Misogyny, the Ameere situation & using BTS/ARMY for clout.
Added 2023-04-17 15:35:27 +0000 UTCHey besties - this may be a bit long. But I have a few things I want to say.
Also some exciting news!
TLDR: Sexism is gross. People who hate women are gross. I'm donating all of the April money I made on Patreon to charity. Reacting to BTS just to make money is weird.
DISCLAIMERS:
1. I am not a woman and cannot understand everything women go through.
2. I am not trying to speak for BTS or ARMy as a fandom.
3. Please do not go and harrass this creator. I am only using their name for context and to explain why I am doing what I am doing.
For context on the Ameere situation please see the explained video by MelTargaryen:
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When I first started my "Hey bitches & besties" intro I receieved a few comments from women who said the intro upset them.
It was only 2 or 3 people so I brushed it off and thought maybe they didn't understand my intentions.
As a gay man I basically grew up saying the word bitches a lot. It was always done out of humor and never meant to be used as a derogative insult to women. However, after seeing everything that happened on YouTube/Facebook with the Ameere Reacts situation I feel like it is important that I change my intro. I do not want even 1 woman feeling uncomfortable or triggered by anything I say.
Going forward I will probably just say "Hey besties" or something similar.
I believe this is what accountability and change looks like. Ameere has had over 3,000 people unsubscibe from his channel since his thoughts on women were exposed and has only doubled down on his beliefs and called ARMY crazy and obsessed.
Being able to make money on Patreon from reactions is a blessing. I am thankful that I have an audience who cares and enjoys my content. However, that was not my intention when creating a YouTube channel. It was 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and I had just discovered K-Pop. I was excited and started watching other YouTube reaction channels. I thought it would be fun if I did it too! I also just wanted an excuse to buy a new camera & microphone honestly because I love tech. It seems like there are more and more people who see YouTube/content creation as a way to a quick/easy paycheck.
So here's what I am doing. I have decieded to donate all of my Patreon money from this month to a Woman's charity called The Women's Foundation of Greater St. Louis.
I chose this specific chartity because it located where Ameere Reacts lives. (this is public information - Ameere has the St. Louis location tag turned on for all of his YouTube videos)
I wanted the money I made mostly from BTS/ARMY to go directly to the women in his community that he despises so much.
Also, because I have a great full-time job my company offers up to $500 in donation matching. So I have submitted my receipt to my employer who will also donate $500.
Anyway. Sorry for the rant. I just wanted to let you know that I am using the money you spent on my Patreon this month to go to a good cause.
Some months I do look forward to the extra income from Patreon to help pay bills, buy merch, equipment upgrades, etc.
But I wanted to give back this month while taking a stand against mysogny and show that BTS/ARMY and the reaction community is better than this.
Take care of yourselves!
Austin
UPDATE: My work has approved my donation and has also donated $500 to the charity. Screenshot added. ๐
Comments
Your workplace does sound great.
Linda
2023-04-23 18:16:35 +0000 UTCAmazing human.
Linda
2023-04-23 18:15:33 +0000 UTCNot feeling offended at all by your intro, I like it ๐ And I'm more than happy that you decided to do this....Support of 100%
Marta P
2023-04-22 17:36:51 +0000 UTCThis is one of the many reasons I love you so much! I really admire your effort, honesty and love in everything you propose to do, you give your body and soul for BTS and that shows, that's why you are my favorite reactor! I hope people start to value more people like you and let people like Ameere fall into oblivion, which is what he deserves. Thank you for coming into my life! You make me happy and fill me with pride! ๐
Maitรช Chikรก
2023-04-22 01:38:44 +0000 UTCAustin you are a good human and I never felt offended by your Intro. I think that`s why I am following only you on YT and here. There are way too much reaction videos that have that making money vibes that I decided not to watch others except one or two reactors I sometime watch, when they react on Exo, Shinee or NCT stuff, mostly MV`s but I am not fpllowing them. Stay the way you are. I support you.
