Thread by @sweetbtstea

Are BTS about to become America's "New Sweethearts?" If so, what that might mean.

A [LONG AF] THREAD.

PART I - INTRODUCTION

Following the Grammys (and an annoying toothache), I suddenly felt there was a shift in how Americans saw BTS as artists and as people. A *big* shift. After Sunday, there's a collective adoration in the American atmosphere.

A lot of major media sources covered BTS at the Grammys and what their presence meant. While it's true that BTS discussion is great for clout and hitting the top of Google search results, there's a sincerity these articles now discuss BTS post-Grammys.

grammy.com/grammys/news/a…

And not just the media. U.S. ARMYs are sharing stories of hearing non-fans talking about how adorable BTS members are and casually mentioning discussing them amongst themselves, with absolutely no ARMYs to explain anything to them.

My hope for BTS was always straightforward when it came to the American market. I wanted them to enjoy mainstream success, which meant a huge American fandom and a lot of casual listeners. But as of yesterday, I realized something else unexpected and HUGE might be happening.

I suddenly suspect that, with the right push, BTS might go beyond the mainstream and reach a level of long-term popularity few enjoy. There's a chance they might slot into a surprising role: "America's Sweetheart."

Now, before anyone gets confused, I'm not talking about Americans suddenly forgetting that BTS are Korean and trying to take them away. That's not how the term works and BTW, not all "American Sweethearts" are even American to begin with. It's merely a term of endearment.

But what does it MEAN to be "America's Sweetheart?" It's not a term much used anymore because...to be honest, it's been awhile since anyone's come along that's TRULY been capable of capturing American hearts in that kind of way.

PART I.

WTF IS "AMERICA'S SWEETHEART?!"

Shirley Temple was once America's Sweetheart. So was Whitney Houston.

Justin Bieber was NEVER, but Jon Bon Jovi might have been.

Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Aniston are often named. Even George Clooney might qualify.

But for WHAT exactly?

"America's Sweetheart" is what you're called when Americans all decide they love you.

A LOT.

When they love someone, Americans can't get enough of them. They throw money at at them from all directions, champion their causes, and defend their honor.

(AKA, ARMYs on crack.)

But to be "America's Sweetheart" can be stifling. Very few truly get the most out of the title & others flatly refuse it. If you DO fully embrace the title, it can be crushing when American runs off with a new "Sweetheart."

But at least, they'll never forget they once loved you.

The title of "America's Sweetheart" first fell squarely in the lap of a young silent film actress named Mary Pickford in 1914. And just to show you one need not have been born in the United States to get the title, Pickford was a Canadian.

biography.com/people/mary-pi…

From what I've pieced together about the mantle of "America's Sweetheart" there are a few common qualities that allow someone to qualify for the title.

1. "America's sweetheart" is INSANELY popular.

The first step to becoming "America's Sweetheart" is to be a nation-wide sensation. Practically everyone has to know you, otherwise, everyone can't simultaneously decide that they like you.

2. Liking them isn't controversial.

Being a celebrity isn't enough to earn the title of "America's Sweetheart." You have to be very liked across a wide range of demographics and by people of all ages. Most Americans like you and it's not debatable, it's just a fact.

Also, nobody questions or criticizes a "Sweetheart," because everything they do is loveable and no one would dare say otherwise. At least not publicly.

"Sweethearts" are known for their incomparable popularity, not for constant controversies, scandals, or criticisms. ✋🏾

3. Members of the public and press feel compelled to defend them NO MATTER WHAT.

What happens when someone says something bad about "America's Sweetheart?" Backlash, & rarely is it aimed at "America's Sweetheart." Because of this most publications avoid running negative stories.

The "Sweetheart" might be wrong, but if s/he's really sorry, all is forgiven. Or if s/he declares innocence, then s/he MUST be...because s/he's "America's Sweetheart!" It's pretty much an extreme version of the "Halo Effect," something I discussed here:

curiouscat.me/sweetbtstea/po…

Because of this extreme Halo effect, Americans, even those who aren't obsessive fans of the "Sweetheart," are more likely to be sympathetic to toward them than to embrace the claims made by critics and detractors.

4. They'll eventually lose their status, but will often be remembered fondly anyway.

Very few "America's Sweethearts" succumb to controversy. Often a haircut will be their undoing before any bad press.

That's the thing about being "America's Sweetheart." The public has a fixed image of both who you are and why they like you.

And if the American public can't recognize you anymore because you changed too much for their liking, they'll just go and pick a new "Sweetheart."

What causes one to stop being "America's Sweetheart?"

Sometimes the cause is out of your control as it was when Shirley Temple grew up.

Other times, it's a sudden hair cut (Mary Pickford and Keri Russell). It might also be a choice of romantic partner (Whitney Houston).

At some point, the relationship "changes" and America moves on. But even if your popularity peaks and fades, you will *always* be remembered and remembered FONDLY.

There are few who are long remembered as legends in America. Even fewer who are always thought of w/ affection.

Americans remember "Sweethearts" as they were loved rather than WHY they stopped loving them.

