So I know I might get some hate for this, but I feel like this needs to be discussed. It’s about Wendy’s controversial imitations of different races of people. I would love to hear how other people feel about this topic as well. I mostly want to know why people may excuse these type of actions or defend people who carry out these type of actions. I may respond to you, and I promise not to attack you if you don’t attack me.

So we all know that Koreans live in a very homogenous society. I believe they are in one three or five countries to have their nationality align with their country. So when people like Kyuhyun from super junior make a comment about a black man being a robber, I can understand because all he sees is the stereotype of a black man being portrayed in a movie (which is a huge issue). Do I like this comment? Absolutely not. However, I can get over it because Kyuhyun doesn’t hold much power in changing the views of others since he has not been overseas before. However, when someone like Wendy who has lived overseas makes this comment some people may thing ‘well this girl has lived with these type of people. Since she says all people are like that it must be true.’.

Read Velevet is a recently debuted group that I like(d? Haven’t decided now) because of their bubbly personalities and their obvious talent. I saw them on weekly idol and of course was a little off put by Wendy imitating a blonde girl, but I let it go. I thought “oh I bet she realizes how that can be insulting since she has probably lived with them, so it won’t happen again.” I was wrong.

Personally, I find it insulting when anyone stereotypes a different race, gender or even a ual orientation. I don’t know how people cannot find what she did insulting. As a mixed girl I get increasingly annoyed with stereotypes of both black and white girls since because I have both races that means I get both stereotypes associated with me. I recently thought that Korea was making a break through with other races appearing more on variety shows and what not, but I guess I was wrong.

I think international fans are getting sick of this. I understand that people in the US and other countries make fun of Asians. I also understand that Asians on television are portrayed stereotypically (much like other races on TV). However, Wendy should know better considering that she lived in Canada and Minnesota.

I’m also sick of hearing people say Minnesota is predominantly white, so it’s not like she would really know. Minnesota is number three for the most immigrants in the United States taking in both immigrants and refugees from Africa and Asia. Not to mention if she was in the north part of Minnesota she would be exposed to multiple tribes of Native Americans. It’s impossible for her not to have met someone that didn’t fit into her categories of black and white people. Not to mention that she probably met other races in Canada.

That being said, she knew better. That is if she has an ounce of common sense she knew better. Wendy was my favorite in the group and I was so disappointed to hear about this from her. I don’t think she would have did these impersonations in front of the actual races, so she shouldn’t do them in general.

A lot of people are trying to come away from their stereotypes and she is setting people back. People can hate on Red Velvet and say they aren’t popular, but truthfully they’re being watched by a lot of people as SM’s new girl group. This idea is going to reach people in Korea. It has real weight coming from someone who has probably seen these people in person because many Koreans haven’t before, so they depend on the media (which is a horrible representation of almost anything) and people they may know who have experienced things.

I mentioned early how she had lived overseas and as far as I know the only people who make these comments are rude or ignorant people. I’m also pretty sure she knew what she was doing and I don’t think she is racist.

Wait, so you spent about 700 words on how what she did was bad and horrible, but you don’t think she’s racist?

Yeah, I don’t think she’s racist or really ignorant. I think that this was a somewhat racist act, but one act doesn’t make anyone racist. It’s the continually act of negative stereotyping and physical prejudices formed that are racist.

However, I do think that what she did was very rude. She is a new artist that is under an internationally famous entertainment company, so she should know that international fans are watching her. Wendy chose to ignore the feelings of those fans and act out some of their stereotypes in ways that could be insulting. I find ignoring someone’s feelings rude, but that’s just me.

I actually believe it’s up to idols who have a background overseas to help international fans not have their stereotypes as the main form of judging them. These idols could provide information that could help correct people from thinking ‘all black people are ghetto’ or even something as simple as not all English speakers sat ‘no problem’ every time they do something.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!