BLACKPINK's Jennie faces backlash for 'Mantra' song title; Indian fans ask why K-pop group and members keep 'insulting Hinduism, Buddhism'
Many argue that Jennie has adopted the term without understanding its significance and usage, noting that the lyrics do not align with the title's cultural meaning.
BLACKPINK's Jennie
Rapper Jennie from the K-pop group BLACKPINK is again at the centre of controversy following her announcement of a highly anticipated comeback. The K-pop idol revealed that her new single, "Mantra," will be released on October 11. While many were excited about this new song, many expected some resemblance to the title track. However, after she released a few lines from the song, it upset fans and many in India.
The lyrics go:
"It's not that deep
I'm not that drunk
sometimes girls just gotta have fun
throw it back, all that ass
me and my sis we're too attached
It's not that deep,
we're not that dumb
look at them bunnies on the run
inside glowing like the sign
it gonna feel us"
Soon enough, the K-pop idol was accused of cultural appropriation due to the song's title, pointing out that "Mantra" originates from Sanskrit, meaning a tool for the mind. Many argue that she has adopted the term without understanding its significance and usage, noting that the lyrics do not align with the title's cultural meaning.
While her fans have stood firm behind her, the hate she is getting, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter) continues to pile with many asking why there was the need to use a word for the title that has no relation to the lyrics.
Problematic things have BLACKPINK's done related to India:
Interestingly, this is not the first time Jennie or her group BLACKPINK have drawn criticism for using Indian gods or cultural elements for their aesthetics, sometimes bordering on making fun of them. In the 2020 song "How You Like That," viewers noticed an idol of the Hindu God Ganesha on the floor while a member of the group, Lisa, was rapping while sitting on a throne. After being accused of insulting the religion, the music video was edited to remove the idol. She was also seen wearing a jacket with a Hindu God printed on it.
In the "Kill This Love" music video, the girls were seen wearing bindis and a mangtika as well. Because of the religious and cultural significance of the bindi, it was considered cultural appropriation when someone who does not belong to that religion or culture wears one, especially for aesthetic purposes.
Jennie was also criticized for mocking Bharatanatyam, a sacred Indian dance, along with Rosé in the behind-the-scenes footage of the "Kill This Love" music video.
In fact, the members even danced to the popular Punjabi song "Tunak Tunak Tun" on the show "Knowing Bros," using stereotypical head-bobbing moves and hand gestures. This led many Indians to express frustration over how some foreigners have used this song and the head bob to mock Indian culture.
About Jennie:
Jennie's new song is set to be released on October 11, marking her return as a solo artist since her first single, "SOLO," in 2019. In November 2023, she launched her agency, ODD ATELIER (OA), to manage her solo endeavours.
While Jennie and the other members have all parted ways with YG Entertainment for their projects, they have signed contracts with ODD ATELIER for their group activities.
Updated: October 04, 2024 05:14 PM IST
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