I'm writing this post because there's something related to my personal interests (fandoms, to be exact) that has been bugging me. Well, it's more like something that some other people have done or portrayed. I'll be as fair as I can in elaborating and I'll keep the anonymity of the individuals or groups of people involved, but each event or incident that I'm going to mention here is for real.
So....my friends and family would most definitely know that I enjoy learning foreign cultures, particularly Asian cultures. To be even more specific, I absolutely adore Japanese and Korean cultures. Yes, both Japanese and Korean. Now, don't jump into conclusion and assume that I don't have the slightest care about my own culture or country. If you think so, man, you're dead wrong! I am proud of my country and constantly pray for its continuous growth and harmony. How can I easily turn my back on a land that has given me a chance to grow up in a peaceful and welcoming surrounding? Therefore, my interest in other cultures doesn't change my root as a Malaysian. It's simply that my interest (or you may call it hobby) is to learn about other cultures, especially in terms of languages and lifestyles. I see it as a positive thing as it helps me to expand the horizon of my knowledge and awareness on other parts of the world. It prevents me from being 'katak di bawah tempurung' [Literally: a frog under a coconut shell; Interpretation: someone who has absolutely no idea about the things outside of his or her own secluded space].
And let me tell you here that the hardest part about learning foreign cultures is not the unfamiliarity of the foreign cultures. The real hardest part to me is being bugged by skeptics or antis. Some people are just full of hatred, aren't they? Even worse, they choose to grow that hatred inside of them and eventually show it out to the public. How uncivilised! You might say that if the antis are being a pain in the neck, why not just ignore them? That's exactly what I had been doing in the beginning. I figured that those antis are definitely not worthy of my time and attention. But I'm sorry, my patience isn't as high as Mount Everest or as wide as the Atlantic Ocean. I can tolerate some rudeness or unprofessionalism but not when it's too much.
Now, let's get to the specific incidents that I would like to address, shall we?
--Haters at Public Performances--
It's usually not an issue at all when the event is by only one act or many acts from the same genre. In fact, you can see the warmth and unity among the audience members at this kind of event. The problem arises when it's an event with a mixture of acts, genres, or places of origin. Let me ask you this. What is the original purpose of going to a concert? The most sensible answer would be to enjoy the show, right? That's why organisers hold concerts in the first place. It's for music lovers to unwind and see the performers live on stage. It's really unfortunate to see how low someone can act just to express his or her dissatisfaction towards others who haven't even done anything wrong. If someone doesn't like a particular performance during a concert, that someone should just clench his/ her fist and bear it throughout the performance. But to 'passionately' shout "boo~", show thumbs-down, throw garbage or other items towards the stage, all WHILE the artists concerned are performing...that's just so thoughtless and childish. Nobody forces anyone to like every performer. Just keep your basic manner. It's as simple as that.
--Antis on Social Network--
This group of people are, without a doubt, attention-seekers. First of all, being an anti (or hater) is already a negative thing that shows one's narrow state of mind. Please be clear here that antis are those who truly HATE someone or something, not those who harmlessly DISLIKE them. Secondly, these people, knowingly or unknowingly, call out for attention from the whole world by bashing or insulting whoever they're dissatisfied with on social network. Sadly, some of my own acquaintances are like this. I've seen posts and comments like [*rephrased/ translated but with the same meanings*] "...plastic idols...", "...go back to your own place...", "...waste of money and time...", "...delusional fans...", "...pretty faces with no talents...", etc. Those are pretty accusative and presumptive words, don't you think? Shame on those who have stated such things on public platforms! What bugs me more is that all of the negative comments are proclaimed based on the antis' substance-less ASSUMPTIONS only. I mean, have you actually checked out their full performances, trainings, and documentaries? Have you done your research on what they had to face (and for how long) before debuting? Have you tried to see and greet them in person? Have you surveyed why their fans support them so much? And...do you even know who they really are? (i) Expressing your honest opinions and (ii) recklessly mortifying others are two different things that every mentally sane human should be able to differentiate.
--Disfavouritism by Influential Personalities--
Influential personalities refer to individuals who have regular followers, supporters, or fanbase. They can be celebrities, socialites, gurus, bloggers, and such. What these people have that is so valuable is power in their words and actions. The public listens to what they have to say and watches their actions. Good things are great to share but controversial and sensitive things are better discussed in more private platforms. Just because you're angered by certain incidents, that doesn't give you the right to forcefully retaliate against specific people (or country?). Are you expecting your followers to blindly fight your fight along with you? It's just so unprofessional to go as far as badmouthing others even if there have been past incidents that may have made you feel irritated or upset. You have good intentions, I believe so. But how you choose to act or react mirrors your depth of rationality and your heart's true content. Especially when you're a public figure, your simple words or actions can greatly influence other people, particularly the youngsters. So, please please please be more aware of your choice of words before attacking a particular person or group of people.
It's tiring to keep telling my side of the story with regards to the assumptions and perceptions made by non-fans of particular individuals or groups. I usually let it slip but when someone is far off track, I feel that I have to do something in my attempt to save his/ her soul from further demonic-like sentiments. *Dramatic word-usage mode, on!*
If haters at public performances act the way they do with the so-called reason to protect their country's own music industry, what does that make me? Am I a liar when I say that I love my country even though I'm a big fan of J-pop and K-pop?
If antis on social network claim that so-and-so is not worthy of our support, what does that make me? Am I oblivious for finding joy and comfort in foreign entertainment?
If influential personalities who are supposed to be the wise and knowledgeable ones show obvious disfavouritism towards a certain genre or even culture, what does that make me? Am I the foolish one for liking to learn a foreign culture, left alone at least two foreign cultures?
Just stop with the aggressive or passive-aggressive hating and choose the more mature actions. I like what I like, you like what you like. I don't ever want to put you down for what you're interested in, so please don't bring negativity into the picture. Just stay away from the subject matter if all you have to say is your spirit-breaking, fun-killing, conclusion-jumping opinion. Don't rain on someone else's parade. It's shallow. You're better than that.
Peace, lovely world! ♥
