Yuqi from (G)I-DLE has become the subject of controversy after a performance video of her latest solo track went viral.
The video, which has gained notoriety on various social media sites, has generated widespread backlash mainly because it incorrectly utilizes African-American Vernacular English (AAVE).
Earlier this year, Yuqi gained attention for her Korean solo debut album Yuq1. She recently displayed her skill in a special performance video for her song “On Clap (feat. Lexie Liu)”.
Despite her impressive dance moves and vocal abilities, it was not these talents that caught the most attention. Instead, it was the lyrics displayed on screen during the video that received significant backlash.
“Lines like “this beat on slap”and “bad boogie babies on tap”were specifically called out for their seemingly nonsensical incorporation of AAVE.”
Opponents contended that these expressions disregarded AAVE’s grammatical conventions and context, perpetuating cultural insensitivity through cultural appropriation.
The backlash quickly gained traction on the internet, as numerous individuals turned to Twitter to voice their disappointment and frustration.
@viianwich, a user on Twitter, shared a clip from the video with the caption, “I have no idea what she’s talking about,”and it has gained over 2.7 million views.
literally what the fuck is she talking about pic.twitter.com/IHuTBwEK0v
— r ⚢ (@viianwich) July 17, 2024
@aespalert also pointed out, “the inclusion of ‘then eat little sweets’ completely throws me off because how did you make a nonsensical song even more nonsensical?”
the “then eat little sweets” part takes me out so bad because how did you manage to make a nonsensical song even more nonsensical https://t.co/rRiI8SIPiU
— sade (@aespalert) July 18, 2024
The criticism highlights ongoing discussions within the K-pop community regarding the appropriation of cultural elements such as AAVE.
just a bunch of jumbled phrases none of this makes sense like😭 https://t.co/x7k3Iy2xIv
— FROMIS COMEBACK (@im_unhaoppy) July 17, 2024
Some argue that these appropriations manipulate the original cultural context and continue to promote damaging stereotypes and misunderstandings.
what the fuck is a bad boogie baby https://t.co/tyC4gpIv1a
— quixø 🇵🇸 (@whosquixo) July 18, 2024
The online community expressed their thoughts with fervent views. @jhpradarina’s tweet, “These kpop idols should refrain from using aave,”echoed the sentiments of those who believe that such language should be honored and preserved within its originating communities.
These kpop idols need to stop using aave 😭 https://t.co/QCXLNgbvnO
— aespaRina| WALK ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ (@jhpradarina) July 18, 2024
This event has sparked renewed conversations surrounding cultural sensitivity and appropriation within the realm of international popular culture, as there have been demands for increased understanding and reverence for a variety of linguistic and artistic forms.
begging idols to leave ts to black people. https://t.co/KqiEi9IciM
— mercy ♡ (@REMWIFEYY) July 18, 2024
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