When Kindness and Respect Really Matter
Any time anyone is targeted for hate on social media and elsewhere, we all should realize that a hateful word is like throwing a pebble into a pool of water. There are ripple effects that none of us can begin to imagine but which can lead to a devastating act by the targets of that hate, leaving family and friends to grapple with a tremendous burden of grief that lasts a lifetime.
Case in point: One kind person who has been targeted for hate comments is Jennie Kim of the group, “Black Pink.” For those who’ve read our recent postings, you’ll recognize her name from our posting about the hatred that spewed forth because of her obvious struggle to deal with the panic of an apparently overwhelming crowd closing in on her, as seen in the published videos. I’ve since learned that she has been targeted with some of the crudest expressions of hate for quite some time.
What’s troubling is that I could find no effort by anyone associated with her management company to speak up on Jennie’s behalf. I think that a delayed response is useless. An ineffective delayed approach was showcased in the recent suicide death of a young Korean entertainer who had received hateful comments for more than a year. In a video published over the weekend of 19 October, the apparent response by Jennie’s management company appeared to treat her as a second class citizen, subject to different rules than the remaining members of Black Pink. She wasn’t allowed to ride in the same vehicle with the other members, allegedly for security reasons. But as seen in the video, managers controlled who she talked to and walked with into the airport. Whether intended or not, YG Entertainment’s response validates the words of the haters. Bad optics…..
Other management companies in Korea have started tracking down offenders and bringing legal action against them. Let’s all hope that these actions are soon taken globally and the hate seen on social media becomes a thing of the past. Now is the time for YG Entertainment to proactively protect their entertainers. To do anything less will signify YG’s agreement with the comments.
Jennie has refused to respond to the haters. She has gone about her work and behind the scenes acts of kindness with her head held high. From my vantage point, this very kind young person merits my respect. As a leader within my community and profession, I can learn a lot from Jennie’s situation and how best to help anyone who might become targets of hate on social media. They deserve the very best I can do for them to protect them and pursue appropriate legal action against anyone who targets them for hate and malicious comments. Those people I will be protecting will have no doubt that I hold each of them in very high regard.