crystal-lining - Tumblr blog

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Can i request the miracles, Momoi, and Kagami tweeting thirst tweets about Kuroko?

yes! yes, you can 😊. Kuroko simp club part ??

bonus

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I finished watching Law School I can and will cry

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Too tiny to even leave footprints

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Buttercups tatt commish!

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Via die689 RD

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CHRISTIAN DIOR at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2017 if you want to support this blog consider donating to: ko-fi.com/fashionrunways

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Already started filling my apartment with pumpkins, both real and decorative, and my belly with all the pumpkin spice in the world. September is good, and makes me feel warm. 🍂🕰🦇

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build a bear axolotl…… ♡︎(´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

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“I love seeing the bookshops and meeting the booksellers— booksellers really are a special breed. No one in their right mind would take up clerking in a bookstore for the salary, and no one in his right mind would want to own one— the margin of profit is too small. So, it has to be a love of readers and reading that makes them do it—along with first dibs on the new books.”

— The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Marry Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

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Mourning mask and veil worn by Empress Elisabeth of Austria after the suicide of her son at his hunting lodge at Mayerling, 1889

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Danseuse Earrings

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Come here so I can give you some Smooches 

(Source)

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HELLO??????

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i really hope you guys like my haircut 🥺 cuz 🥺its my new one 🥺🥺 and i really like this one🥺

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As an Indian, i would say that i agree with the statement that community sentiments flow with artists who break out in the West. For us, the western market is something that is always considered ‘superior’ and thats how it’s promoted in my own country. We get to hear statements like ‘if you dont listen to x western artist then whats your taste in music’ or ‘how could you not listen to x artists, they have won so many grammys’. And this circulates back to the agenda of how Western institutionalised awards are considered paramount practically anywhere in the world. This is in complete contrast to how people in India received BTS or any other asian groups/ artists. Heck, 1D is given more credibility here, and its not as if english is our native language, so if language is the only game, then how is Korean viewed as something inferior? When it comes to Indian musicians in western media, i think A R Rahman- who was the composer/ producer for the music in Slumdog Millionaire and went on to win many many awards. For me, thats was an actual moment if pride, because you really dont see Indians being received as artists- we are just the ‘intelligent’ company workers. But the entire zeal of celebration toned down over the years because once again we come in contact with the superiority of western ideals.

In a way, i understand what Koreans might feel with regards to BTS. I feel the same way for the Indian cricket team (lol). But honestly, it’s extremely mean to say that BTS are losing their Korean identity by releasing songs in English- especially if its the fans and the members themselves who proclaim that music has no boundaries. If you are here for the exoticism, then fucking leave because its demeaning.

Its impossible to like every song that an artist releases. I am not very fond of Dynamite but i did like Butter. In the same manner, i think Outro: Tear was an exceptional song but i could never completely listen to Skool Luv Affair and it was one of their ‘older’ songs. People have different tastes, and thats expected. Tying down an artist because you think liking something non- english makes you better, then thats plain wrong.

There’s been something weighing on my mind lately, and I feel like I should share it. As of late, there has been a lot of talk surrounding BTS’s music, their choices, and their path for their future. It was shocking to see how just 3 songs meant for the American/Global market could create such a sardonic rift within ARMY. Although I do agree that not every ARMY has to enjoy “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance,” I do believe that some things are being overlooked in regards to BTS’s ambitious plan to win a Grammy.

One of the first things I have noticed is that K-ARMY and I-ARMY reacted differently to the success of these 3 songs. Korea has been so proud of BTS, even sharing online how much they cried to see the boys top the Billboard Hot 100 again and again. They even trended on twitter multiple times their thanks to American ARMY, expressing their genuine gratitude for how hard the American fans are pushing for the boys’ success in the US. What I-ARMY is choosing to ignore is how much this means to K-ARMY, let alone Korea as a whole.

It has dawned on me why I-ARMY, predominantly those from America, Canada, and the UK, don’t understand the push for BTS to make a stake in the American music industry, and ultimately a Grammy win. The reason is quite simple. To those I-ARMY from America, Canada, and the UK, you must realize that the American market and the Grammys have always, ALWAYS, been accessible to your artists. The biggest names in music history have won Grammys, but only because they all fit into the pretty box of European features and English lyrics. They didn’t have to try to fit a mold. They didn’t have to break into the market. They just walked right in, practically invited with the door wide open. It really wasn’t until recent years that even African American artists were winning the biggest awards of the ceremony.