That's why in America's memories of its "Sweethearts," Shirley Temple is always a little girl, Mary Pickford didn't cut her hair, and Whitney Houston never heard of Bobby Brown.

It's one of the loftiest of fame titles ANYONE can have in America, and it's not nearly as easily gained as some might think.

...And yet, there's still the possibility that BTS could claim it.

Here's why.

PART II - POTENTIAL "SWEETHEART" CHARACTERISTICS THAT BTS HAPPENS TO HAVE

When I was going over the common qualities of former "America's Sweethearts" it began to dawn on me WHY I felt that BTS was so close to that mantle. The way Americans feel about people who get that title is very similar to what ARMYs already feel and do for BTS now!

We react to them the way we because they have so many wonderful qualities that charm us until we're unable to resist feelings of adoration, every day, all day.

And when you look at the characteristics that draw ARMYs in, again, it's everything that makes them very strong candidates for eventual "Sweetheart" status.

BTS is extremely famous. BTS members are guileless goofballs, and yet they're also alluring and charming. They're passionate about their craft and causes. They believe in their own dreams and inspire others to make their own come true.

But it's not just who they are, it's how they make others feel, and that's what's key about "America's Sweetheart" and the emotions others feel toward them. Let's look at how people reacted to Jungkook when he started speaking during Good Morning America.

And here's John Cena's reaction when asked about BTS.

And Whoopi Goldberg being moved to give them the actual shirt off her back.

BTS make people feel very strong positive feelings towards them. Often there's a strong desire to love, nurture, and protect. (Granted, people can get WAY too familiar, but that's a thread for another day!)

Anyway, BTS inspire a deep level of devotion from others.

From their extreme popularity to their genuinely loveable natures to the strong positive emotions they inspire in others, BTS definitely has what it takes to be "Sweethearts" and to stay that way for a while.

So what happens if BTS somehow DOES become "America's Sweethearts?"

III. WHAT BTS AS "AMERICA'S NEW SWEETHEARTS" WOULD MEAN

First of all, forget ANYONE else touching them in terms of fame and popularity during that window. A "Sweetheart" is head and shoulders above all.

They would be loved and cherished. Everything they touch would be considered gold. BTS already has a lot of that now, don't they? 👀

Because they'd be "America's darlings" the media would have to be very careful how they treated them. As much as the media is used to shaping public opinion, once that opinion is fixed FOR a "Sweetheart" trying to undo that adoration is perilous. Possibly career-ending.

And that was BEFORE we had social media, a place where millions of angry Americans could "HOW DARE YOU!" off the Internet.

BTW, not being American won't protect you from this; Americans expect *everyone* to know they love someone...and to care about this fact. 💀🤣🤷🏾‍♀️

But when not getting their torch and pitchforks out for anyone that attacks their sweethearts, America faithfully follows and adores everything they do. With BTS providing practically non-stop content, there's more than enough to keep the public satiated.

For ARMYs, BTS as "America's Sweetheart" wouldn't be too much different from them being our fandom sweethearts, although you'd have to get used to everyone liking BTS and this being a matter of fact. Some people cannot STAND when something they like is popular so-

I'd look for those people to leave the fandom. Too bad because they'd miss something AMAZING.

If BTS were "America's Sweethearts," I suspect they'd understand the opportunity VERY well and use it to make the kind of sweeping changes that change the industry & the world!

BTS would likely become the kind of "Sweethearts" that get Americans to really look at themselves and aspire to be better people, to be unafraid, to feel strong and to seek to make positive changes.

They promote self-love and love for others, and it's a message we NEED.

And when you've got America's ear and heart and you tell them to be the best possible people they can be and they FEEL it, there's no telling WHAT that kind of positive energy can inspire in a nation desperately in need of positive inspiration!

IV. CONCLUSION - AFTER THE LOVE IS GONE?

I've mentioned already, but I'll remind you that no "Sweetheart" is forever. Americans eventually move on to someone new. This doesn't necessarily mean a "Sweetheart" becomes an anonymous nobody & it doesn't mean they're hated.

It's just that they're no longer the "Sweetheart."

For BTS, if they became "America's Sweetheart," it would last a while, and then end. How it would end is anyone's guess, but in keeping with tradition, the reason would be stupid.

The good news is that even if America moves on, they'd STILL have their fandom. And last time I checked, there are millions of us ARMYs.

So don't immediately see this "Sweetheart" thing as something to be pressured by, some great height from which BTS will fall with no one to catch them. Instead, see it as a golden opportunity for BTS to better open hearts and minds from a position few would have expected.

Of course, that's *if* it happens. As I said, I think they're CLOSE to being America's sweethearts, but I have no idea what it would take to push them into that role or if it already happened. All we can do is what we've been doing...Supporting BTS and their music!

/THREAD/

Thanks so much for reading my THREAD! It's one of many forms of content brought to you by my lovely supporters over at Patreon >>>

patreon.com/odiegotablog

I'm already working on a thread for Patreon supporters over at @OGAB_Patrons as well as an exclusive podcast!

I'll end by asking you guys why you think BTS should be America's new Sweetheart (or not) and what you'd think it means for them to get that title.

And also, why do YOU adore BTS so much? I'd love to hear it. 😊