• RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    I don’t live in Asia, but I am pretty sure Idol Culture isn’t about pretending to be in a relationship with your idol. I think its definitely more nuanced than that, and while it might look like that to people who are not informed on the subject, I think it comes more down to people forming a parasocial bond but not necessarily a romantic one. I mean, that certainly does happen, but thats not a defining factor of the culture.

    Thats kinda like saying “Mercedes Culture” is about driving around like a maniac ignoring the rules of the road. Mercedes drivers do certainly tend to do that more often than most other drivers (BMW and Porsche aside), but the culture of Mercedes owners is more nuanced than that, and often comes down to people wanting to show off their wealth and people who really like the brand. The dingalings come along and tarnish the reputation, and people outside looking in only see or focus on the worst offenders.