#but it’s weird that fandom wants to like. borderline encourage that behavior

[githvyrik]

it is genuinely really frustrating how fandom will look at a dude who doesn’t respect women at all and treats them like shit and be like “oh haha he’s gay clearly”. like yeah sure maybe he is and maybe he has a super homoerotic relationship with another dude that the author didn’t necessarily intend but you do know that misogyny is still bad right. also acting like gay men are inherently shitty to women doesn’t help anybody.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

Hey hey lesbian army here, wanted to pop in and dump something that's been on my mind. I have been stanning bangtan since 2015 and have watched the fandom grow and evolve and it's never been something drastically noticable until the pandemic era. It still shocks me to come across delulu shit online from (I'll give the benefit of the doubt) mainly naive teenagers who blindly follow and borderline worship the tannies. It makes me feel so out of touch and question do we even follow the same content?? Maybe it's cause I'm an og army but I remember how things USED to be and I'm still stuck on that...

The wave of pandemic era armys are so keen to fetishize and objectify the guys and completely disregard their lyricism or work ethic (which has sadly declined since the pandemic, so I guess naturally the fans are turning more to just talking about the guy's bodies). But still, it saddens me because this fandom used to be a place where I could engage with others in meaningful conversations but now it makes me feel sort of isolated because I feel like a lot of the og ones have left at this point, and as a lesbian I can't and neither do I want to partake in the increasingly sexualized commentary on the guys (comments like "choke me run me over daddy" or "he can slap me w his dick" etc etc). Like yikes these are sometimes 14 year olds saying these things?? Makes me wonder what bangtan thinks about the way their fandom has evolved and if they're scared of them cause honestly I'd be too 😅

But thank you for being a space where we can chat about more discourse related things and feel like we have a corner of the fandom where more is being talked about then just ogling over Namjoon's thighs or Jungkook's abs

Hey anon, thanks for the ask and for bringing up this topic because I think it can turn into a healthy debate. I don't totally agree with you, but I see where you're coming from.

Fandom discourse can be easily shoved into little boxes and it's heavily influenced by the social media platform where it takes place. I haven't been here before the pandemic so without doing some actual research into how fandom behavior changed, I can't say much about that, although you're not the first to say that it's different now and there are a lot of fans who saw the change coming since 2018. I do see the worshipping issue being very prevalent and just today, after a twitter space in which journalists gathered and talked about the bullying in k-pop fandoms and army as well, there were threads made by army for other fans so they can block all those who spoke. Because damn journalists, they're all evil. The worst is that the majority of people do it, they click the block button without actually thinking for themselves because they're so easily influenced. Individual and critical thinking is not encouraged and that's the biggest flaw in this fandom. It would be such a better place and a more accepting one if differences in opinion would be allowed and people wouldn't be demonized for not agreeing with everything or for not being obsessed.

I also understand how it can be weird, uncomfortable seeing young kids/teenagers talk about certain stuff, without probably having any experience, but I would say that it's part of their transformative years, except it's a period that is fully displayed on the internet and they do have access to more information in a way that in some situations leads them to a hyper focus because they also think it's cool. 12 year olds are writing bts smut fanfiction on Wattpad and it's really obvious how they don't know what they're writing about. It's cringey and they lack a lot of education, but that's today's generation, not just army.

I think that having some deep conversations while also fantasizing about men can be done and there's no harm in it. I've talked about fetishizing here before, but in case someone only sees a person as an object, then that's fetishizing. If not, if they are also fans of their music, their lyricism, how they present themselves and they also fantasize about them, then I personally do not see a problem. Women can be allowed to talk about pop stars in a topic that also involves sexual themes. I don't know what the members think, but I'm assuming they wouldn't see a lot of harm in it, given that they themselves talk about putting out some sexy performances or they slowly get rid of some clothes. They're adult men in an entertainment business and they know what fans like, on top of everything deep they put out. It's always been like that.

