2019 Vmas - Blog Posts

Decided to have a little follow up chat about the awards show that happened last night. Mostly for 2 reasons; one, I was soooo impressed with Twitter ARMY for creating and trending the #Purple Carpet and #BTS video music awards! Secondly, I was just saddened and angered by what happened, in the first place.

    So thunderous applause and many thanks to the tens of thousands of ARMY that, once again, stood up for decency by not watching that disgraceful mess. AND made it fun for ourselves and others online! You were the real winners last night, with all your creativity. Also huge thanks to the ARMY that stood with us and voted, despite what that tv channel says. We know who should've won all the main categories, and we did a great job standing up against intolerance.

    But, we're still faced with the possibility this could happen again. And we must figure out how to make our voices heard, for real change, if it does. I was so angry that they clearly subverted a category we obviously would have won. There's no doubt, in my mind, that BTS were disrespected twice last night. More importantly, what can we do about this in the future, should others try it? S. Korea has a criminal investigation pending for rigged voting on a show, even now. Not to do with BTS but it does happen, everywhere.

   What I'm talking about isn't by going the way of the courts, though, yet. But heading them off before they get there. Hopefully our boycott will have strongly impacted the revenue the advertisers receive from their support of that show. So that would certainly impact future situations. Another option is addressing the advertisers directly, should we need to, in the future. And we did have the entertainment media behind us, as well. It may be an option to utilize that resource more fully, if need be.

   Lastly, not only was I disappointed by an American entertainment company, but I was disappointed by American entertainers. We know the 💲 has reigned supreme for a long time now, not artistry or values. But to see no one stand up against the hypocrisy, and instead fully embrace it, left me angry. There are so many in the entertainment industry who are quick to stand up for a popular trend, why would none of them take the initiative to boycott the show with us? It's definitely something I'll be bringing up and bringing attention to, if we wind up here again. So consider our options, ARMY. We're huge and powerful together. And we can stop injustices. Yes, it's just a music show, but the ideals that were stepped on are big. So we should continue to speak ourselves by speaking against racism and inequality.

   Off the soapbox, for now 😁 Thanks to everyone for all their support this time and let's keep winning with BTS!! ❄👸

Credit: 2019 BTS Festa family photo

"Everybody say NO..."

Dear A.R.M.Y., today we have something a little more serious to talk about. And it's a delicate subject. But one that we think really has to be addressed, not only for our boys, but the long term ramifications, as well.

While we want to always be grateful for any accolades BTS is given, the process being used by MTv this year is not actually an accolade but a segregation. It's xenophobia or at its base, racism. Those are strong words to be used at any time, but it really is the basis of what MTV has done by creating a "kpop" category. And this is the only way they'll award Korean groups?

BTS stands for the exact opposite of what MTv is doing with this category. BTS and ARMY are about breaking down barriers, overcoming prejudices. South Korean President Moon Jae In said, "At the very heart of BTS' outstanding dancing and singing is sincerity. This magical power turns grief into hope and differences into similarity. Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melody and lyrics transcend regional borders, language, culture, and institutions." If only MTv could understand. They are merely a tv channel, that is discriminating against an entire population, again. Whether at the behest of advertisers or corporate heads, it's not important. What is important is that hopefully, we can let them know this was never ok.

This may all sound a bit grandiose, but if you look around, we're fighting battles for equality and humanity all over the world. And one way to silence these voices is to silence BTS. ARMY, we've done it until now and we'll continue to stand with them and fight for each others' dreams.

Write to MTv. Maybe it's a short, appropriate tweet on twitter, a letter to them, or an email, let's voice this. Let them know our disagreement with what they're perpetuating. This is not okay in one country, or one awards show. Meanwhile, we're watching for other ways to speak out against acknowledging these awards in any way. A surefire bet to "help them change their minds" is voting overwhelmingly for BTS's nominations in all categories (as always). But PLEASE don't watch the actual show. Those ratings are what they actually want, so even pass it along to your friends how they could help. Let's not let this happen on our watch, Army!

Let us know if there any other good options you've seen, please. And we'll definitely pass it along.

Team Karamel

Twitter page: @VMAS

Email: vh1communications@viacom.com

Mail: Viacom Inc. - MTV Networks (Main Office)

New York, MY

1515 Broadway

New York, NY 10036