Editors Note: My Perspective on the FanWars

I have been reading articles that attempt to explain the fanwars that have been raging for some time between Cassies over DBSK, now JYJ and HoMin. Black and white lines drawn down the middle of this enormous, emotional debacle that really do not define the true nature of the wars or the source. Human beings being held up as standards–immoveable, immutable standards

Why are there idols? Idols exist because we make them, not necessarily because they choose to be made. These are people who go to sleep at night; rise up and go about their day just like the rest of us. They get thirsty; they get hungry; they have spiritual, emotional and physical needs–just like the rest of us. Somehow, these needs get overlooked and we turn them into a production machine, designed to make us feel good and fulfilled. What about them?

Everyone is looking for someone to fufill those inner longings that are a part of each of us. We usually tend to choose those who represent who we would like to be–famous people; talented people; people of influence. Their sacrifice to complete our desires is enormous–hours and hours of work geared to pleasing us–sometimes pleasing them.

In the case of DBSK we have a much deeper situation than normal. The Internet has allowed many to view Jaejoong, Yunho, Yoochun, Junsu, and Changmin on stage and off stage. Candid shots and canned shots of the members laughing, singing, working, playing, vacationing… All designed to endear them to us, and so well-designed that it works. The objective of SM and others like them has been to sell the artists much like livestock in order to reap a profit. In return, we receive great music, artists to love, and somehow in the midst of it all–they love us. Theoretically, it works. In reality it is abusive.

So how does this relate to fan wars? When you have placed people on pedestals, and have not allowed them room to waver, or fail–you have created a situation that will eventually explode because there is no such person or personages. No one is capable of being on top indefinitely, nor of pleasing everybody all of the time. DBSK simply grew up. The babies that we all fell in love with became young men with their own identities, desires, and aspirations. By their very nature they are all competitive–both on stage and off. Ideally we want to see them smiling at each other constantly–in reality I am sure that tempers and tears flow abundantly.

Even being blessed with nuturing leaders such as Yunho and Jaejoong–it was inevitable for the tower to fall. Outside forces and inside forces drove the nails from the supports, and what was left was disappointment and disillusionment on all sides, including the fandom.

To keep ourselves healthy and stable–we cling to the hope that all will be healed. It is possible. Pray without ceasing. However, at present, with all of the discord among the fandom, it makes that goal even harder to reach. Misplaced emotions are being directed at each other–not at the system that fostered the illusion.

Or is it illusion? I don’t believe that it is. I believe that these young men never planned to deceive us or to disappoint us. The company did–not them. I believe that we also did some of that to ourselves, so I guess it is natural to now turn and rend our fan brothers and sisters? That is happening–but it doesn’t make it right.

So–where do we go from here? We have choices. We can love or hate; support or neglect each other or JYJCY. Our mancubs still need our love, more now than ever. They need to be seen and emoted to as fallible human beings. They also need our stability because this war has just begun. The enemy is still outside the camp. Are they happy that everyone is taking sides except for those of us who refuse to see things purely as black and white? I guarantee you they are not happy with this turn of events. Either we make the committment to love each other as much as we love our guys–or we fold up our campstools and exit the arena. All of them deserve our love; all are human as we are; and all of us can accomplish great things together if we but try. Momma Cha

Credit: Momma Cha@jyjfantalk.com