TLDR;
The video discusses the controversy surrounding Sorbet, a California-based J-pop-inspired idol group, after a TikTok post led to significant backlash and doxxing of the members. The video explores whether their activities constitute cultural appropriation, examines the specific criticisms against a member named Barry for her call and response, and addresses accusations of Asian fishing. It also touches on the overreactions and doxxing that occurred and the importance of allowing people to grow and learn from mistakes.
- Sorbet, a pre-debut indie idol group, faced backlash after a TikTok video.
- Accusations of cultural appropriation and Asian fishing were leveled against the group and one of its members.
- The controversy led to the doxxing of all three members, highlighting the excessive reactions on the internet.
Introduction to Sorbet [0:00]
Sorbet is a Californian J-pop inspired Idol group that faced significant backlash after posting a TikTok video, resulting in the members being doxxed. The group is an indie Idol Group, meaning they are independently run and not part of an entertainment agency, which is typical for idol groups. They are a pre-debut group, lacking recorded music or music videos, but they have performed live, lip-syncing to songs and performing one original song yet to be released.
The Controversial TikTok [0:56]
The video showcases Sorbet's introductory TikTok, where each member demonstrates their call and response routines. Alice, the green member, uses "lucky lucky" as her call. Barry, the leader and pink member, uses a call involving "strawberry" and "blueberry." Ash, the red member, incorporates Mahjong terms into her response. This TikTok sparked controversy and led to significant backlash against the group.
Cultural Appropriation? Defining Idol Groups [3:43]
The video addresses whether Sorbet, as an American idol group, is engaging in cultural appropriation. Idol groups originated in Japan and involve extensive training from a young age in singing, dancing, and acting, with the goal of creating an idealized brand. While K-pop is largely limited to Korea, J-pop has a history of being done outside of Japan, including in America, where such groups are called Kaigai Idols. The video argues that Sorbet being an idol group is not inherently cultural appropriation, as J-pop has been accepted and practiced outside of Japan.
Criticism of Barry's Call and Response [9:56]
The main criticism is directed towards Barry for her call and response, where she appears to use a Japanese accent when saying "strawberry" and "blueberry." Some viewers interpreted this as mocking Japanese people and accents. The video argues that Barry's mannerisms are part of a performance persona, similar to those used by gamer girls or cosplayers, and not necessarily an attempt to imitate Japanese culture. Additionally, "strawberry" and "blueberry" are loanwords in Japanese, and Barry was pronouncing them as they would be in Japanese.
Barry's Apology and Ash's Statement [15:01]
Barry issued an apology for her call and response, stating she had no ill intent and explaining that she plans to release solo music in Japanese. She mentioned her boyfriend, who is Japanese, helped her come up with part of the call and response. Ash also released a statement, thanking supporters and addressing criticisms about their performance and talents. She clarified that she wishes to keep her cosplay content separate from her work with Sorbet and explained her use of Japanese terms in her call and response due to her knowledge of Japanese Mahjong.
Accusations of Asian Fishing [19:45]
The video addresses accusations that Barry is "Asian fishing," referring to the practice of non-Asian individuals altering their appearance to look Asian. Some people pointed to a specific image where Barry's eyes appear edited to look more Asian. The video acknowledges the difficulty in determining whether this was intentional editing or simply a result of makeup or camera distortion. It condemns Asian fishing as a harmful fetishization but hesitates to definitively accuse Barry without clear evidence.
The Dangers of Doxxing and Online Harassment [24:49]
The controversy led to the doxxing of all three members of Sorbet, which the video strongly condemns. It emphasizes that doxxing is never acceptable, regardless of the perceived offense. The video argues for giving people the opportunity to grow and learn from their mistakes, rather than resorting to harassment and endangering their safety.
Conclusion: Cringe vs. Crime [27:12]
The video concludes that while Sorbet's initial TikTok may have been cringeworthy, it does not warrant the level of backlash and doxxing the group received. It suggests that the internet often overreacts and that people should be allowed to have fun and be "cringe" without facing severe consequences. The only potentially problematic aspect is the accusation of Asian fishing, which, if true, would be genuinely harmful. The video anticipates that the internet will eventually move on from this controversy, but the group may face lingering criticism.
