Priyanka Chopra to BTS, Stray Kids: Racism against South Asian artists continue
Priyanka Chopra to BTS, Stray Kids: Racism against South Asian artists continue
The 2024 MET Gala was quite a vision to behold until a video of K-pop group Stray Kids being subjected to racist remarks went viral. While the eight-member group posed and made a dapper debut, the photographers at the venue were seen mockingly calling them ‘robot face’. The video has garnered a huge response worldwide, with fans condemning the paparazzi for their inappropriate behaviour.
With entertainment going global with the success of shows like ‘Squid Game’ and ‘The Glory’ and closer home ‘Citadel’ and ‘Never Have I Ever’, each headlined by South Asian artists, one would think that racism across the globe has declined. K-pop, particularly BTS, is seen to bridge the gap even more, thanks to its immense popularity in the West. However, it looks like the road is still very long.
At Met Gala 2024, Stray Kids members arrived looking dapper wearing Tommy Hilfiger from head to toe. They also became the first K-pop boy group to debut at the Met Gala. As the members – Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Han, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin and IN – arrived, the paps could be heard saying, “I’ve never seen so many emotionless faces before, they look like robots, now we have to do it again? (when they turned for pics) how do you say ‘red’ in Korean, ok now jump”.
This episode was a reminder of the number of times artists from South Asia have spoken about facing racism in the West. Be it Priyanka Chopra or BTS, no one was spared.
1. Priyanka Chopra: Indian actor and ‘Citadel’ star has faced criticism and racism in the West, particularly about her marriage to Nick Jonas and her career in Hollywood. She once mentioned being affected after being rejected from a film for her ‘dusky’ skin-tone. She also opened on receiving hate for her debut song ‘In My City’ and the racial comments passed at her in the West which started in high school.
2. BTS: While BTS has enjoyed immense success globally, including in the United States, some members have faced instances of racism and xenophobia. For example, during interviews and appearances, members have been asked stereotypical or offensive questions about their ethnicity and culture. Additionally, instances of racist remarks and behaviour from some fans or media outlets have been reported. In a speech voicing their concerns over rising anti-Asian violence in the US, members in a statement said, “We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English. We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason.”
3. Dev Patel: The British actor of Indian descent has discussed experiencing racism and discrimination in the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood. He mentioned that because of his race, he would usually be offered stereotypical roles of ‘goofy sidekicks’, and ‘taxi drivers’ among others.
4. Avantika: Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, known for her role in ‘Mean Girls,’ faced racist backlash after rumours circulated that she would be potentially cast as Rapunzel in a live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Tangled.’ This was followed by a barrage of racist comments including that an Indian woman with long black hair isn’t suitable to play the role.
5. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: The ‘Never Have I Ever’ actress faced racist remarks after she mentioned her dream to play Rapunzel. Her South Asian ethnicity was mocked and replying to it, she had written, “And they finally woke up to realize it was all just rumours and the sources never existed. good job!” she tweeted. “And to the racists, y’all still need a hobby FR.”
Not just them, the likes of Eric Nam, Mindy Kaling have also spoken about experiencing racism and discrimination in the West from time to time.