This is a MUCH bigger deal to Korean and Asian fans than it would be for western fans. I don’t think others realize how much this means to us. People like us have been marginalized forever, and given little to no respect or recognition by the American market, let alone the Grammys. To Koreans, having one of our own be able to come as far as BTS, is truly inspiring and makes us feel validated in a way we’ve never felt. The American market and the Grammys may not seem like a big deal to you guys, but for our people, this means the world. We feel proud. We feel accepted. We feel we finally have a place at the table. The Grammys may not seem to be worth much to you, but to Korean and Asian artists, it is the very pinnacle of recognition and respect in the music industry. This award has eluded our people for as long as it’s been handed out, and now there is hope. There is a chance. BTS is Korea’s pride for a reason. They’ve changed so much already for us. We hope for their success. Their success is OUR success. The respect they receive brings pride in our culture and our identity as Koreans, as Asians. It is more than you could ever imagine.

It breaks my heart how little people regard K-ARMY and Korea’s reaction to all of what BTS has achieved in America when forming their opinions on BTS’s quest to be regarded as worthy artists for the biggest award in music history. You don’t have to like their English songs. You don’t have to like their approach. But just understand it’s not easy for them as a Korean boy band to be taken seriously. If these boys could, they would write their own English songs. But they can’t. It’s not as easy as you would think. Especially for rap line. The songs they are given are appreciated by BTS, and they are thankful for those who help them in a different language for a very different market. They’re saving their lyricism where they can get their full heart and message across – The Korean market. Meant for THEIR people, in THEIR language. If you are unhappy with the American singles, just hold on and believe in the boys. They know what they’re doing.

For Korea, their dreams are OUR dreams.

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Just adding to what @beautifulpersonpeach mentioned about renewing contracts, its very silly to think that BTS does not, in fact, have power in a company they essentially helped build. If they dont wanna be a part of the idol life, they have amassed enough name and fortune and- most importantly- respect, to work in a musical/ art field by themselves. Secondly, the questioning of BTS’s achievements and its credibility is an incredibly toxic thing. For an asian group to break out so widely in the West is a big deal. There is no way that people can or should discredit them in that.

Also, considering the pandemic situation, it is very hard for artists to earn money- even harder for huge entertainment companies to work their stuff- especially with the sort of budget that bh allocates for their releases. So, the newer products and the shoots etc, all them make up for their lost earnings. The ‘extravagant’ performances which some people seem to hate on- actually give employment to many people who work behind the scenes. This is something that is synonymous to ALL big corporations. To pick and choose because hybe is the most visible one is biased.

Next the member- member interactions. Can we know about those a 100 percent? No. Because the content we get in just a small glimpse. You cannot expect certain people to behave in a certain manner and then get snarky because they dont. Was the BE ‘essential’ re- release a money grab? Yes. But in the same sense, the Evermore vinyl release worked in the same manner- it even charted. Did bts release a lot of remixes? Yes, they did. But so did Lil Nas X with his Old Town Road. The thing is, major artists do that, because its a part if the business too. Honestly, the way some people perceive them is like they have all the luxuries in the world and so the hatred, especially considering they are not western- is VERY VERY visible- is not present at all. People can ignore that because it doesn’t fit their narrative of villainising bh, but again, thats just silly. Once again, wilful vilification of a company shouldnt translate to mocking the artist.

Lastly, fans have the freedom to buy what they want. Me purchasing something? That should completely be my responsibility. Im not being brain washed by hybe because at the end of the day, i should be mature enough to how to spend my money. And if people dont do that, then its their fault.

I’ve always wondered if people realise how Hybe (I won’t say BTS but …) is manipulative in the content they release to keep fans engaged almost 24/7. Because they are! Obviously every brand can be manipulative to a certain extent. We are customers and they need to make money 😅 but some people really do seem naive. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a bit older than the average demographic and work in Marketing but yeah - sometimes it irks me the wrong yeah. I don’t want to start drama on your blog so no need to post this if you don’t want to 😉

Hi @lololypopy ! Thanks for the Ask. And it's okay; if someone wants to start drama that's on them. We're gonna have a mature discussion.

These days, many people view marketing as manipulative because marketing is about persuading consumers they need whatever what the brand is selling: a service or a product. But many times brands are really selling ideas and values, too, and this is the case with Hybe, BH and BTS. [Hybe is the parent company, while BH is the record label and the specific brand (end product) is BTS.]