[danswank]

apologies in advance for any weird formatting, i am on mobile and typed this in my notes app then copied and pasted it here </3

hi paige! i’m not exactly the opinion you were looking for, but i have had many thoughts regarding this whole situation the entire time and have been a very frequent anon in claire overbearingstruggles’s ask box talking about this. so i figured why not add my perspective to this civil conversation where we’re all expressing our thoughts.

back in october when all the allegations came out, of course my immediate conditioned reaction was to think it was kind of disgusting. i don’t know that i’ve ever fully formed a concrete opinion. which i guess can be considered a somewhat good thing! because these situations have tons of nuance and aren’t totally black and white, despite what twitter wants to make them out to be. i’m always very iffy about burner accounts coming forward with allegations, and maybe that’s because another fandom i’m part of has very recently had multiple burner accounts come forward with grooming allegations that evidence proved were completely false; the burner accounts also then admitted to essentially lying for clout. and of course this is a very rare case! because victims have nothing to gain and pretty much everything to lose in coming forward with allegations. so immediate instinct being to want to “disprove” allegations is icky; here’s where the whole critical thinking skills and added nuance comes in. i think it’s a process we all underwent of like ok, how much can i separate the art from the artist? who do you believe? if it’s true, where does that leave my feelings with them?

and at the end of all that thinking and pondering, i just distanced myself from the fandom culture a little bit. i haven’t been into atl very long anyways, so it was probably easier for me to do that than a lot of people, which is something i acknowledge and understand to be true for a lot people. so i kept my distance, still listened to their music frequently enough, and at the time left it at that.

i will note that i think the whole “90-something allegations” person can go to hell. let’s say we are approaching this from a twitter standpoint where we believe every single allegation from victims without any nuance. at that point in time, we had the vague tiktok and the burner thread with serious allegations against jack. and let’s say we even completely disregard the tiktok! fine! at that point, you had this burner thread of a possible victim coming forward with very serious allegations, and instead of simply offering your support to that victim, you took it upon yourself to almost try and diminish their trauma. by making this very bold statement about atl having 90-something allegations, which you KNEW would be eye-catching and gain traction. only later would they explain that oh, that’s just the number of weird comments i can find on the internet from accounts of minors dating back to 2011 made by jack towards them. and while looking back now it was wildly inappropriate and it’s horrific that the culture of the time encouraged it, it was NOT the time to bring up this topic of conversation. weird sexually charged comments made toward minors 10 years ago are nowhere near the same level as serious pedophile groomer sexual assault etc allegations being made. it wasn’t the time or place for them to attempt having that conversation. and “allegations” require victims coming forward; no victims were coming forward, it was only this person finding stories people told on the internet, which at the time were often framed as something to brag about. and of course that’s a conversation you can have! talk all you want about how looking back, pop punk culture of that era was super fucked up and encouraged borderline-pedophilic behavior! but it wasn’t the time or place for that conversation to be had. and it was gross to try to equate that to this potential victim coming forward and overshadowing their story.

i also think this was a perfect example of twitter only caring to have these conversations when the hivemind is in the mood to cancel somebody. we could’ve had these conversations about weird comments being made towards minors in a scene that encouraged it months or even years ago. yet twitter only cared when it was framed as the latest celebrity scandal in the form of the clickbait-worthy phrase “90-something allegations.” i’m sick of them pretending that they care about victims when the only thing they care about is being viewed as morally superior within their own mutual circles.

now i’ve gone off on a tangent about feelings from months ago. i’ll get back on track here and talk about the lawsuit because ohhhh boy.

like i said, i was never super invested to begin with so distancing myself in the first place without fully withdrawing wasn’t that difficult. but reading the rolling stone article for the first time? i was pretty disgusted by it, i won’t lie. my initial reaction was to feel very very icky about the entire thing. because they absolutely do look like privileged rich white men exercising power and money that they have yet potential victims don’t to prove their innocence. and it absolutely looks like them taking advantage of a system that benefits people with money, and therefore looks like them taking on this case that they know will end in their favor no matter what. from an outside standpoint, regardless of if they donate any winnings to charity or not, they look bad and they look gross.

but at the same time. i get it. and i think that’s what has me not completely writing them off. because what else do you do at this point? the twitter hivemind has already made their decision. they aren’t coming back, no matter how this ends. the person who made the tiktok and the person who made the burner thread could both come out themselves tomorrow and say they lied, but it wouldn’t matter because word has spread and irreversibly tarnished their reputation. no matter what, whispers of this are going to follow them in online spaces, and they’ve already lost a ton of support. you’re still going to have people shaming others for continuing to support them. other bands have written them off to save face in front of the same crowd (which like, with bands like mmata? that dropped out of the tour a while back? yeah. i get it. i encourage them to go running for the hills. it’s too early in their career for them to be caught up in this bullshit) which always looks shady as hell to outsiders. and who knows what losses they’ve had behind the scenes in light of this, because companies are just as much trying to save face if it means making the most money.

