Down Shifting from the PTD On Stage Las Vegas Online Concert: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

On Day 3 of the concert, socmed went crazy when Kim Taehyung recognized the men in the fandom in his end ment. He did it again on Day 4 to the joyous roaring of the men in Allegiant Stadium.

Notable tweets from @GidKidDad, @KpopDad, @WhatChaGotosay and @testdrivexagb best describe this sweet and simple gesture as groundbreaking.

@GidKidDad https://twitter.com/GidKidDad/status/1515332592941223936?s=20&t=wpD3sMjZoBh7kAROzZNoVw

@KpopDad https://twitter.com/KpopDAD1/status/1516159934739611653?s=20&t=wpD3sMjZoBh7kAROzZNoVw

@WhatChaGotosay https://twitter.com/WhatchaGot2Say/status/1515737887966261248?s=20&t=wpD3sMjZoBh7kAROzZNoVw

@testdrivexagb https://twitter.com/testdrivexagb/status/1515212527516504068?s=20&t=wpD3sMjZoBh7kAROzZNoVw

My heart swelled with pride watching Taehyung on Day 4 engage the men and women in the audience. Fancams even caught the members’ reactions. They too were hyped and pleasantly surprised. This acknowledgement of diversity and inclusion in the fandom debunked the myth that ARMYs are merely 15-year-old girls screaming over androgynous Asian men.

OT7 reaction: https://twitter.com/dulcetbang/status/1515249842276118528?s=20&t=wpD3sMjZoBh7kAROzZNoVw

 Grace, Glee and Gratitude

I hope this groundbreaking gesture turns into a tradition in BTS concerts or when ARMYs gather at fan meets in the near future. Just like “Borahae! I Purple You!” (another Taehyung invention), it shows the depth of gratitude the Tannies have for ARMY; their grace to distinguish and articulate significant human experiences; and their infectious glee seen and felt in everything they do on stage, on screen and online.

It is customary for BTS to deliver their end ments before the final song. After giving ARMYs a production of high caliber, heart stopping visuals and soaring music the Tannies bring you down to a place of love and comfort. They assure everyone, themselves included, that the bond between BTS and ARMY is eternal. The divide that exists is real, but we know that we never walk alone. I don’t know about you, but their end ments always make me feel special. Kim Namjoon, particularly, has a way with words and language. He speaks to the collective ARMY, but I know, he is also communicating with me on a very personal level. Great leaders are capable of doing so.

RM made a full bow, along with Park Jimin, at the close of D4. An act of utmost respect. There was a hint of sadness that flitted in the air. It was short lived since Hybe dropped the teaser for the comeback album. The fandom is staying focused on the art and the music making process of Bangtan despite the elephant in the room.

Using We Are Bulletproof as tag line, Bangtan is reminding ARMY who they are and what they are made of.

We are forever, Bulletproof. We are not seven with you. Let’s go!