Monday, July 31, 2023
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Phenomenon: The Fangirl Trope or Stereotype
James Corden, in his show, Late Late Night Show with James Corden joked about 15 yr old girls wishing they were the UN Secretary when BTS visited and delivered a speech at the assembly. There is truth in the joke. Any ARMY would wish to be a UN ambassador or a staff in the UN to see BTS. The joke did not sit well among ARMY leading to discussions and varying opinions on the perceptions of people outside the fandom of ARMYs especially girls and women in general.
What is actually wrong about the joke?
To single out this age group has only led to the amplification of the fangirl trope, an old stereotype. Fans of boy bands are mostly teenage fangirls who have been perceived as irrelevant, delusional and toxic. When this happens, the singer or band is delegitimized as an artist. The relevance of the singer’s or the boy band’s message and the purpose of their songs and concert performances are reduced as commercial items for popular consumption alone.
While it is true that 15 yo girls fangirl over their fave artists, they also find a community with whom they share fangirling activities and events; discussions and conversations that range from kilig moments to profound insights about the songs and concerts they attend. Such experiences contribute to personal growth and a continuous development of one’s understanding of the world.
Entertainment media in the US looks at BTS as just another boy band from South Korea, a small country east of Asia, breaking ground in the Western Music Industry who have successfully established its commercial brand from charting songs to winning awards. What is not openly discussed or selectively probed is the depth and impact of BTS in many aspects of modern life. From business to education, philosophy and psychology - even religion; fashion trends and the creation of new media, BTS has influenced these industries and fields of study. Many of the people who belong in these different industries and disciplines cannot possibly be all 15 year old girls.
James Corden dished out that joke on national TV that had global access via YT at a time when the UN was “promoting” and establishing the implementation of the 10-Year plan for the 17 Goals for Sustainable Development. Of the 17 goals, three are focused on enabling children, women and the marginalized to advocate for equal rights to education, institutions of peace, justice, health care and well-being. He claimed to be ARMY. If he was, then he would have known that many of the songs and musicography of BTS speak of social justice, self love towards becoming an instrument of harmony and acknowledging the female gaze. There are ARMYs who are teenage girls, women and those living in the margins.
It is at this juncture when flipping the coin comes into consideration. ARMY is diverse and well populated by many fans from all walks of life. There are the teenage girls on one side and we have the mature, grown up women on the other.
Back in April of 2023, Titas of BTS Admins and Mod, appeared in WGN News for a five minute interview about fangirling at an age well beyond the teenage years. Demai Granali, Jabba Tantay and this writer graciously answered the questions of the hosts/anchors of the news program. One question is worth noting: ‘There are people in social media who are critical of what you are doing. What feedback are you getting that occurred?” If teenage girls are stereotyped, grown up and mature women are criticized, even ridiculed for fangirling over BTS.
This is the situation and scenario the writer of the paper finds herself in. As a “Tita who is ARMY” with a 22 year old ARMY daughter since 2016, experiences of ridicule and prejudice from people outside the fandom occur in her own family, among circles of non-ARMY friends, even acquaintances and casual friends.
Friday, July 28, 2023
The Lighthouse Diary #48: The Pioneer Updates
The Pioneer, our library's online research program is a child of the lockdown years. It turns four years old this school year. While working on updates for TRAILS: Tools for Research And Information Literacy Skills - Assessment, the assessment portal of the program, the idea of redesigning the site comes to mind. It looks like, ah, a Gen Xer. Hahaha (aka it looks like the one who made it).
Some questions I ask myself.Is it broken?In terms of functionality, how efficient does it serve its purpose?Can students and teachers navigate and understand the site, its portals and the information being communicated despite the simplistic design?Are the links arranged logically and sequenced in a manner that encourage agency and independent learning?Do I have the time to redesign the site?What support and mechanisms for sustainability are in place?
I value aesthetics but there are questions to ask and answer. Meanwhile, we prepare for the opening of the new academic year in a few days!
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Monday, July 17, 2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Book Talk: Beyond the Story 10-Year Record Filipino Edition
@djahjumma Panalo ang Filipino edition! Salamat, @Apop Books 💜😊💜 #beyond_the_story #booktok ♬ original sound - TitaZee
Friday, July 14, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
The Learning Pit and BTS
A few years ago, while working with the Ayala Foundation on the writing of modules for teaching and learning strategies on skills building grounded on Philosophy for Children, I came upon resources sent and recommended by the team's subject consultant. One of them is the The Learning Pit.
The Learning Pit argues the necessity for learners to go through difficulties encountered when learning a new skill, concept or idea. These challenges in learning happen by choice or by chance; by design or arbitrarily. What an uncomfortable place to be in. The experience can be frightening -- even traumatic. To stay safe in one's comfort zone is tempting. Many prefer to cut corners and find an easy way out. But at what cost? Will the end justify the means?