no matter what, they don’t win this lawsuit from a moral standpoint. but they might win at the end of it from an industry standpoint, and i think that’s what makes it make more sense to me than it did the day i found out and felt slightly blindsided. i still have no fully formed opinions on how to feel, or where to go. i like their music. they don’t seem like inherently bad people. i’m mostly just watching how it plays out with baited breath. i’m mostly distant at this point, but there are so many more complex conversations to be had within the entire situation and that’s what frustrates me most. cancel culture doesn’t allow for nuance or intelligent, civil conversation. it doesn’t acknowledge that pretty much no issues are black and white—especially not this one.

honestly what i’ve said hasn’t really added much to the conversation that hasn’t already been said. i appreciate you opening the floor for civil discussion about this where we talk about our feelings on it and how we’ve handled it. because at the end of the day it’s up to individual discretion how to feel and how to handle it. none of us have to agree, but it also doesn’t do anything productive to want to tear eachother’s throats out about it (see: twitter).

this was so so long. hope you’re well, paige! sending love and positive energy to you amidst all this chaos <3

hi other bella! i recognize you from other bella’s asks! 😌

thank you for taking the time to say all this and i definitely agree. claire @overbearingstruggles and i love nuanced conversation here!!! even if it’s all already been said - and often i too feel like we’re just talking in circles and what does it even matter - sometimes it just helps to get the thoughts out of your brain.

tumblr mobile isn’t letting me copy/paste from your ask but “…when the only thing they care about is being morally superior…” yeah. exactly. there’s such a difference between having these conversations respectfully and just calling someone a rape apologist because they’re going through the emotions of a possible allegation against their favorite band. even if it was true, even if i had to, it would be hard to drop them. i think a lot of us who feel strongly about our favorite bands understand that. and that’s why i haven’t touched twitter with a ten foot pole in months. and why i’m glad i was never a part of fandom on there to begin with.

sending positive energy to you too 💖 i know i’ve only replied to a small portion of this but you make really great points and i’m glad you sent this.

[kpop-pick-me-up]

So, can I say something real quick about Kpop idols?

This has been a thought on my mind basically since I joined the Kpop community, and I know some people might react weird or not understand what I'm trying to say but that doesn't matter to me. Putting this out there does.

*ahem* NO KPOP IDOL IVE SEEN PEOPLE CALL CHUBBY IS ACTUALLY CHUBBY.*ahem*

Like for real. I see posts talking about how Suga's cheeks get chubbier on break, and how Haechan's cheeks have gotten chubbier, or "before" and "after" pictures of idols who have gone on a diet and people saying "I miss when they were chubby" like.... They never were and they aren't. This is just what they'd actually look like if they got a normal amount of sleep, ate like a normal human, and didn't dance for 4-12 hours a day. That's not chubby, that's how they'd naturally look.

Chubby, to me means that a person is slightly overweight, or that they're a healthy weight but naturally softer and can look more fuller. Which is all beautiful. And I'm aware this can be a culture difference because of how idols are expected to be thin and perfect but sometimes when I look at them I just think about how unhealthy some (not all) of them must be physically.

Because on a mini tangent: when someone eats so little amount of food for so long and is they are always in a caloric deficit (so let's say youre recommended amount to maintain your weight is 2000, but you constantly eat 1500, or 1200-1400 calories a day) their metabolism adapts so that it's natural state of burning to maintain IS 1500 or 1200-1400. So they'd HAVE to eat less to lose weight, or fix their metabolism by slowly increasing their food intake so their metabolism can adjust to a normal amount of food again. But to do that their weight would plateau or they'd even gain a little bit. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with an idol gaining weight or doing any of this, except for the fact that they'd be called "fat" by the media. Nobody actually seems to care about an idol's health. And imagine what calling them "chubby" does to them when it's just them eating normally. Why do you THINK idols always go on strict diets before a comeback? Because they know that if they eat normally people would know and call them chubby. And I'm not saying this offends them, but I know that I would feel so pressured and judged subconsciously to eat less and lose the "chubbiness" because the media must see it too if fans do.

