Time Stamp: September 8, 2020
Just because you stan or like a group doesn't mean you have to like every member
So I know it has been a little bit and I yet again failed to update, but I seriously feel horrible and want to get something out to you guys so here's a new chapter to hopefully make up for it (I promise to update some more this month).
I feel as though this opinion is quite self-explanatory, but I will proceed to do so just like I do in my other opinions. I see lots of people stan groups and who dislike one member, but don't want to admit that they do because they're scared of admitting it and getting hate. I would like to make it clear that just because you stan or like a group does not by all means mean that you have to like every single person in the group. I saw so many people pressure themselves to like one member due to fear of backlash and hate, and honestly it is quite stupid.
I understand the opposing side of "oh why would you stan that group if you don't even like that person" and so on. My response to that is that maybe they don't like that person now but may like them in the future, or maybe they just don't click with that member so they're not their favorite person in the group. Regardless of if you like all members or not, it is in no means your place to tell others that they have to like every member in order to stan or be a fan because in life you are not going to like everyone you meet or see, so why do you feel like you have the right to control that for someone else.
I personally have experienced this myself. One example was when I was first getting into Twice (who are now my ult girl group), I did not like Jeongyeon at first. I just never found myself clicking with her or her overall vibe + personality, so I just wasn't too fond of her when I first started stanning. Over time I was able to connect with Jeongyeon and although she's not my bias, I really love her and her whole character overall (she's such a little bean omg I love her). I of course support her so much as well as the other members and have totally changed my thoughts. Another time was when Stray Kids was 9 members. I did not like Woojin one bit. I never clicked with him, and always thought he really had no definite position or sole purpose for being in the group (I know it's a little harsh, but I never vibed with him). After the whole situation (which I will not be discussing) happened and he left I was actually quite happy because again, I didn't like him as much as the others.
You may be wondering why this all connects to what I am saying at the top, and here's why it comes together. My point of giving examples is that in the beginning, you are allowed to not be too fond of a member because you do not vibe or click with them but of course your opinion can always change and grow. My opinion on Jeongyeon switched whereas my one with Woojin didn't, and that's completely ok. I remember feeling pressure (especially about Woojin and SKZ) because one of my best friends is a huge STAY (I'm a fan, but not as much as I was), and I was too scared to admit that I didn't like him for fear that she would question my actions or get upset and doing something completely blown out of proportion (such as stop talking to me) because I didn't like one member (btw we talked about this whole Woojin situation together and turns out both of us didn't like him at all to begin with either so it's all good between us haha). You should never feel scared, embarrassed, ashamed, etc. if you simply do not connect with a member at first or ever. Everyone has entitlement to their own views, thoughts, and opinions and we as people should no dictate for others how they are supposed to feel or act.
Just felt the need to rant and put this out there because I don't want people feeling bad if this is something that applies to them. Please know my dms are always open if anyone ever needs someone to talk to (kpop related or not), and I hope you all remember to be kind to one another because we all only have one life to live so lets not regret.
Hope all of my little lavenders have a great day/night (whatever time zone you're in), and remember to stay safe and be healthy! See you soon<3.