INSEAD says that marketing should be influencing not manipulation. They want marketers to make this distinction more clear, too. Manipulation for them is the use of deception or underhanded tactics to influence consumer behavior instead of using facts. Basically, if a consumer wouldn't choose a brand if they knew the truth about important aspects of the product or brand, then that is manipulation in marketing. A prime example is when Volkswagen fooled its customers into thinking its cars were more green than they were. That level of deception is also criminal.

The reason people find BH's marketing tactics manipulative is because of the false reality and social media addiction they create through their content. Content is delivered near-daily, and sometimes several times per day. This creates constant engagement, addiction and reliance on the brand as part of their consumer's daily lives. The normal and healthy boundaries between brand/consumer and artist/fan are blurred. Participation in activities related to the band becomes almost compulsive (hello, here we all are on Tumblr... lol).

It also heightens an already intense para-social relationship between consumer and brand, where the consumer becomes an object of love and appreciation of the brand ideologically (such as MOA or ARMY), which intensifies brand loyalty. There is a false sense of reciprocation there, and it is driven further through certain narratives. Being labelled as ARMY strips consumers of their identity, too. We become an unknowable collective instead of indivudals withour own needs and values. This is rather cultish, but that's a post for a different day. :D

In this type of setup, fans are made to believe they must act to defend the brand and help the brand achieve its vision. The brand's vision becomes the consumer's vision, which is genius or diabolical, depending on how you look at it.

A lot of people believe that the marketing narrative of BTS in particular was constructed well before their debut. They were setup to be the loveable underdogs that would appeal to a western market where a rags to riches story is universally loved. Do I believe this? Honestly, I don't know because it seems slightly over the top and maniacal. Like, a little too Hank Scorpio to me. But there are a couple things that leave me wondering.

One of the interesting facets of this argument is that I haven't come across any hardships BTS faced that other groups didn't also face. Their company being new and the group not being taken seriously is par for the course and lots of other groups have been through the same and were not successful. Being cut from a show at the last minute is also routine in show business. However, I imagine there are things I don't know about, so feel free to share what you know in the comments but please do so respectfully. This is an adult discussion, not fan wars, etc.

Another reason that this strategy could have been in place from the get-go is because it seems to still be in place despite incredible success. The underdog narrative is difficult to sustain in the face of success, which is perhaps ironic. Conan O'Brien is probably a great example of this. His schtick on Late Night was based around being the underdog with the low budget and the bad/weird ideas. This did not translate well to The Tonight Show, nor did any attempt to retool his persona/schtick.

Recently, there was gratitude expressed by BTS for the protection that ARMY gave the group. Personally, I'm uncomfortable with this because it furthers an unhealthy para-social realtionship that is truly unbalanced. It creates a drive for recommitment to fan labor (streaming, posting, reporting, etc), which of course the group relies on for their outstanding numbers when it comes to views, likes, streams, and ultimately record sales. It was RM who made the comment, and I was really surprised to hear it. And, as ever, it's about the way things are said. Fans should be encouraged to speak out against racism and other prejudice the group ecounters, but the idea that there is a specific protection that only the fans can give is disingenous because the vagueness of the comment can be misinterpreted to support the wealth of fan labour. Basically, it furthers radical commitment to the brand.

Now, don't come at me in the comments because I haven't said I believe this theory. It is one perspective and I do think it has valid points, but that doesn't mean it's true. Circling back to the heart of our topic, this is what I would ask: If you found out any of the following were true, how would you feel about the brand BTS? Would you still feel like supporting it, or would you feel lied to or otherwise deceived? (Keep in mind that I'm not saying these things are true AT ALL; this is a thinking exercise. Got it?)

none of the group live together (you could argue this lie provides privacy but it also creates a false reality)

they aren't all great friends

there were no hardships faced by the group that others of the same or previous generations didn't also face

they had plenty of food and ate out often, even during pre-debut (this is an interesting one because many ARMY circulate the idea that they could barely afford to live)

all of the money challenges in reality and variety programmes that made it seem like someone wouldn't eat or otherwise would suffer were fake (this is 99% likely, btw)

the group actually had opportunities that others didn't

the group has had an autonomy and freedom that other groups have never had, giving rise to more opportunities

Share your thoughts! Do you think BH and Hybe market their brands ethically? Do you ever feel manipulated? Why or why not?

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Ancient meme template ayyyyeee