Thread by @sweetbtstea

Are BTS the first True Super Stars of the 21st Century?

[BY THREAD POLL]

INTRODUCTION + DISCLAIMER

Okay, so before anyone gets confused, I'm not talking about 20th-century stars whose fame bled over into the 2000s. I'm also not referring to artists who have massive popularity in one or two countries (even if one of them is the United States).

And the definition of a superstar is a bit generic, so I had to figure out how best to decide what criteria I'd use to make a point. I don't know if everyone will agree, but there's a portion later on where you can make your OWN thoughts heard! :)

I. WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A "SUPERSTAR?"

Before attempting to answer the question posed at the beginning of this thread, I first had to determine what a superstar even is.

Merriam-Webster defines a superstar as someone "who is considered extremely talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high salary" and "one that is very prominent or is a prime attraction."

There are a lot of celebrities that satisfy this definition, but as we know some stars shine bright and or longer than others. Also, despite being well-known in certain markets, it's possible for a so-called superstar to be virtually anonymous in others.

When I think of global superstars, I think of those people and names you're likely to know no matter who you are or what language you speak. Moreover, whose fame brings with it the promise of far-reaching and lasting influence.

So, for the purpose of this thread, my criteria gif'd below. Let's see if BTS qualifies! And if so...are they're the first TRUE global superstars of this budding new century?

1.) UNIQUELY GIFTED

Superstars are often not only very gifted, but their talents are "signature" in nature. There's something about them that makes them distinct from others who practice the same craft and makes them stand out, even amongst other celebrities.

ARE BTS "UNIQUELY GIFTED?"

I believe so. Despite increasingly bizarre claims of interchangeability, there’s a heartfelt quality to BTS' songs and performances that can’t be mistaken for anyone else. Additionally, they have the ability to bridge the generational gap.

Usually, so-called pop groups or artists only ever have fans who are their age or much younger. BTS' music has the ability to speak to people no matter what their age. It takes a very special kind of music star to be able to draw people to them, no matter their age or ethnicity.

2.) MASSIVE PUBLIC APPEAL

As I mentioned earlier, some stars are massive in countries like the United States or Japan, but they're barely thought of outside of one or two entertainment markets.

The biggest stars are a global powerhouse.

DOES BTS HAVE "MASSIVE PUBLIC APPEAL?"

Big yes! We see it with fans waiting in lines for HOURS just to get a hand on their merchandise, and concert tickets instantly selling out. A lot of people were won over by their Jolene moment during the Grammys.

they have the ability to appeal to complete strangers while maintaining indefinitely the adoration of longtime fans. They are very public-friendly by being their natural, sincere selves. This is INCREDIBLY hard to pull off, especially when you get to be so famous.

3.) ENDURING FAME

This one is a bit tricky as the goalposts have moved considerably in the 21st century and Internet Age.

In the 20th century, it was considered the standard for superstars to stay at the top of their industry for many years, DECADES especially.

Today, a person need never have anything to do with the movies or music industry (ex. PewDiePie) to amass fame and fortune, and years of celebrity.

In today's Instagram Clout culture ANYONE has the potential to be a celebrity and maintain their fame for a fairly a long time.

This is a world away from a time when you could only become a superstar through a big Hollywood studio or major record label. No longer do you need powerful people in a rigged industry to bring you to the attention of the public long enough to even get the chance to be forgotten.

DOES BTS HAVE "ENDURING FAME?"

Actually, I feel like this is probably the hardest question to answer only because when compared to 20th-century superstars, they haven’t been around nearly as long. However, based on what BTS has accomplished, the glass ceilings they’ve shattered-

and narratives they’ve changed through their massive fame, it’s not likely that BTS will be quickly forgotten.

Also, BTS has fans across many different demographics, including across different age demographics. While some fans might be expected to “outgrow” the artists they listen to, grown folks don’t need to outgrow anyone. 🤷🏾‍♀️

This is why a lot of foreign fans of a certain age aren’t too concerned with the "E" word; we’re used to waiting years, if not decades for new music from someone that we adore!

I'd say that their type of fame straddles 20th and 21st-century types of fame, and that's probably BECAUSE they have fans who grew up during both.

I'd say that their fame has the potential to endure in a 20th-century manner. It already satisfies 21st century standards.

4.) LASTING IMPACT

This is perhaps the most important criteria in my mind, the one that separates era-defined fame from *era-defining* fame. This refers to those who change the game and influence future generations of fans and artists alike.

(That Robert Redford meme has nothing to do with this, I just find the Twitter trend hilarious...)

DOES BTS HAVE "LASTING IMPACT?"

I do feel they’ll have lasting impact because...well, there’s just never been anyone or any group like them.

They pretty much ignored the hell out of living up to Western standards of masculinity or feeling the need to validate themselves in accordance with the increasingly dated view of what it means to be a man.

I think there is going to be A LOT of discussion about BTS in the future from a social perspective, historical perspective, as it relates to music, and definitely psychology and psychiatry. And I believe a lot of anticipation of their future music.

So yes to lasting impact.

So the overall verdict?

I think it's pretty easy to make the case that they're superstars. If you were to be making the argument that they're the first true superstars of the 21st century, you'd likely be making that call based on 20th-century standards.

Which is very hard.

Still, there's no denying BTS has upended everything that the world once knew about fame, who could be famous, and how they became famous. They've endeared themselves in a way no other person or group has thus far in the 21st century.

I think that makes a very strong case.

So, all things considered, I'd argue that they ARE the first superstars of the 21st century, playing according to new rules...many of which are being written in a new era thanks to BTS and ARMY.

But what do YOU think?

Are BTS the first true superstars of the 21st century? If so, what does that mean for celebrity culture as the 21st century matures (feel free to speculate).

And if not...WHY not?

/THREAD

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