Why I Support BTS's Grammy 'Boycott'

Walking down a quiet street in a suburban US neighborhood, the author experienced a jarring moment when a grandmother admonished her barking dog with the words, "Don't bark at the yellow people!" This incident, though brief, was a stark reminder of the subtle, yet pervasive, undercurrents of xenophobia and racism that can surface unexpectedly. Later, a series of passive-aggressive notes about trash left on their property escalated into a more unsettling situation when a neighbor was observed peering into their car, seemingly checking for a dashcam.

“

Don’t bark at the yellow people!

These personal anecdotes serve as a backdrop to the author's support for BTS's decision to withdraw from Grammy consideration. The controversy arose with the Grammy's proposed new category, 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance.' BTS expressed discomfort, stating their desire for music to be recognized for its artistic merit, irrespective of region or language. The subsequent removal of BTS's performance videos from the Grammy website, attributed to expired licenses, was viewed by many fans as a petty retaliation for the group's stance.

“

We want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.

The article delves into the history of Grammy categorization, highlighting how such divisions can inadvertently reinforce boundaries and perpetuate biases. The author recalls the criticism surrounding Beyoncé's win for 'Best Country Album' followed by the creation of 'Traditional Country' and 'Modern Country' categories, seen by some as an attempt to protect the 'authenticity' of country music from non-white artists. The expansion of Grammy categories from 29 in 1959 to the current 100 has been a continuous site of debate regarding inclusivity versus segregation.

“

We just go our own way. We were born in Korea, so people don't know us.

BTS's leader, RM, recently altered lyrics during a performance to reflect their experience: "We just go our own way. We were born in Korea, so people don't know us." This sentiment underscores the group's journey and the challenges they face in a global music industry that often struggles to move beyond established norms. The author, identifying as a 'yellow foreigner,' stands in solidarity with BTS's choice, advocating for a future where music is judged purely on its artistic value, free from the constraints of origin or dialect.

“

The creation of the 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category was intended to recognize the artistic excellence of Asian pop music.