BTS & the power of community

Happy New Year! As we head into 2021, I want to share a personal story that I hope sparks some inspiration for you.

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s how much we all depend on our communities — and what happens when those connections get disrupted.

We’ve all had to rethink our social connections & move them online. We zoomed with our colleagues... our families... our friends… and sometimes, even with farm animals ??????

Homebound & stressed-out, eager for connection and distraction, we piled online played social games like Among Us, Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox — which caused gaming revenues to skyrocket and surpass movies & North American sports revenue combined.

We attended live concerts inside these game-worlds, and caught a glimpse of the future — including my personal favorite, Li’l Nas in Roblox.

This was the year I went full ARMY, and joined the fandom surrounding BTS — the Kpop boy band turned global phenomenon. BTS is an immensely talented 7-member group from South Korea — where my husband’s family is from.

In a dark and anxious year, BTS has brought me countless moments of pure joy — including their breakthrough hit — Dynamite — an infectious piece of retro-pop delight.

Here's the thing: BTS is SO MUCH more than a boy band. They sing about emotional struggles and radical self-acceptance. They dress in a colorful, gender-fluid style — wear makeup and jewelry -- and show ongoing physical affection and respect for each other.

BTS stands for something - and they have the creative chops to back it up.

I love being part of ARMY — the fandom resonates with a positive, life-affirming message that’s set by the band, and maintained through their daily social media posts.

But what truly fascinates me is that — unlike so many fandoms — this community has the organizing power to get things done. In 2020, during a worldwide pandemic, ARMY:

• helped push BTS videos to the top of Youtube’s charts
• raised over $1M USD for #BlackLivesMatter
• jammed the communications channels of white supremacists
• trolled Trump rallies by mass-buying tickets & not showing up

For me, ARMY embodies the true power of fandom: coming together around an inspiring message & making a difference in the world.

So now, I want to know: what inspired YOU in 2020? And how will YOU make a difference in 2021? Tell me in the comments ??????????