And I know some idols don't care or even just say they don't care (but trust me, they probably do), and I know some of you guys don't mean to hurt their feelings and just mean to say it innocently, it still encourages this unhealthy mindset that all idols MUST be borderline unhealthy, and just BARELY a healthy weight or diet amount. This gives their employers a reason to make them do those crazy restricted diets (ice cube diet, or the IU diet for example) and force them to lose weight because they KNOW and SEE what you do as well, and can see when you comment on it.

To put this into a different perspective as well, as someone who's been struggling with an eating disorder, looking at really thin idols like Jimin, Suga, Haechan, etc who all weigh less than me and are taller than me and to see them called "chubby" kicked my mind into comparison mode and said "then I must be HUGE." Or "I won't ever officially be skinny or pretty until I weigh the same as them or less" because that's how a sick mind works. So not only does this infect the idols minds and encourage the bad mindset, but it can infect their fans minds to think that they aren't good enough.

I've never wanted to point fingers at this because I love it so much, but I can't be a fucking liar anymore and hide behind it because I want to get better, and I'm tired of believing that I'm too big, or that I'll always be chubby until I'm 90lbs like all the female Kpop idols. But sometimes the Kpop fandom can trigger my eating disorder. There, I said it. Fight me. Because you call thin idols chubby, and you implant this way of thinking that how they eat is okay, and that weighing 90lbs and eating 1200 calories a day is a lifestyle or that constantly restricting and not focusing on nutrients or what body type I am is how life works because IT ISNT. Some people may be that naturally, but the fact that some idols noticably change a little bit when they eat normally on breaks shows that how they are on stage isn't natural.

And to end this off as a disclaimer again, I know people don't mean to be triggering, and they don't think there's anything wrong in what they're doing (which I understand), but you also have to really take a second to think about what you're saying a little bit. Chubby is a word that is either black or white to people. Either they think it's cute, or they think it's an insult. That all depends on culture and self esteem and blah blah blah. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with being chubby, or that it's a bad thing to be because it is definitely NOT and I think everyone is beautiful how they're meant to be. So of you're 90lbs or 140, or 180, or 200+ or anything in between naturally you're all still beautiful and have your own necessary standards to consume to be healthy that will be different from everyone else. However, that is where the issue lies. Because most idols weren't born as thin as they are, they are usually forced and conditioned to be that way. But to help you decide whether it's okay to make these comments, ask yourself this when you're about to call an idol chubby:

1: am I calling them chubby because they're "eating well" (a normal diet) and they've started filling out?

2:Would I like it if someone I loved, respected or whom I cared about their opinion called me "chubby" after finally getting off of a restricted diet and just eating healthy but normal amounts of food?

3: If I was a Kpop media outlet and saw that they gained weight, what would I write? (Really put yourself in their shoes and be honest.)

4: Am I calling them chubby cheeks because they're just puffing them out and being cute? (Then okay, it's fine)

5: when I say this, are they really chubby? Or has my mind been twisted to think they are just like their critics?

And I know that may seem extreme, but that's how it is. You all preach about how self love should be more important in the "toxic" Kpop industry but still subconsciously encourage its toxic behavior. So instead of comments like "omg your cheeks are so chubby now! <3" or "awwww look at his tummy he gained!" Say: "Omg, you look so healthy! ", " You've been looking extra cute recently 😍" and stuff like that. Because it still gets the point across that you like seeing them healthier, but it doesn't use possibly triggering words like chubby or thick because they are neither.

Anyways that's my mini rant. I don't mean to trigger people, or point fingers because I used to do it too. But I think we all need to collectively recognize this as part of the issue, and say, "huh, maybe that could hurt their feelings a little but EVEN IF I DONT MEAN TO, OR ITS NORMAL WHERE IM FROM TO SAY AS A COMPLIMENT"

Because as one of my favorite quotes puts it in words perfectly "You don't get to decide whether you hurt someone or not." So yes, people like me are sensitive, and yes, it may not seem like a big deal to you. But honestly I've sat by and respected all of your guy's opinions and words for a while now, and I think it's now okay for me to say "hey, this kind of bugs me a bit." Without being looked at as weird or annoying.

So in the nicest way possible, say what you want, but I'm not taking this down. I've made myself clear and as understanding as possible. But people like me who have an eating disorder, had one in the past, or are on the road to developing one, or someone who is about to start one of the insane Kpop diets, needs to know that this isn't normal. And they shouldn't compare themselves to the unhealthy kpop standards like it did.

