ARMY Month Day 31: Ships, Love Teams and the Biases that Define Us (4 of 4)

Awareness and being mindful of our bias and implicit prejudice are at the core of an inclusive and harmonious relations among Kpop fans, and with our family, friends and communities, too. I’m sharing this infographic on the 10 different cognitive biases to expand our knowledge not only of shipping and prejudice, but also of inclusion, diversity and peace.

Enhancing interpersonal relationships within the K-pop community starts with fostering inclusion. When we are aware of and address our biases, we create a more welcoming atmosphere for all members. This inclusivity enhances communication, making it more open and effective. Fans like us from various backgrounds can share our love for K-pop more freely, leading to a richer and more connected community. By celebrating diversity, we can learn from each other and build stronger, more meaningful connections based on mutual respect and understanding.

Personal growth and awareness are crucial for K-pop fans looking to broaden their perspectives. Recognizing and challenging personal biases not only fosters self-improvement but also enriches one's experience within the fandom. This growth leads to a broader understanding of different cultures and viewpoints, ultimately contributing to a more empathetic and cohesive fan community. Moreover, as we strive to create a fairer and more just environment, we also enhance our mental and emotional health, reducing stress and conflict while increasing empathy and emotional intelligence. Through these efforts, we can build a more just and empathetic world, both within the fandom and beyond.

Note: AI assisted content search

ARMY Month Day 30: On Ships, Love Teams and the Biases that Define Us (3 of 4)

When we have gathered courage to reflect and face our own biases and implicit prejudice, we can take it on another level by educating ourselves. Knowing a fandom and a fanbase by engaging in conversations in groups online or face to face is a start. Understanding the culture and context of Kpop, in general is another. There are research and factual information discussing fan culture and fan behavior that are vetted and peer reviewed. These articles are worth reading as compared to posts on fan wars on social media. Everyone is giving their opinion, but an informed opinion is better. Reading a topic or a problem that underwent a method of solving for answers is even more reliable.

As we navigate through the mercurial world of fandoms, here are tools and test to further understand the biases and prejudice that can define us.

1. Implicit Association Test (IAT):

- The IAT, developed by Harvard University, measures implicit biases by evaluating the strength of associations between concepts. You can take the test by going to this link: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html.

2. Take a Survey: Here is a sample

Survey on Bias and Implicit Prejudice Among K-pop Fans

Section 1: Demographics

1. Age: ____

2. Gender: ____

3. Country of Residence: ____

4. Ethnicity: ____

5. Favorite K-pop Groups/Artists:

Section 2: Explicit Bias

Please rate your agreement with the following statements on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

1. I believe all K-pop idols deserve equal respect regardless of their nationality or background.

• 1 2 3 4 5

2. I feel uncomfortable when a non-Korean K-pop idol debuts in a group.

• 1 2 3 4 5

3. I believe Korean idols are more talented than idols from other countries.

• 1 2 3 4 5

4. I enjoy interacting with K-pop fans from different cultural backgrounds.

• 1 2 3 4 5

5. I feel uneasy when I see cultural appropriation in K-pop.

• 1 2 3 4 5

Section 3: Implicit Bias

Please answer the following questions as honestly as possible.

1. When you see a K-pop idol from a different country, what is the first thought that comes to your mind?

2. Have you ever made an assumption about an idol’s abilities based on their nationality? If yes, please explain.

3. In what ways do you think K-pop media and fan communities influence your perception of idols from different backgrounds?

4. Have you ever felt that you were treated differently in the K-pop fandom because of your nationality or ethnicity? If yes, please describe the situation.

5. Do you think you have implicit biases regarding K-pop idols or fans? Why or why not?

Section 4: Scenarios

Read the following scenarios and answer the questions.

1. A new idol from a non-Asian country debuts in a popular K-pop group. How do you react to this news?

2. You are participating in a K-pop fan event, and you notice that fans from a certain country are being treated differently. What thoughts or feelings do you experience?

3. A fellow fan makes a joke about a stereotype related to a K-pop idol’s nationality. How do you respond?

Section 5: Reflection

1. Have you ever participated in discussions or attended workshops on diversity and inclusion within the K-pop community? If yes, what impact did it have on you?

2. What steps do you think can be taken to reduce implicit bias in the K-pop fandom?

Section 6: Final Thoughts

Please provide any additional comments or thoughts you have on bias and implicit prejudice in the K-pop community.

