BTS Went to the White House to Discuss Stopping AAPI Hate
In my own personal multiverse collision, BTS headed to the White House today to meet with President Biden. The South Korean super group – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope Jimin, V and Jungkook attended a press briefing on diversity and inclusion as well as the surge in Asian American hate crimes.
To mark the end of AAPI heritage month, the group took to the White House podium alongside White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre. The group's leader. RM, addressed the room in English while the other members relayed their thoughts in Korean through an interpreter.
RM opened their speeches by introducing the group and thanking the President and White House for allowing the space for this discussion to take place. Later he added that this discussion is a reminder of what they are able to do as artists.
"It is a great honor to be invited to the White House today to discuss important issues of anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian inclusion and diversity," he said.
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a serious uptick in the number of hate crimes faced by those of AAPI descent. Stop Asian Hate reported almost 11,000 cases of hate crimes from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through to December 2021, alone.
Having been victim to many instances of anti-Asian discrimination themselves, the group opened up about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Each member of the group took to the podium to express their thoughts on anti-Asian discrimination, AAPI month, the power of diversity in music and their love for their fans, ARMY.
"We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including Asian American hate crimes. To put a stop on this and support the cause, we'd like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves once again," said Jimin.
This is not the first time the group has spoken out about anti-asian racism and discrimination. Last March, following a series of shootings in spas in Atlanta, the group took to Twitter to address the incident and surge of discrimination.
"We recall moments when we faced discrimination as asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were even mocked for the way we look." they said at the time,"We stand against racial discrimination."
A year later, speaking at the White House, they continued to express their thoughts on the matter.
"It's not wrong to be different," BTS member Suga said through an interpreter. "Maybe equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences".
"Everyone has their own history, we hope today is one step forward to respecting and understanding each and every one as a valuable person," V said.
Meanwhile, other members reflected on the diversity of their fanbase and the ways in which music has the power to transcend racial and cultural differences.
The group did not take questions and later joined President Biden for a private discussion on the matters discussed above.
You can watch the band's full address below.
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