Anyways, thanks for listening to my rant.

~DeepSheep

[cutegirlmayra]

I'm actually interested in the difference between Japanese Sonic/Amy and American Sonic/Amy. I know that Japanese is more pro in the games themselves and in marketing, but do you have specific examples? Also slightly off-topic, but do you think there is a reason why Sonic universes outside the games (Sonic Boom, Sonic X, the comics from time to time) are more liberal when it comes to Sonic/Amy moments? I have one or two ideas but I've never quite put my finger on it.

(Official SEGA Sonamy artwork: Sonic Advance 3 -that is meant to be funny lol-)

I’d be more than happy to oblige!

Much like the Anime Trope, these two fall into a rather old but still used one. Girl chases the main hero, main hero either is oblivious or doesn’t show any response to the affections.

SEGA has stated Sonic is ‘Shy’, since he can’t just ‘be oblivious’ to Amy’s open affections… nor can they state he’s ‘neutral’ when that could mean he’s ‘ignoring her’ which would go against Sonic’s natural good heart.

So it’s ‘ambiguous’. Verses- Neutral.

However…

This does in fact differ when it comes to translations.

Examples:

Sonic Adventure 2 Battle:

American: Amy, take care of yourself.

Japanese: Amy…. -long, dramatic pause- Take care of yourself..!

This scene suggests that Japanese Sonic actually paused to think about what to say to her, and also suggests that he felt it was ‘him who should take care of her’ which in Japanese, is very touching and borderlines romantic intent.

American Sonic sped this long pause up to where it was quick and more of a - Winky charm. Whereas, with Japanese, it was more tender and addressed specifically so that more emotion was conveyed. (Some would say at a deeper, more personal level that Sonic wouldn’t natural show anyway.)

—-

Sonic Riders Zero Gravity:

American: Girls hate it when you rush them, Jet!

Japanese: Girls hate stubborn men!

This scene discreetly shows Sonic stepping up to defend Amy, but what’s interesting is that American Sonic is simply telling Jet to back off, whereas… Japanese Sonic is suggesting that Jet stop ‘flirting’ with her. ‘Stubborn men’ suggests that he won’t ease up his targeting her, and is mostly stated for when men are trying to win a girl over -negative connotation at times-. Japanese Sonic is being sarcastic for humor’s sake, but also warning and calling out Jet. Whereas, American Sonic is simply teasing and poking at Jet to turn his anger to himself instead of Amy. (Some, again, would argue the response technically means the same thing, but when you look at the two cultures, you’ll notice that ‘stubborn men’ is more addressed to men who won’t leave a woman alone. -cat callers end up getting beaten up by the main heroes?- In other-words, Japanese Sonic was acting more personally defensive with interceding Jet and Amy; whereas American Sonic was offensive in protecting her and directing Jet to himself for the fun of another race/rivalry.)

—-

Sonic Generations: SEGA of Japan actually stated that Sonic putting his hand up to Amy’s face and pushing her away was out of character. (Something about Sonic not treating his friends like that? I’m sure in Japan, that kind of behavior is considered extremely rude…)

—-

Sonic Adventure:

American: She’s so weird!

Japanese: Amy! Wa-wa-wait just a minute! Sheesh, guess I have no choice…

American Sonic is a bit ‘too cruel’ to most viewers in this scene, though it’s meant to come off as comical. However, in Japanese Sonic is more naturally surrendering to going after Amy’s lead, startled by her suddenly taking off into the park. (Far less harsh, if you ask me.)

—

Sonic Lost World:

American: Hey, Amy! Looks like springtime’s come early!

Japanese: Yo, Amy! Glad to see you’re okay.

Clearly, the difference is substantial. Japanese Sonic has a tender-care to his words as he addresses Amy, showing he remembers her last ‘farewell’ message and is relieved she’s alright. Whereas, American Sonic is going for the joke, being more peppy instead of relieved and commenting on the environment instead of her directly to her. (Some could say she reminded of him of spring… lol okay, I say that. But spring hints at things, okay!? lol)

—-

There are plenty others, lol. But I don’t want to make this too long.

Overall, American Sonic in the Modern Games is much more ‘for the pun’ and ‘about images’ than Japanese Sonic, who still keeps up ‘face’ but also warmly encourages his friends and treats them respectfully. Most of the American Written games have been stated to be ‘out of character’ by SEGA officials.