This is where teaching, mentoring and coaching come into play. The strategies and techniques to accompany the learner trapped in the pit of despair are plenty. It is an interesting discussion on pedagogy and methods save for another day. For now, it is important to be reminded of the struggles learners of all ages go through in the classroom and in life in general.
Learning is lifelong. As I have been immersed in the BTS Memoir (I am reading the Filipino Edition), I am in awe at the tenacity of the BTS members as they go through one learning pit to the next. Bang PD and his core team of creatives have served as teachers, mentors and coaches to Bangtan. The agency that these adults gave the members of BTS is impressive too. In an industry where idols are told, the Big Hit team allowed their talents to lead themselves and to be leaders among the ranks. Rising above it when the situation calls for it.
RM and SUGA were the musicians, composers and hip-hop teachers. Jhope was the dance teacher. V and Jimin pushed themselves to learn how to sing. JK went abroad to learn how to dance. At 14 years old, he spent a month in the US with Mr. Son learning hip-hop. And Worldwide Handsome Jin had to learn it all in a short span of time. He also took the initiative to learn how to cook healthy food for his six maknae. What is endearing in their story of struggles and overcoming roadblocks is the fact that the seven members of Bangtan assumed a role they can perform well. Either by choice or chance, they filled in a gap and worked hard to contribute to the team.
If you are in a pit right now, think about the ways you can come out of the pit a better version of yourself. In that pit, know that you are not alone. You can ask help and find information to help you make an informed decision. If you see a friend or a loved one in a pit right now, be the teacher, mentor or coach he/she/they need you to be.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Day 3 of Pearl ARMY Festa 2023
@djahjumma Snapshots from the #PearlARMYFesta2023 ♬ Summer day - TimTaj
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Monday, July 10, 2023
Day 1 at Pearl ARMY Festa 2023
@djahjumma ARMY, we have the perfect installations and photo booths to have your pictures taken at the #PearlARMYFesta2023 @Ayala Malls Vertis North 💜 This is a nonprofit event organized by Titas of BTS and ARMY Connect PH. @ARMY Connect PH #PearlARMY ♬ Dynamite - Acep Ginanjar
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Beyond the Story: The Official Global Launch
Fresh from the official global launch of Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS! These pocas are beautiful! The translation is well done. Apop made sure that ARMY will read a book of high quality since HYBE and BHM never settle for anything less for the fandom.
Visit us at the #PearlARMYFesta2023 in Ayala Malls Vertis North. We will have a book release party at 2PM. There are awe inspiring installations that amplify our love for BTS; kilig to the bones photo booths; and a bazaar of BTS merch from sellers you can trust!
Happy ARMY Day!
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Friday, July 7, 2023
Step by Step With Teacher Zee: Modeling Writing the Beginning - Middle - End Framework (2 of 2)
Here now is the entire draft of the essay following the BME Framework. Included in the draft are bookend paragraphs.
Beginning
ARMY, the BTS fandom is very diverse. There is a strong perception though that the majority of the fans are women. These women fans of BTS range from teenage girls, young adults, adults and middle-aged women. Whatever stage of development and life cycle these women belong to, they all share a fervent love and support for BTS.
They buy merch, attend concerts and share stories about BTS. They meetup and organize events that celebrate BTS, their music and artistry. However, women are ridiculed and made fun of when others see them fangirling over BTS.
Why are women subjected to prejudice and bias when they derive joy and inspiration from being a fan? How do they cope and survive the harsh judgment and criticisms? Overall, what does BTS contribute to their personhood and general well-being? What the critics and haters fail to see is the creative and constructive ways women ARMY go about living the best they can not only for themselves but also for their family and community. Women ARMY despite being perceived by others in a derogatory manner have a deep connection with BTS and their fanbase which allows them to nurture joy and to continuously grow.
Middle
For non-fans of BTS, they may see the boy band simply as another pop group that rakes in millions of sales on commercially successful albums, content and merchandise. For ARMY, the songs, dances and performances, TV shows and interviews that BTS create and release on a regular schedule have deeper meaning beyond the earnings and economic gains. Their songs connect to ARMY on a very personal level.
These Bulletproof Boy Scouts, RM, Jin, SUGA, Jhope, Jimin, V and JK sing songs that represent their current state of mind, emotions and reflections in life. Their message on the struggles of change and growing up, acceptance of oneself and enduring the challenges of daily living are embedded in their songs. They sing about their own journey at the same time, they sing this message to ARMY. In this moment of connection, the idol and the fan are together. As ARMY and BTS believe, “We never walk alone.”
