How BTS is Shattering Male Beauty Standards for All of Us

Acts like he owns the world. Struts with a straight back. Pumps his 56-inch-chest out. Men talking in monosyllables and looking like cold balls of steel make up society's wet dreams.  And well, are we not happy to have 7 men rethink these rigid rules? BTS has been changing norms of male beauty. Their style, charisma, passion and voice is reforming the handbook of manhood. Let's have a closer look.

What does our Bollywood say?

Honey Singh, a Punjabi pop star says, 16 ka dola. Divine, our own Gully Boy, raps "shaana laala".  Naezy, the fiery rapper, chants "aafat waapis." Sukhwinder Singh, in the movie Sultan, serenades "khoon mein tere mitti, mitti mein tera khoon". Arif Lohar, giving music to Farhan Akhtar, croons "lapat hai aag mikha". Minimum emotional expression required. Total Control. No damage. Sounds like an advertisement for race car tyres.

BTS and their fashion sense

BTS, the boy band comprising of Jimin, Jungkook, J-hope, Kim-Seoge Jin, RM, Suaga and Jin, is gaining gargantuan popularity. The band has been hitting socially conscious nerves. Both through their songs and performance. Their wardrobe painstakingly covers almost all shades recognised as societally feminine. Dressing up in wide pants, skirts, oversized t-shirts and beanies. their style yells comfort and chic. One might not find such clothing suitable on men in an orthodox environment.

Yukta Luxmi, 13, talks about how the Korean pop band is breaking stereotypes. "People might criticise BTS but it is only because they don't know about them. Those who believe in toxic masculinity cannot appreciate BTS. It rarely matters to their fans, though."

Hairstyles and Makeup

Their hairstyle and hair colours see plentiful vibrance. In 2017 alone, Jimin's hair has been bubblegum pink, platinum blonde, sandy blonde, and caramel brown. That might not sound something an average Indian family would approve.

"I think people can wear whatever they want to. It is completely okay for men to wear skirts or wide pants. Just have good fashion sense and buy nice material," Nandini Sethi, 19, sassily retorts.

Cosmetics and products are meant for the female market, according to traditional norms. However, one finds rampant usage of toners, creams, lip colours, moisturisers, pore freshners, serums, masks and shampoos by BTS. They advocate self-care and maintain a luxurious self-care routine.

Shailja Vikram Singh, 19, and a fan shares, "BTS , with their style and dressing sense, have proved that there gender is merely a social construct. Men can wear make up, do skincare and still be men. It does not matter."

Social Issues And BTS

BTS have also used their music to give voice to important social issues. From talking about dysfunctional relationships with parents, to mental health, from consumerism to generational gap in wealth, there is no social topic leftover. Their famous song 21st century girl is a resonating present to feminists. BTS avidly display that the boundaries which society has created for men are enfeebling. There is strength in vulnerability. Maybe the utter beauty of masculinity lies not in wearing a skirt or nailpaint, but shedding the toxic boundaries down.

"BTS uses their music for social issues. I feel there can be no better use of music. Makes me proud to be a fan."- says Dorothy, 20.

Also Read:Five Women-Centric K-Dramas That Should Be On Your Binge Watch List