IVE Jang Wonyoung is recently drawing mixed reactions for reportedly saying a slur word.
Keep on reading to know what happened.
IVE Jang Wonyoung Reportedly Says Slur Word in Behind-the-scenes Video
Recently on September 21, IVE shared a nearly 15-minute behind-the-scenes video of the filming of the group's music video for their latest single "After LIKE." In the video, the IVE members can be seen individually talking about their new song.
In particular, one part of the video is drawing attention across social media platforms. In a clip that was shared online, IVE member Jang Wonyoung can be heard introducing herself as an "eskimo" due to her furry accessories and hat.
After the video was shared, some netizens have brought up the issue of Jang Wonyoung saying the word "eskimo," which is seen as a slur.
Reportedly, while "eskimo" is commonly used, it is actually identified as a derogatory term used to refer to indigenous groups of people, such as the Aleut, Inuit, and Yupik, among others.
IVE Jang Wonyoung introduces herself as 'eskimo Wonyoung'
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Although numerous K-pop idols have received criticism for saying slurs in the past, whether knowingly or unknowingly, Jang Wonyoung's case, however, is earning mixed reactions.
In fact, many netizens have admitted that they were also not aware that the term "eskimo" was a slur, and that they have often used the term to refer to indigenous people. Some netizens even shared that their schools used to word.
Not only that, but it is also often used in the term "eskimo kiss," which is the act of rubbing noses.
Jang Wonyoung Draws Mixed Reactions Over Slur
And given that even people from the west did not know it was a slur word, they aren't surprised that Jang Wonyoung would not be aware of it as well.
One comment reads:
"TBH, many people don't know about that. I live in Poland, and in school teachers used word 'eskimos' (and English translation we were learning for this word is 'eskimo'). No one ever told us that it can be used as a slur, so it's not surprising that [Wonyoung] didn't know about that."
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Hence, netizens aren't too critical with Jang Wonyoung's use of the word.
However, other netizens are calling it hypocritical to not criticize Jang Wonyoung the same as how other idols were criticized for saying a slur. Their reasoning behind this is that indigenous people should not be ignored and their feelings invalidated.
One said:
"She may not have known [that] it was a slur, but a slur is a slur. We shouldn't be invalidating native people on this topic and Wonyoung should be educated on this."
In the end, many are taking this situation as a way to not only educate others, but Jang Wonyoung as well on the slur. Others are also hoping for the IVE member to issue an apology in response to the criticism.
What are your thoughts on the issue?
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Written by Robyn Joan