This connectedness is not magic. BTS is able to do this because their agency, Big Hit Music, has given them the space to create their own songs that capture their life story at a given stage in life. This active engagement between BTS and Big Hit Music emanates to the fandom. ARMYs are given an active role and interaction with BTS through fan meetups, social media convo, live streaming, behind the scenes videos of performances, anniversary shows that allow fans to write and communicate with each other.
No wonder, ARMYs are very much invested in BTS. The loyalty is deep. Their devotion is endless. However, ARMYs who are women, they get harsh criticisms for this love and unwavering support for BTS. This is a dangerous phenomenon both for BTS and ARMYs. The substance and relevance in the songs of BTS are downplayed when biases and prejudice ring louder than the message of being an authentic human being. For teenage girls and middle aged women fangirling over BTS, they are stereotyped as rabid fangirls who are only capable of forming superficial and exaggerated connections with the media (Varma, 2018).
On the contrary, the connection that BTS have with ARMY, is born from respect. BTS has a high regard for their fans which is seen in how they render the best versions of themselves in every album drop, video, show and concert. The group does not look down on their fans nor do they see them as mere buyers of their product. They make their fans feel important, seen and loved especially the females in the fandom. According to Michelle Fan, “their refusal to condescend to the female gaze, instead striving to delight and inspire their audience by constantly doing and creating better in their honour.” The effect is reciprocal. ARMYs from all over the world are capable of staging events, projects and activities that benefit themselves and their communities.
One fanbase, the Titas of BTS, a group of middle aged female fans of BTS have been conducting ARMY events that foster community building and projects on self improvement. Another fanbase, Team Hallyu, a group of mental health practitioners makes use of the fanbase approach to mental health. Many of their decompression sessions and meditation activities center on selected BTS songs that speak of growth and healing. ARMYs on their own volition went back to the hobbies they put aside when they were young. They were able to find joy again while some were successful at starting a business from these hobbies.
End
Girls and women are stereotyped as screaming and scandalous fans over Kpop groups and other musicians, idols and artists. If you see them hysterical watching a basketball game or a soccer match, would others typecast them as shallow and irrelevant? The prejudice on women fangirls is deeply rooted in the biases of a person and society. By continuing to do work and fangirling experiences that both benefit the fangirl and the fandom, the way women fangirls of any age are perceived may slowly change. In the end, it is the means that will justify the end.
The next time you see a fangirl, hold your tongue. Step back and ask yourself, what makes me any different from her who goes crazy over a persona, a group or a hobby who feels and acts the same?
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Step by Step With Teacher Zee: Modeling Writing the Beginning - Middle - End Framework (1 of 2)
Taking off from the KWL-I chart, we write! This is my writing modeled to my students.
Beginning
ARMY, the BTS fandom is very diverse. There is a strong perception though that the majority of the fans are women. These women fans of BTS range from teenage girls, young adults, adults and middle-aged women. Whatever stage of development and life cycle these women belong to, they all share a fervent love and support for BTS.
They buy merch, attend concerts and share stories about BTS. They meetup and organize events that celebrate BTS, their music and artistry. However, women are ridiculed and made fun of when others see them fangirling over BTS.
Why are women subjected to prejudice and bias when they derive joy and inspiration from being a fan? How do they cope and survive the harsh judgment and criticisms? What makes a teenage ARMY different from a woman who is in middle age? Overall, what does BTS contribute to their personhood and general well-being? What the critics and haters fail to see is the creative and constructive ways women ARMY go about living the best they can not only for themselves but also for their family and community. Women ARMY despite being perceived by others in a derogatory manner have a deep connection with BTS and their fanbase which allows them to nurture joy and to continuously grow.
Middle
For non-fans of BTS, they may see the boy band simply as another pop group that rakes in millions of sales on commercially successful albums, content and merchandise. For ARMY, the songs, dances and performances, TV shows and interviews that BTS create and release on a regular schedule have deeper meaning beyond the earnings and economic gains. Their songs connect to ARMY on a very personal level.
These Bulletproof Boy Scouts, RM, Jin, SUGA, Jhope, Jimin, V and JK sing songs that represent their current state of mind, emotions and reflections in life. Their message on the struggles of change and growing up, acceptance of oneself and enduring the challenges of daily living are embedded in their songs. They sing about their own journey at the same time, they sing this message to ARMY. In this moment of connection, the idol and the fan are together. As ARMY and BTS believe, “We never walk alone.”
This connectedness is not magic. BTS is able to do this because their agency, Big Hit Music, has given them the space to create their own songs that capture their life story at a given stage in life. This active engagement between BTS and Big Hit Music emanates to the fandom. ARMYs are given an active role and interaction with BTS through fan meetups, social media convo, live streaming, behind the scenes videos of performances, anniversary shows that allow fans to write and communicate with each other.