Kame
2023-04-21 02:32:20 +0000 UTCAustin, you really are the sweetest. I hope others learn from your expample. We all need to continue to learn and grow as people to be good humans and good adults. While you did not have to donate, the fact you chose this Womenโs Foundation to donate warms my heart. I am fully aware of the Ameere situation. Iโm usually willing to give a reactor a chance to show their intent. I have seen one of his reactions. I knew he was not someone I wanted to follow. Sadly, so many feel they can change people, that BTSโ message changes people. First, you canโt change anyone. Only people can change themselves. Second, yes BTSโ message can change people, but only if they have an open heart and mind. It is not an automatic thing that anyone who listens to a few songs will completely change over night. Usually what happens is, they stay the same and you are the one who changes to be more like them. Bad association is like a bad apple that spoils the whole bunch. And, lastly, you are a good human. It only takes a few minutes watching you watch music videos to see it. Your intro was not offensive to us who understand your referencing it. Big difference in you saying it in a warm greeting and people like Ameere saying it to degrade women. Yet you handled this with grace and dignity and took the higher road to make changes to not even offend one person. ๐๐ Borahae! ๐
Kellzie
2023-04-20 00:52:10 +0000 UTCTbh, I am unaware on this Ameere situation. I guess because I have always been picky on the reactor that I watch and subscribe to. I so hate those that are using BTS and ARMY. That is actually what made me subscribe to you because I felt that you are not them. For that I truly appreciate you, Austin. ๐ Much more because of what you did in support of women. Personally on the 'bitches', I am not affronted by it. We in my family use this as a funny nickname. With that being said, I understand that others may not be accepting of it. You nice, keep going Austin! Borahae ๐ค
Lane. L.
2023-04-19 17:00:08 +0000 UTC๐๐๐
Brittney Danielle
2023-04-19 08:43:38 +0000 UTCSir Austin, I think it's so great that you donate this month's proceeds to charity, concerning women. Your heart is in the right place! It also strikes me more and more that a lot of people suddenly start their own channel to comment on BTS videos, and all that for likes and money. Those who think everything is beautiful and shout the loudest sometimes make me think..... On the other hand, I think you are a very nice sincere person!
Marieke
2023-04-18 20:40:16 +0000 UTCAustin, this is such a kind gesture. When I c this reaction to something so distasteful I kno I'm following the right ppl.
Bea
2023-04-18 15:29:16 +0000 UTCActually when you used the word 'bitches' in your videos before, I never felt anything weird or offended in any way. Infact it gives off a vibe that most close friends give off. It shows that you are comfortable with us. And the people who are pressed about this can honestly go sit on a freshly painted bench..
DAYDREAM
2023-04-18 11:55:36 +0000 UTCBtw "bitches" from a gay person never upset me, and among my 2-3 closest girl friends we also use this word jokingly. But i absolutely understand people who will find offensive and in any other situation I woul also. It is impossible to please all the people, but if you are willing to take out this word to make people more comfortable, that's really nice
Oleksandra Yakubenko
2023-04-18 05:22:51 +0000 UTCYou are so sweet! ๐ Great choice of charity. It still upsets me how this ameree guy receives 20 k views for bts video๐
Oleksandra Yakubenko
2023-04-18 05:18:14 +0000 UTC๐ฅบ๐๐๐๐๐
Laura Guzmรกn
2023-04-18 03:38:08 +0000 UTCPlease know that everyone commenting here and who supports your channel know how amazing you are ๐ Using the word โbitchesโ never offended me and it actually makes me smile to hear your intro, and I was confused when I didnโt hear it on your latest YouTube video (I know weโre all besties here on patreon ๐). But I appreciate when someone is receptive to feedback and truly makes changes after considering how those that provided that feedback felt. Too often we see individuals report the feedback they get and are defensively responding back โsorry but Iโm not sorryโ. Everyone has the right to not make any changes but to have the โsorry but Iโm not sorryโ attitude is essentially throwing someoneโs feelings back in their face. So thank you for truly considering another personโs perspective and making active changes and for teaching me to also reconsider how my own frequent use of some words may impact others. Your reactions always make my day better and I hope you continue to still love doing what you do! Loving BTS (or any groups) should never be a burden and as long as you still love doing it, weโll be here for the ride! ๐๐ซฐ๐ป๐
Madeline Gray
2023-04-18 03:19:42 +0000 UTCI appreciate this Austin, thank you. And thank you for bringing this up and making it known to more people - he's gaining subscribers back and people need to know who he really is.
K E
2023-04-18 02:12:25 +0000 UTCAustin, this is exactly why you deserve our support. You are amazing, and thank you so much for being a positive influence on platforms that seem to thrive off of toxicity.
Bulletproof Rainbow
2023-04-18 01:24:12 +0000 UTCSir Austin you've touched my heart. I've found the whole Ameere situation upsetting. I gave his videos a chance because ARMY gives room for people to learn and grow. Unfortunately it looks like he doesn't want to do either. It's becoming more and more difficult to find people who react to BTS in an honest and open way. I don't have a lot of money so I can't support a lot of people on Patreon. You are one of the people I am happy to support because of the kindness and genuineness that comes through in your videos. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Bestie. You nice, keep going.