America treats Sonamy much like they do their franchise, a meme or joke to be poked fun of. Whereas, with a much more refined atmosphere, Japan treats Sonamy as an endearing and lovely couple. Though both resign to say they can’t really see Sonic ever ‘settling down’ or really being focused on romance. And,… that makes since to me. Knowing who Sonic is. But even that doesn’t mean he can’t have a crush XD (The heart wants what the heart wants, lol!)

My honest opinion?

American Sonic get awkward and werided out by Amy, but still cares about her well being.

Japanese Sonic is shy and uneasy with Amy’s antics, but he appreciates her.

And that’s all folks! ;Db If you’d like more discussions on Sonic or pairings, I’ll try and let you know what the facts verses opinions are!

—WOAH! there was way more to answer in this than what I thought! Let me try and.. here we go!

American Amy comes off as a bit much and mood-swingish. Japanese Amy is more caring and understanding of Sonic.

In Sonic X, Japan has a scene where Amy admits that Sonic may never really want her idea of love, he may never even want a family! But she’s not going to give up trying, cause she does love him.

In America, Amy just complains about Sonic not coming on the date and possibly stating he doesn’t care about her.

Japanese Amy is also shown as ‘playful’ in her culture, and her actions are more reflections of ‘positive attributes’ for the culture. America tries to twist and make this ‘funny’ instead of ‘loveable’ and that throws audiences off.

—-

Most Japanese Companies are very ‘tight’ with their characters, protecting them from being ‘out of character’. Nintendo for one is famous for this ‘tight-grasping-hold’ over their characters being portrayed well.

Sega of Japan knows they have too many people using their characters, and so they created ‘Mandates’ to make sure they stay in line. The reason other medias of Sonic are so ‘liberal’ is because Sega of Japan doesn’t ‘closely watch/inspect/is right in their faces’ to be able to regulate it. And honestly? The officials were more concerned about if it’s making money and getting exposure than anything else. They’ve tried to change that policy, visiting America more to secure some credibility in the characters. They first tried this with Sonic Boom but ended up seeming to abandon it. (I don’t blame them) but they have been here more recently with Sonic Mania; Giving me hope that Sonic Forces will be regulated to more ‘in-character’ themes. (Also, the original writer is Japanese, meaning America JUST has to translate correctly)

Most companies generally want to make sure they still have some control over their franchises, mandates and other rules are not uncommon. SEGA is rather ‘looser’ in their holds then Nintendo, for example though. Nintendo will shut down a fan-project that doesn’t treat their character in good light, or even caution Hollywood like with Wreck-It Ralph and Bowser. They gave some particular suggestions for animation and the like on him. SEGA just had fun with it, cause I didn’t hear much of anything from the interview with the director about them other than they ‘were fully on-board!’.

Sonic Boom got away with Sonamy through loopholes and ‘less supervision’ at times. But they have their limitations too. (Other characters comment on Sonic and Amy, but never Sonic reacting/stating blunt comments. Amy could, but they’re going with a more ‘discreet/quiet’ love when it comes to Amy’s crush.)

Sonic X was by SEGA of Japan, they’re allowed to / can do whatever the heck they want. -z formation, hip rotation, snap, snap, hair flip.- It’s 4Kids (illegal?) editing of original content that sometimes messed up translation. But there are things that were only exclusive to Japan’s release. (such as Natsu no hi which was confirmed to be from Sonic’s POV, along with the anime bubbles at seeing Amy in her ‘dress’)

Archie had their hands tied with some strict contracts, such as ‘Sonic can’t have a permanent girlfriend’ and ‘Sonic can’t show any interest in Amy’, but even Ian admits some hints and others in Archie have stated their ‘case’ on the matter too. (One even admitted he thought Silver was Shadow and Amy’s kid xP

Now, I’m not trying to dis America. They’ve survived a lot. But I know where most confusion comes from is that the company can’t decide ‘what Sonic is’. This can be problematic, along with bad marketing ploys. So it’s not entirely their fault. Other forces are to blame here too. Such as the fandom sometimes placing their opinions on things as facts, without checking sources sometimes.. (It happens -shrug-)

I hope this helps! ^^ (If there was something I missed or misunderstood regarding your question, feel free to ask me again! I wrote this at 6 in the morning so if somethign doesn’t amke sense, you call me lol)