Is Rei’s Hip-Hop Style with Hello Kitty Plushie a Racial Micro-Aggression? A Look into the Controversy Surrounding IVE Rei

Is Rei’s Hip-Hop Style with Hello Kitty Plushie a Racial Micro-Aggression? A Look into the Controversy Surrounding IVE Rei

During a recent livestream, IVE member Rei caused controversy online when she was seen with a tan Hello Kitty plushie. The plushie has faced criticism for its lack of sensitivity towards Black culture.

The video, which has become extremely popular on X (previously known as Twitter), shows Rei showcasing the doll in camo-print pants and incorporating popular rap phrases such as “gang gang”and “skrrt”in an effort to give the toy a “hip-hop flair.”

So one else finds it a bit weird that Rei from IVE gets a tanning kitty and decides to give it camo boxers to look “hip hop”and then says “gang gang skrtt”or should we let this slight ignorance pass bc she said it in a cute way?

-ooooaaaaaa1

The backlash towards the incident has been immediate and severe, especially from the Black community.

Some critics contend that Rei’s actions contribute to the reinforcement of detrimental stereotypes by portraying a tan doll as superficially linked to hip-hop culture.

The utilization of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to highlight the plushie’s fresh “look”has been perceived as cultural appropriation and a micro-aggression, perpetuating stereotypes instead of genuinely appreciating the culture.

Idk why… But I’m sure that if the plushie was all white (like the original Hello kitty) Rei wouldn’t have started doing all these gangs noises and all…

-||Anemia

A fan took to Twitter to express their disappointment, stating, “rei is one of my top biases and I was already hesitant when I saw her wearing those camouflage ‘hip hop’ boxers with a tanned hello kitty. But to add to that, she also said… gang gang… skrt.”

The tweet has garnered widespread attention, accurately conveying the sentiment of those who believe that Rei’s actions were insensitive and offensive.

this is honestly just so weird very much micro aggression whether she meant to you or not that’s what it is?

-ultsaebi

This event emphasizes the persisting worries within the K-Pop world regarding cultural awareness and the necessity for thorough education on matters of race.

can we talk about how kpop idols need to stop referring to every single thing as hip hop.. like camo is not exclusive to hip hop culture at all. wearing shades is not hip hop. wearing neck jewelry is NOT hip hop. COSPLAYING BLACK PEOPLE IS NOT HIP HOP. fuck.

-choibeomkj

Despite drawing inspiration from Black culture, K-pop has faced criticism for its lack of understanding and respect towards it, according to critics.

instances like this just show how much stereotypes like this are normalized in their culture and it fucking sucks. we all know she didn’t have malicious intent but you have to acknowledge it’s still harmful and anyone offended has every right to be so don’t go trying to defend it

-lionheartyujin

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