NCT U is gaining massive backlash for allegedly culturally appropriating and mocking Indian culture in their latest M! Countdown stage. Specifically, members Taeyong, Shotaro, and Xiaojun are being dragged for their insensitive actions.
Previously, fans already expressed mixed reactions for the teasers of "Make a Wish (Birthday Song," as many had claimed that the setting of the photos resembled that of cultural Indian mosques, with people claiming that the archways and the ceilings are too similar. The issue, however, flew under the radar.
However, fans are calling cultural appropriation after watching their latest Mnet M! Countdown stage. At the end of their stage, the members are seen waving at the camera. While the other members waved, Taeyong is seen putting his thumbs and pointer finger together aa he rolled his head, appearing to be imitating an Indian dance.
After seeing this, Xiaojun joined in with Taeyong, with his left-hand copying the hand movement as he rolls his head. Shortly after, Shotaro joins the two, rolling his head in the same notion. After seeing this, fans, especially Indian NCTzens, expressed their disappointment.
According to fans, Taeyong, Xiaojun, Shotaro are mocking aspects of Indian culture. The hand movements they are doing come from an Indian dance called "mudras" or "hastas," while the head rolling movement they do is from an Indian danced called "attami." These movements are seen in many major Indian cultural dances, such as the Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Mohinniatam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Sattriya, Kathak, and Odissi.
Traditional Indian dances are considered deep studies of culture and art, and people who take time to learn it highly respect the art and spend years of training to be a dancer. The dance is also used to depict Indian mythological gods and is used for worship. When it is used as a gimmick or in a moving way, many people are understandably upset.
While fans understand that NCT U's concept borrows visual aspects from South Asian and Middle Eastern culture, people do not think it is a valid reason to mock the dance. In mainstream media, the head and hand movements are seen as a way to generalize the entirety of Desi culture, which is something Indians are trying to educate people about.
This is not the first time the members of NCT U has been called out for appropriating Indian culture. In April 2020, SuperM members Mark, Ten (who are both NCT members), and Taemin were seen adding a classical Indian dance to their "Line 'Em Up" performance during the group's "Beyond Live" concert.
Following the backlash, NCTzens have crafted an email template that fans can send to SM Entertainment, in which they demand an apology from the group. The email is to be sent to labelv@qq.com, protect@smtown.com, privacy@smtown.com. The email, if you wish to send it, reads:
"NCT members' actions that hurt South Asians and a demand for an apology
To SM Entertainment,
After NCT's recent "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)" M! Countdown stage was broadcast (201022), international fans are upset. NCT members TAEYONG, XIAOJUN, and SHOTARO, were seen mocking mudras/desis, and it is offensive to people who are desi (people belonging to the Indian subcontinent). Mudras are very important to South Asians. Previously, MARK and TEN also did it in SuperM's Beyond Live while performing "Line 'Em Up." Also, members XIAOJUN and YANGYANG uploaded a TikTok, which was offensive to Desis. The TikTok was taken down, but no statements were made, so I hope we get a statement.
Many NCTzens are from different cultures, and they ask to be respected. NCTzens are asking for an apology.
NCTzens want to inform the company of this culture and educate NCT members. NCTzens love NCT, but some are hurt by the company and artist actions."
Check out the performance here:
