Tell me about Fans of BTS ARMY

YES! There is a giveaway. Scroll to the bottom of the post for details.

Something happened at the BTS concert in Las Vegas last week that sort of took me by surprise. My extremely introverted daughter, Sierra, talked to strangers. But she pointed out later, that they weren’t really strangers, they were ARMY. She even gushed about how nice they all were.

But were they really?

Not to play devil’s advocate here, but some bad behavior was displayed by some ARMYs at the concert. Some concert-goers did not stay in their seats and rushed the aisles that were off-limits. Some threw items at BTS causing them to duck and dodge. I’m sure they meant well but it prompted Namjoon to announce not to throw things. He shouldn't have to ask ARMYs to not do things that could result in injury to one or more of the members. There were some ARMYs ridiculed by others for their choice of outfits. PLEASE. Of all the places that should be designated a “safe space” for being comfortable with yourself, it should be a BTS concert.

I have only been an ARMY for 2 years. I probably still have a lot to learn about the culture of BTS fandom but I have been around long enough to know common courtesy and respect. The deeper I get into the fandom, I have learned that there is in-fighting. There are Taekookers vs. Jikookers, OT7 vs single stans, and even outright Jimin-hating for no apparent reason. I don’t even understand how that could be possible.

There are also disagreements amongst ARMY on who to “cancel” for allegedly disrespecting BTS. Some ARMYs are too quick to jump on the “hating” bandwagon. Yes, there are cases that warrant being dismissive. But, for example, when James Corden told a joke at BTS’s expense, some ARMYs sent him death threats. Is that really what ARMY should do? I don't think so.

When Namjoon mentioned that he is not taking to Twitter or social media to complain about not getting a Grammy, he may have been letting ARMYs know to follow his lead. He said he is an adult. If we don't want the world to think we are all 15 year old screaming girls, we need to stop screaming. ARMY is a reflection of BTS. ARMY is a powerful force for good. Let's be that.

We should be an example to all the new ARMY who will be joining us on our BTS journey, don’t you think?

I would like your opinions on what ARMY is and should be. Please fill out my “Fan Situation” survey. For those who submit a survey before May 18, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST, you will be entered into a giveaway for a free personalized canvas bag. My example is Jikook but you will be able to choose your own bias, ship, or OT7.