By combining these approaches, we can gain a better understanding of our biases and work towards reducing them.

It is easy to say “ignore” when we are confronted with issues and conflicts. Working around them is a more proactive approach to addressing and resolving these deep-rooted issues. By engaging in self-reflection, participating in diversity training, and fostering open dialogues within the K-pop fandom, we create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Here is a short video clip of Kim Namjoon that carries the message of our inter-connectedness, equality and mutual respect.

*Kim Namjoon on Weverse Live 04012024*

@titazeeh7 #kimnamjoonbts #BTSInspires ♬ original sound - TitaZee

ARMY Month Day 29: On Ships, Love Teams and the Biases that Define Us (2 of 4)

The ships and love teams we favor are wrapped with our preferences, bias and even prejudice. Most often, we are unaware of them thus, when we hear, read or encounter opposing views and viewpoints that go against our beliefs and biases, our feelings range from discomfort, disgust to hate. Because we are emotionally invested in our ships and love teams, we forget to step back, think and be mindful. What ensues is more conflict rather than discourse and dialogue towards a clear understanding of facts and information.

“Why do I feel attacked?” is a question we read or hear on social media when controversial issues are posted online. This is way better than retaliation because, there is an attempt to understand one’s feelings making an opening to look at the situation or controversy from a different lens. There is great value in checking for bias and implicit prejudice. It begins with introspection and reflecting on our own experiences as we interact with others and the bigger society.

When confronted with a content you consider offensive you can choose to:

1. Pause. Breathe. Step back and be aware of your own reactions and thoughts on the subject or content.

2. Be brave to face your own assumptions, stereotypes and partiality.

3. Look at the bigger picture; the parts of a whole and vice versa; causality and the contexts behind issues, as well as the background of the content creator.

4. Hold judgement unless backed up by facts and research.

5. Examine past experiences and what shaped your views that may have been influenced by a negative portrayal of people by the media or an interaction that was disrespectful.

A constant review and reflection may seem tough however, these are acts of empathy and kindness to one’s self.

Love yourself so you can speak yourself.

Ahjumma Reviews: Nam Joohyuk in Start Up and Twenty Five Twenty One

During my convalescence, I caught up on Kdramas I missed from previous years. One of them is Start-Up. Now I know what everyone was raving about back in 2020. I’m Team Do-san since Day 1 and watching Nam Joohyuk portray the role was to me, a stunning revelation.

I first saw Nam Joohyuk in Twenty Five Twenty One wherein he held his own as lead to Kim Taeri, which is a feat because Kim Taeri’s charm and screen presence is remarkable. He was able to match her charisma with a quiet pain and understated vulnerability. Taeri’s vibrant energy and Joohyuk’s under the radar intensity complemented each other making their chemistry a key factor in the Kdrama’s success.

Having seen Start-Up recently, I was impressed even more at how Joohyuk essayed the role of a young entrepreneur who was struggling with internal and external conflicts - his own and society’s, too. The camera loves his face, especially in scenes of deep sorrow and regret. Even without the tears, there is an entire unexplainable context to know and discover. I love looking at his eyes in the scenes with his father: at home admitting his folly; in the auditorium on Demo Day; and when he was driving his mother on her way home upon his return as a successful IT engineer.

Of course, Kim Seon-ho’s Ji Pyeong is the perfect character foil who made it all work for Dodal.

Needless to say, I’m in my Nam Joohyuk phase. Watching Vigilante now and searching through streaming platforms for Cheese in the Trap, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju and the Light in Your Eyes. My Kdrama watch list remains long but, Joohyuk’s restrained and nuanced performances have a subtle but captivating appeal that draws me in every time.

#KdramaIsLife #startup #TeamDoSan 

Book Review: Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less

 

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Step by Step with Teacher Zee: Writing a Thesis Statement

This summer, I am teaching students to write the personal essay. Since they were my students in the previous writing class where we learned using the Beginning, Middle and End Framework as well as the book end paragraphs, introducing the structure of the personal essay has a foundation. 