Amy Wagers
2023-04-18 00:57:14 +0000 UTCHi bestie, I believe Mel said everything I had in mind when I saw what he did. As a woman who still struggles with accepting herself (and has BTS as her safe space and company) his words hurt me. I believe we all can grow from our mistakes as long as we accept them (which he didn't) and ARMY is always gonna try to make everyone in the fandom a better human so we can spread BTS's true message. I wanna thank you for what you did and for also kepping me company on my lonely days. Kisses from Brazil, borahae ๐
Del Tenรณrio
2023-04-18 00:38:49 +0000 UTCSir austin, i just wanted to say this brought a smile to my face, Ive been going thru it with Hobi leaving. I have seen his content and liked it at first but unsubbed right away as soon as i saw his tweets. This means a lot to us and thank you for being an amazing reactor and your love to the guys!
Jerica Cabebe
2023-04-18 00:04:38 +0000 UTCHi Austin, you are amazing! I watched a few of that guyโs reactions and something seemed off to me. I never subscribed to him and now I donโt click on his videos anymore. Thanks for your kindness and generosity ๐
PamelaR
2023-04-17 23:51:23 +0000 UTCThank you for your post. The term "bitches" doesn't bother me in your context, but I think maybe 10 years ago it might have smarted a little so thank you for deciding to change your intro. Also thank you for doing something positive for the women in the locale of the YouTuber. I hate that he used BTS to get me to start watching his videos. Shout out to ARMY that do their homework and dig deeper.๐๐๐๐๐๐
Janet Wilson
2023-04-17 23:37:07 +0000 UTCI have to be honest, I had a problem with the use of "bitches" in your opening too but never called it out because you seem like a really good person so I assumed it wasn't malicious, and also because women have to pick their battles and calling it out wasn't worth the "relax, feminazi" replies I'd no doubt see under my comment, if I had. (oof). My best friend is a gay man and he sometimes calls me "bitch" (affectionately) in private and public and I call him out every time (he's working on it). So I just really appreciate you taking the effort and having the moral gumption to recognize that women in your audience may be hurt by it and make a change. It's very inclusive of you. :) Good for you, on the donation too! That's such a great gesture and a strong show of ally-ship! I'm horrified by what's cropped up with that specific Youtube account too and it's hard to see people just shrug it off like "it's his opinion and it has nothing to do with reacting to BTS." But I'm glad many people have continued to spread the word, educate viewers, and openly withdraw support. Anyway, I'm just talking to talk now but the point is you rock and thank you! I'm proud to support you!
SNBangtan
2023-04-17 23:22:08 +0000 UTCโจ๐โจ๐
JASMINE LIN
2023-04-17 20:43:13 +0000 UTCHonestly Austin this is so great and wonderful. I didn't expect it as you have been great unlike a certain reactor. But this donation is amazing and props to you and your company! Its a very thoughtful thing to do! <3
Farhana
2023-04-17 20:19:27 +0000 UTCI can only echo what everyone else has said. What a wonderfully thoughtful thing to do, I could feel your sincerity from what you wrote in your post. You're a beautiful human with a good heart Austin. Thank you for being you ๐ Also, props to the company you work for ๐
Frayedโท
2023-04-17 20:10:35 +0000 UTCYou've always created a space that feels nothing if not safe and accepting and joyful - while I've never personally felt negatively in your use of the term "bitches" (I'd certainly feel differently about it if you weren't gay or if I didn't know that you are) but the fact that it might make your space that much safer / nicer for all is all the better. And thank you for being so genuine and putting your literal money where your mouth is!
Julie Bourne
2023-04-17 20:07:00 +0000 UTC๐ Thank you.
Trish
2023-04-17 19:24:08 +0000 UTCur such an amazing person thank you for this
ashlyn
2023-04-17 19:07:59 +0000 UTC๐๐๐๐
Astrid Miezan Jakobsen
2023-04-17 18:55:15 +0000 UTC๐๐๐
anna
2023-04-17 18:55:07 +0000 UTC๐๐๐
SH
2023-04-17 18:26:40 +0000 UTCthe world needs more a person like u ๐ฅน
Tetebread
2023-04-17 18:03:04 +0000 UTCThis is so lovely Austin! I knew you were one of my favorite reactors for a reason! I love watching reactors discover BTS and I've watched enough that I can usually tell when they're genuinely interested and when they are doing it for views/clout. Unfortunately it happens a lot. I'm pretty picky about who I subscribe to.