No wonder, ARMYs are very much invested in BTS. The loyalty is deep. Their devotion is endless. However, ARMYs who are women, they get harsh criticisms for this love and unwavering support for BTS. This is a dangerous phenomenon both for BTS and ARMYs. The substance and relevance in the songs of BTS are downplayed when biases and prejudice ring louder than the message of being an authentic human being. For teenage girls and middle aged women fangirling over BTS, they are stereotyped as rabid fangirls who are only capable of forming superficial and exaggerated connections with the media (Varma, 2018).
On the contrary, the connection that BTS have with ARMY, is born from respect. BTS has a high regard for their fans which is seen in how they render the best versions of themselves in every album drop, video, show and concert. The group does not look down on their fans nor do they see them as mere buyers of their product. They make their fans feel important, seen and loved especially the females in the fandom. According to Michelle Fan, “their refusal to condescend to the female gaze, instead striving to delight and inspire their audience by constantly doing and creating better in their honour.” The effect is reciprocal. ARMYs from all over the world are capable of staging events, projects and activities that benefit themselves and their communities.
One fanbase, the Titas of BTS, a group of middle aged female fans of BTS have been conducting ARMY events that foster community building and projects on self improvement. Another fanbase, Team Hallyu, a group of mental health practitioners makes use of the fanbase approach to mental health. Many of their decompression sessions and meditation activities center on selected BTS songs that speak of growth and healing. ARMYs on their own volition went back to the hobbies they put aside when they were young. They were able to find joy again while some were successful at starting a business from these hobbies.
Monday, July 3, 2023
Step by Step With Teacher Zee: Modeling Writing the KWL-I Strategy
One approach I use in teaching writing to children is modeling writing. I write as they write. We all write. It is a show-and-tell approach and students need to pay attention. I explain the process and show the product as I go. After this, they are given worksheets and specific tasks modeled by me. Then, they write.
In this part of the chart, I show and explain quick fixes in citations and note taking. There is so much information to take in so, I pace my students through the entire exercise by providing them with 5 minute break in between tasks and front loading. Since I am modeling the process, I allow them to work on their own and present their output to class one part after the other.
Thus, when I modeled the KWL-I chart as strategy to prepare for writing, my students were able to follow through. They were also able to organize information for their topics. Filtering and narrowing down topics are skills that they need to learn more and practice. Aha! A possible workshop to do sometime next year.
Here is an example of the writing I do in class.
Students write their knowledge of their chosen topic. They move on to knowledge they want to know and learn. The next step is to gather information. This now becomes a lesson on research which is part of writing too.
Using the KWL-I chart, students organize information they sourced from online resources. Basic bibliography is taken up in the modeling session and emphasized as responsible writing. An task that defines integrity in academic writing and in accomplishing any given work.
Reading aloud gives them the opportunity to review their work. At this point, we give feedback on each other's work for improvement.
I will be posting the Beginning-Middle-End Framework next!
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Book Talks: Beyond the Story: 10 Year Record of BTS (1 of 3)
The global release of Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS is on Sunday, July 9, 2023. This is the first official book of BTS. As we wait in excitement, here are "book talks" focusing on topics that amplify the books relevance.
Today's topic is authorship.
Back in November 2020, Kang Myungseok wrote a critical, perceptive and respectful review of BE. He says, "The way BE sets up different songs is directly linked to the musical changes BTS has undergone, and thus, are evident in the album. As the members’ stories take center stage, the arrangement focuses on getting their lines and melodies across and adjusts itself flexibly to each member’s part without following a certain trend or form." ~ The Life of BTS Writes a Story, Weverse Magazine https://magazine.weverse.io/article/view?num=64&lang=en
Let's read (or read again) Mr. Kang's interview of the members of BTS. These interviews were done at a time when a comeback at the height of the pandemic was either thought of as foolish or too risky. Well, we now know where it has led our Bulletproof Boy Scouts.
RM “I spend a lot of time thinking about where I am now”BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.28 https://tinyurl.com/5n8uz75m
Jin “It feels like my memories of ARMY were all a dream”BTS Be comeback interview 2020.11.26 https://tinyurl.com/4n4zhbnh
SUGA “I'm grateful that there are still unvisited areas in the world of music”BTS BE comeback interview 2021.01.04
j-hope “Even just one, single love is beautiful, but we’re getting love from all over the world”BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.24
Jimin “I’m the kind of person who likes to be loved”BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.23 https://tinyurl.com/5n8c2hrb
V “I wish we were back with ARMY, laughing together”BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.25
Jung Kook “I hope this feeling never fades”BTS BE comeback interview 2020.11.27