stan to more than a stereotype?

Really- the narrative should be that kpop stans are just people. They encompass positive and negative traits because that’s how all people are. Some people are problematic, some harmless, and other great organizers for good.

Scoiety, however, want to pigeon hole kpop stans as all evil & everyone who is not evil as “the exception.” There is probably a variety of reasons why. Personally, I think a big factor is sexism. Kpop is seen largely as a feminine interest & is therefore irrational and “crazy.”

I think men often are unaware of how their sexism continues to manifest in these hidden ways. Our society’s bias is shown by the dismissal of female interests by finding “reasons” why it is less intellectual/valid. We then paint these spaces with large brushstrokes of “crazy.”

Other people might say it is because these communities are larger and therefore the bad people in them have a larger platform. I don’t think this is entirely valid because gamer communities equally large and problematic don’t get dismissed as readily.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Why do we accept the narrative that kpop stans are toxic and non toxic stans as the exceptions? Why can we be seen as a community of people who are wide ranging in beliefs?

If you are a kpop stan please stop this, “I’m a kpop stan, but...” language. You -exactly as you are- are a kpop stan. No “buts.”We are not a monolith. You can be a kpop stan and not fall into a stereotype.