Mel
2023-04-17 18:02:45 +0000 UTCMuch appreciate for your kind gesture. You are such a sweetheart๐
Daydreamโท
2023-04-17 18:02:40 +0000 UTCWhat a wonderful thing to do, thank you for your kindness & generosity Austin ๐ I saw that guy's videos pop up in my recommendations I'm guessing around the same time he showed up in a lot of everybody else's. I watched part of one but he just gave me weird vibes but I couldn't place it. Shrugged my shoulders & moved on. Seeing all the info come out, I'm just glad so many ARMY are trying to look out for others.
ChiariPTCSongbird
2023-04-17 17:59:54 +0000 UTCI never got used to the word b*tch maybe bc I'm not an anglophone and in French it's really really bad but never cares to fight about it but it's nice that you could reflect on that and made a nice gesture to help. As for that Ameere, he's an illiterate that could not make a proper sentence to save his life.
Laรฏka
2023-04-17 17:55:20 +0000 UTCYou have such a good heart and it shows in your actions โค๏ธ I can tell your intentions are always pure.
lizzy
2023-04-17 17:46:20 +0000 UTCI like that !! Baddies or beauties are ๐๐ป
Ailaudy93
2023-04-17 17:33:00 +0000 UTCHi Austin, thank you for your thoughtful post and generous donation to this cause. You have been my favourite reactor for so many reasons (from your musical knowledge to your sense of humour to your openness with expressing your thoughts and feelings), and this is yet another example of why you are an incredible human being. I was not offended by your "bitches" intro as I understood your intention but truly appreciate your consideration for those who may be offended or triggered by this. Proud to be a Patreon Bestie! Best wishes from up north :)
Tatiana Specht
2023-04-17 17:23:58 +0000 UTCThis is a wonderful idea and gesture - especially sending the money to women in his area! :) I also have never thought twice about your youtube intro and intentions but I appreciate you listening to the people who do feel uncomfortbale with it. Your communities on youtube and patreon have in general been one of the nicest and most positive ones I've seen! I'm not only looking forward to your content but also the different comments/perspectives from your patrons every week :)
Lela
2023-04-17 17:21:54 +0000 UTC๐๐๐๐๐
Aminarmy
2023-04-17 17:16:28 +0000 UTCI was not aware of what was going on but although disappointed I'm not surprised..unfortunately, there are a lot of fake and bad people out there that only care about getting themselves famous or rich whatever the way. I never saw your intro as being offensive since it is cleared from a camaraderie type of approach but I do appreciate you changing it (I'll miss it though) to avoid touching a sensitive topic for some people that may trigger or offend someone by mistake. The donation is a really good idea and it is good that this money will help people that may need the support. Thank you for that.
Liuzetz
2023-04-17 17:12:05 +0000 UTCThank you Austin for turning something so negative into a positive. Iโm glad to be apart of this little community thatโs such a good example of how we should all be. Take care of yourself!
Elisha Burrus
2023-04-17 17:02:14 +0000 UTCI haven't even read anything you wrote yet and I just want to say I can't believe anyone still watches that guy. ๐คฎ
Infinite Ree
2023-04-17 16:58:44 +0000 UTCahh austin, you are a good egg :)
mel
2023-04-17 16:49:21 +0000 UTCThank you for taking the time to speak about this, and the donation is awesome. This is a worrying situation, this made me feel very much part of a community.
Dorylis56
2023-04-17 16:49:13 +0000 UTCThank you for speaking on this! I've only seen one other creator talk about it and spread the word on this reactor and how horrible he's been navigating this situation.
Dani H
2023-04-17 16:24:19 +0000 UTCThis is wonderful, thank you for all that you do and even tho I have personally never been offended I respect your decision to change things. You have a good heart and I think it's wonderful you are donating to a good cause. I love you chanel and the lovely patreon community you have created. It's a place thats positive and a safe space to share our love for this group and their music. All the love you Austin๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
roguechevelle
2023-04-17 16:23:44 +0000 UTCI had no idea about this since I'm not a BTS fan and I'm always very wary of some reactors, but I'm happy to see you talking about it and your generosity is amazing. Maybe you could change your intro to "baddies and besties" or "beauties and besties" just so it matches like before! Thank you so much again for your kindness ๐ฅฐ
Jime
2023-04-17 16:22:01 +0000 UTCYou are such a great person Austin and Iโm proud to be one of your Patreons. Iโve see that reactorโs vids come up in my YouTube but only watched one or two of themโฆsomething just felt so off to me so I didnโt watch anymore. When I saw some posts about him on Twitter I was glad I never followed! Thank you for all you do for us and ure YouTube channel! ๐๐๐
Flip9880
2023-04-17 16:10:03 +0000 UTCI hadnโt heard about any of this but this is such a decent thing to do and very thoughtful and well written post
Hils
2023-04-17 16:09:40 +0000 UTCThank you, Austin. Youโre a good person. I hope good things will going back to you๐
Winda Oktafiani
2023-04-17 16:08:24 +0000 UTCThat's totally fine. The post is public on Patreon. So you do not have to be subscribed to see the post. But I am not going to post about this on any other platform. I'm not trying to make any drama. I just wanted to let my Patrons know.