I began with texts on traveling or travelog that has a quality or verisimilitude. We read texts in class paying attention to vocabulary on trips, traveling and taking vacations. We then broke down the parts of a travelog into paragraphs identifying the theme or main idea for each. This way, students have an experience of writing a thesis statement. For this particular lesson, I used the framework in writing a thesis statement from Diana Radcliff   

My next step was to model the framework to my students. Here is my work and one of my students'.

Teacher Zarah’s Trip to Malaysia 2023

Thesis Statment: My trip to Malaysia last year was a precious life event that I will keep in my core memory because it happened during my 49th birthday, the first trip abroad I had post pandemic, and I was a research presenter in BTS Conference at the University of Malaya.

Student 1: Trip to Caticlan

Thesis Statement: My trip to Caticlan was a memorable summer experience because it is my Moving On gift, a relaxing break, and an experience that begins my summer break. 

 After this, I showed my students how to use the reasons in the thesis statement as topic sentences and summarizing  them.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

My trip to Malaysia last year was a precious life event that I will keep in my core memory because it happened during my 49th birthday, the first trip abroad I had post pandemic, and I was a research presenter in BTS Conference at the University of Malaya.

TS 1: I am not one to party on my birthday, so celebrating my 49th orbit around the sun on a trip was meaningful.

TS 2: Taking on this first trip abroad was my way to treat myself after years of being locked-in during the pandemic years.

TS: As a presenter in the 4th BTS Conference, the trip to Malaysia was even more special because as a Bangtan Scholar, I was able to share my research to other academic fans.

Summary: Celebrating my 49th birthday on a flight from Manila to Malaysia was fascinating as well as being on board a plane for the first time since 2019. I arrived in Malaysia excited to share my research to fans and academics studying pop culture, especially about BTS.

Putting together my thesis statement and my summary, I now have an Introduction for my 5 Paragraph Essay.

My trip to Malaysia last year was a precious life event that I will keep in my core memory because it happened during my 49th birthday, the first trip abroad I had post pandemic, and I was a research presenter in BTS Conference at the University of Malaya. Celebrating my 49th birthday on a flight from Manila to Malaysia was fascinating as well as being on board a plane for the first time since 2019. I arrived in Malaysia excited to share my research to fans and academics studying pop culture, especially about BTS.

I will post our writing progress in the blog in coming days! 

AKLATAN KO’Y KANLUNGAN: Fostering inclusive, diverse and safe spaces in school libraries (2 of 2)

Taking off where we last had a review of the slide presentations on the Aklatan Ko'y Kanlungan is this rubric. May this be your guide and tool to evaluate programs and services that foster and promote inclusive, diverse and safe spaces in school libraries. 

Rubric for Evaluating Safe Space, Inclusive, and Diverse Library Programs and Services 

1. Collection Diversity

Excellent (4 points): The library's collection is highly diverse, representing a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences across various formats (books, ebooks, audiobooks, films, etc.). It includes materials from diverse ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations, actively promoting inclusivity. 

Good (3 points): The collection is fairly diverse, with a noticeable representation of different cultures and perspectives, although there may be some gaps in coverage or depth. 

Fair (2 points): The collection shows some effort towards diversity but lacks sufficient representation across all dimensions. There are notable gaps that limit inclusivity. 

Poor (1 point): The collection is limited in diversity, with minimal representation of cultures, perspectives, and experiences beyond mainstream offerings. 

 2. Multilingual Resources 

Excellent (4 points): The library provides extensive resources in multiple languages, including books, newspapers, magazines, and online materials, effectively meeting diverse language needs within the community. 

Good (3 points): There are substantial multilingual resources available, although there may be some gaps in specific languages or types of materials. 

Fair (2 points): The library offers limited multilingual resources, addressing only basic language needs of the community. 

Poor (1 point): Multilingual resources are severely lacking, failing to meet diverse language needs effectively. 

3. Programming 

Excellent (4 points): The library organizes a robust calendar of events, workshops, and activities that celebrate various cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Programs are well-attended and engage a broad cross-section of the community. 

Good (3 points): Programming includes a variety of events that promote cultural diversity and inclusion, although there may be room for improvement in audience reach or thematic breadth. 

Fair (2 points): The library offers some programming related to multiculturalism and diversity but lacks consistency or depth in engagement. 

Poor (1 point): Programming related to diversity and inclusion is minimal or absent, reflecting a lack of effort in fostering cultural awareness and understanding. 

