K-pop supergroup BTS used a White House visit on Tuesday to speak out against the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes in the US.
“It is great honour to be invited to the White House today to discuss important issues of anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian inclusion and diversity,” band member RM said before the band's meeting with President Joe Biden.
Jimin told reporters via interpreter that the band is “devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including Asian-American hate crimes”.
J Hope thanked the global BTS ARMY “who have different nationalities and cultures, and use different languages”.
“We are truly and always grateful,” he said.
Suga added: “It's not wrong to be different. I think equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences.”
V said the band hoped that their appearance at the White House would be a step in the right direction for people of varying cultures to be understood and respected.
“Everyone has their own history,” he said.
The group's visit to the White House comes on the final day of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Month and against the backdrop of a sharp rise hate crimes against Asians in the US over the past year.
One in six Asian-American adults had experienced a hate crime last year, up from one in eight in 2020, a survey by AAPI Data and Momentive showed.
Attacks against people of Asian descent escalated after some politicians and pundits blamed China for the spread of Covid-19.
BTS, founded in 2013, are known for using their lyrics to and social campaigns to empower young people.
“We believe music is always an amazing and wonderful unifier of all things,” said Jungkook.
In June 2020, the group's fans put their energy behind an online campaign called #MatchAMillion to raise money for social justice causes in the US.
The campaign brought in about $1 million in roughly 24 hours, matching the donation of the band itself to Black Lives Matter.
Reuters contributed to this report
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
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