Sir Austin
2023-04-17 16:00:32 +0000 UTCLove you, Austin!!๐
Jade Escobar
2023-04-17 15:57:41 +0000 UTCAs a female patron, I have to say that all I've ever experienced in this community is positivity. Although I have personally never been offended by your intro, I really respect that you are taking feedback and learning from it to make positive changes for the viewers. The very fact that you reflected on things and went to the trouble of writing this post shows that unlike some other people, you want your channel to be a place of positivity and respect. I am more than happy for my subscription to go towards anything you need to keep making reactions for us, but I also understand why you might feel weird about it. Thank you for donating the money for this month to such a good cause! I don't comment on your posts as much as I probably should, but I just wanted to say that I am really grateful for everything you put out for us (for BTS and also for other groups) and I will continue to support you to keep making more amazing content for us. Thank you Austin!
Fiona Thompson
2023-04-17 15:55:16 +0000 UTCI sent a DM to Mel to show her what you did๐ I hope thatโs ok. I just thought she would like to know. She said to please tell you how grateful she is & she thinks youโre AWESOME!
SugaIsMyPetRock (Pamela)
2023-04-17 15:51:04 +0000 UTCThank you, Austin! I am actually one of the minority of women who don't like the word "bitch" being used causally (though I never commented, because I knew your intentions weren't in a bad place and it has a different connotation in the gay community). I also have a nephew who attends school in St. Louis, so I'm very happy that I'm a very small part of a large donation to make his community a better place. :)
Alix Drifty
2023-04-17 15:50:19 +0000 UTCYou are such a sweet human! ๐ thank you for this. Though I was never personally offended by your intro because I understood your intention, I appreciate your consideration for others. Glad to say I never once saw a video of his and hope that other Army see his true intentions as well. Happy to keep supporting you ๐
LovelyPJM_13
2023-04-17 15:50:02 +0000 UTCThank you for your kind gesture. I don't normally comment but I also want to thank you for all of your content. I have been enjoying rewatching bts content with you.
Saz
2023-04-17 15:49:29 +0000 UTCThank you so much for this! With all the steps heโs taken to get rid of most of his socials and delete certain comments from his channel, I know itโs been difficult for some Armys to see how he really is and where his true intentions lie. I appreciate you (and everyone else) that has spoken out to shed light on the situation. Thank you for sharing such an important message and the donation is such a kind gesture. Borahae! ๐๐๐๐
SuchALittleMonster
2023-04-17 15:45:04 +0000 UTCThank you! You are appreciated as a genuine reactor and person. You can tell you care. ๐
Amber Hanson
2023-04-17 15:44:29 +0000 UTCAccountability and change....THIS is what it looks like. I too use the word "bitches" in a camaraderie kinda way, but acknowledging it may be hurtful to some and taking action to remedy and THEN giving to the group, this is change. Thank you Austin. xo
Heavenly IX
2023-04-17 15:44:13 +0000 UTCThat really is good of you Austin. Thank you. Being from Saint Louis myself I really appreciate this. I'm not Army and subscribed for Kingdom and Seventeen but that doesn't matter. This is a positive and kind thing you're doing.
Vintage.Belle
2023-04-17 15:42:45 +0000 UTC๐๐๐๐
Abbie
2023-04-17 15:42:24 +0000 UTCThank you so much for your kindness! ๐
Ashley Me
2023-04-17 15:41:27 +0000 UTCThank you Austin. I love watching your content specifically. ๐๐
Cute Bunn
2023-04-17 15:40:34 +0000 UTC๐ซถ๐ป๐
itsvic
2023-04-17 15:39:52 +0000 UTCThis is the definition of Bangtan love๐ Borahae & thank you Sir๐ซถ๐ป
SugaIsMyPetRock (Pamela)
2023-04-17 15:39:28 +0000 UTC๐๐๐๐๐ we appreciate you
imtachki
2023-04-17 15:39:02 +0000 UTCWhat a lovely gesture, Austin! We hope you know that we appreciate you and that your efforts to understand are always so welcome! Thank you, love ๐
Lisa-Marie Learmont
2023-04-17 15:38:12 +0000 UTCYou are amazing!!!๐๐๐
Heidi Henshaw
2023-04-17 15:37:57 +0000 UTC