 4. Accessibility 

Excellent (4 points): The library is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with comprehensive facilities such as ramps, elevators, designated parking, and appropriate signage. Materials are available in various accessible formats. 

Good (3 points): Accessibility features are generally well-implemented, though there may be minor gaps or occasional maintenance issues. 

Fair (2 points): The library has some accessibility features but lacks consistency or completeness in implementation. 

1-5 points: Poor - The library's efforts in creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse environment are minimal or ineffective, requiring substantial changes to meet community needs. This rubric provides a structured approach to assessing how well a library integrates principles of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into its programs and services, ultimately aiming to create a welcoming space for all patrons. 

 Note: This rubric is created with the assistance of AI.

AKLATAN KO’Y KANLUNGAN: Fostering inclusive, diverse and safe spaces in school libraries (1 of 2)

It's been a month since I talked about the Aklatan Koy'y Kanlungan (AKK)Campaign at the PASLI National Conference in Saint Louis University, Baguio. It is always good to look back and chart progress, or the lack of it. So, I'm posting the slides that show principles and aspects of inclusive, diverse and safe school libraries. 

These principles bleed into the AKK Campaign. 

 You can approach the planning and design of services and programs by considering these aspects: 

 1. Collection diversity: Ensure that the library's collection represents a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Include books, ebooks, audiobooks, films, and other media from different ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. 

 2. Multilingual resources: Have materials available in different languages to cater to the diverse language needs of the community. Offer books, newspapers, magazines, and online resources in multiple languages. 

 3. Programming: Organize events, workshops, and activities that celebrate different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Collaborate with local community groups to encourage participation and representation from diverse backgrounds. Cover topics like multicultural literature, equity, and social justice. 

 4. Accessibility: Make sure the library is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Provide ramps, elevators, designated parking spaces, and adequate signage. Additionally, offer materials in formats suitable for different needs, such as large-print books, audiobooks, and digital text-to-speech options. 

 5. Staff training: Provide training for library staff to be aware of and sensitive to issues of diversity and inclusion. Educate them on unconscious biases, cultural competency, and respectful communication to ensure a welcoming environment for all library users. 

 6. Outreach: Actively engage with diverse communities through targeted outreach efforts. Attend community events, partner with local organizations, and use various communication channels to promote library services and programs to underrepresented populations. 

 7. Feedback and evaluation: Regularly seek input from library users to identify areas for improvement and measure the success of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or gather feedback through comment cards to understand community needs and preferences better.

AKK Campaign Guide_2023 by zarah gagatiga

Who is our Moving Buddy?

 

@titazeeh7 Who is our moving buddy? #newlibrary #highschoolLibrary #gogriffins ♬ Who - Jimin

ARMY Month Day 22: Ships, Love Teams and the Biases that Define Us (1 of 4)

Taehyung’s IG posts last night created a noise, once again, on socmed particularly a photo that shows him with JK and the other where he holds a McDonald frenchfries. While such photos are simply conveying that our V was enjoying a well deserved break, fans have varied interpretations and reactions. Taekook shippers were delighted and fans sensitive to the issue of the Israel and Palestine conflict went on social media to voice their opinions from the sarcastic to the scathing. 

Thinking about the controversies these pictures have elicited had me looking up on materials and information online and via AI. 

Let me first share my take on shipping and love teams. I have my own ships: Leia and Han. Katara and Zuko. Hermione and Ron. Pops and Gary. Jolina and Marvin. John Lloyd and Kaye hAbad. I love reading about them and I root for them in my own imagined reality. I watched episodes of Tabing Ilog, Gimik and waited for performances of Pops and Gary on Kuya Germs’ Sunday show. There are ships and love teams I don’t like. I was even condescending on the Alden and Maine love team. Like any fan, my biases and implicit prejudice would get the better of me. What is important is the desire to check our biases and implicit prejudice whichever side of the fence we are in. 

It is possible to be self aware and reflective but before I discuss ways to do so, here are reasons that make shipping harmful for the idols and artists as well as the fanbase, fandom and one’s fangirling. 

1. Privacy and Boundaries: Idol-fan relationships are built on a foundation of respect for the idols' personal lives and boundaries. Shipping can sometimes cross those boundaries, leading to invasive behavior. 

2. Misinterpretation: Fans might misinterpret close friendships or interactions between members as romantic, which can spread false narratives. 

3. Pressure on Idols: Public shipping can put pressure on the idols themselves, potentially making them uncomfortable or affecting their interactions with each other. 

4. Fan Wars: Shipping can sometimes lead to conflicts within the fandom, with different groups of fans arguing over their preferred ships. 

5. Impact on Real Relationships: It can affect the idols' real-life relationships, both within the group and with others outside of it, as they may feel pressured to act in certain ways to appease fans. Shipping, when done respectfully and within fandom spaces, can be harmless fun. However, it's important for fans to remain mindful of the potential negative impacts and respect the personal lives of the idols they admire. 

I will be posting parts 2,3 and 4 in the coming days.

Kuwentong Bangtan: Transcendence in Language and Music Bangtan Style

Back in August 2021, BTS had an interview for TIME where Namjoon stated their goal of transcendence through language and music using them as means to break barriers and cross borders. It is no wonder that singing English songs was a step towards the goal. Including sign language in PTD amplifies this goal even more. Hobi explained the gestures and the signs in an interview at SBS in September of the same year.

@titazeeh7

From the interview in TIME magazine last August 2021, Namjoon and BTS speak of language and music as transcendences 💜

♬ original sound - zarahg08 - TitaZee

Fast forward to 2024, Namjoon combines three languages in Domodachi: Korean; English and Japanese. It is an uncanny combination but the song makes perfect sense! And then we have Jimin who communicates his love for ARMYs in Smeraldo Garden Marching Band and signs L-O-V-E for the dance challenge.

One would think that doing so is their way of catering to an international audience. A marketing and business move. Nothing wrong there but there is undeniable joy and sincerity in their performances. They proudly speak of their happiness in pre-recorded interviews and WV posts.

Their dedication to breaking language barriers and reaching out to fans from all corners of the world is more than just a strategy—it's a testament to their love and appreciation for ARMY. By embracing multiple languages and incorporating sign language, BTS continues to innovate and connect on a deeper level. It’s this sincerity and joy that make their performances resonate so powerfully with fans globally. As we look forward to their future endeavors, one thing is clear: BTS will always find new ways to bring us together.

Sources:

TIME interview: https://youtu.be/iZJfVYb2w9w?si=nDe9iMpvWgGSfbQK

SBS interview: https://youtu.be/p1d3aaDGtL4?si=N_npi5_h7uJ7sPFt

The Center for Reading Assessment and Intervention, Binan Center is now open!

 

@titazeeh7

ANNOUNCEMENT! Center for Reading Assessment and Intervention - Brentville, Binan is NOW OPEN! A blessed gathering on June 30, 2024 marked the opening of CRAIN-Philippines' third center. Teachers from CRAIN Pasig and Bacolod enjoyed a sumptuous full brunch buffet served by Kusina ni Odeng. Special thanks to Dr. Merlene Alon and Fr. Jason Carmona of the Parish of the Risen Lord. The center is located at 1F Brent Country Center, Village Front Brentville International Community Mamplasan, Binan City Contact Teacher Tasha Mendoza for inquiries. Email crainphilippines@gmail.com or text/ viber 09178154194.

♬ i wonder... - j-hope & Jung Kook

ARMY Month Day 10: A New ARMY Glow Up Goal

So. I was hospitalized for four days at the Makati Medical Center due to acute pancreatitis, GERD and, after an endoscopy, gastritis. 

My Tita ARMY friend Abby, rushed me to the Emergency Room at around 6.45 PM just when ARMYs and Makatizens were trooping One Ayala. I left my wares to Tita Teena Ordono and her daughter who sold them till Day 3, Sunday July 8, 2024. Tita Shawie and Tita Poochie, friends from Titas of BTS fanbase packed my stuff and what remained from my merch. I was scared. I was frustrated. I was graced by friendship of Tita ARMYs. 

Indeed, this is one Pearl ARMY Festa to remember! 

 I am on the road to recovery, having seen my doctor this week for a follow up checkup. My lab results are unremarkable save for the cyst and polyps in my liver and stomach. Needless to say, my body is growing old and it needs a different kind of care. This leads me know to take a course towards changes in eating habits, managing stress and time and, saying NO. 

Since this medical adventure happened on ARMY Festa weekend, I commit to a new ARMY Glow UP goal!

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Book Review: Firefly

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