Ahead of her comeback, BLACKPINK Jennie faced controversy over cultural appropriation after some netizens accused her of using the word “Mantra” as the title of her single.
After a year since the release of “You & Me”, Jennie will return with a new solo song “Mantra” on October 11th.
Ahead of its official release, the global superstar teased the song through concept and teaser videos, including the snippet and lyrics.
A post shared by Instagram
Even though it raised BLINK and Jensetters’ anticipation even more, some Indian netizens, who are presumably ARMYs (BTS fans), took to X to criticize Jennie for her song title.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, “mantra” is a Sanskrit word used to describe a sacred message often used during meditation. Looking at the lyrics, desi netters were offended that the word sacred was used by Jennie for a party-themed track.
The word “mantra” has literally nothing to do with the lyrics he wrote and is disrespectful…. It is a Sanskrit word that is related to Hindus…. You disrespected our lord Ganesha before and now this ?? Who do you think you really are???? https://t.co/VpTkRhqkPI pic.twitter.com/ZL5LZLAGy0
This is the same group who disrespected Lord Ganesha, they still haven’t apologized, now they called their song “Mantra”, stop exploiting our culture for your stupid music videos. https://t.co/AqpSIdcJ89 pic.twitter.com/atZBqvlc0Z
— Desi King (@DesiKing_) October 1, 2024
Trivial text like $ while using the word mantra, and no, it’s not an English word that you can use however you like. It is a Sanskrit word, one of the oldest languages in the world. Use it with respect https://t.co/72ueJhB05i pic.twitter.com/jzcWLqzFCE
— Saki⁷ (@yoonsb1tch) October 1, 2024
READ ALSO: Jennie is a victim of stalking and is scolded by fans for taking photos despite her poor health
When the BLACKPINK member was attacked for this, her supporters did not stand still and tried to defend Jennie.
Fans have pointed out that the term “mantra” has another meaning in English, which depicts the repetition of spells, words or messages of affirmation and personal motivation. Indian BLINKs also denied finding it offensive.
For all those who bark. I’m Indian too and I don’t find Jennie’s lyrics “offensive”, Mantra has a different meaning. And if you read the text it is PRETTY OBVIOUS that Jennie is not referring to Hindu culture here. https://t.co/XW6uIcMooJ pic.twitter.com/R8hAcNvZ7A
— Noni⊹₊⟡⋆ (@niniluvie) October 2, 2024
Yes, Oxford borrowed the word and added a different meaning. Mantra is a widely recognized term in English now. Mantra means a quote, word or phrase that is repeated over and over mentally or verbally. Jennie uses the mantra as an affirmation. For example 👇🏻 https://t.co/7T6CQLPVMW pic.twitter.com/gbt3ojhbOs
— ٥١٧٤♡ (@jnkcullt) October 2, 2024
The teaser photo of MANTRA with a snake on its head reminds me of the myth of MEDUSA, used as a feminist icon as “powerful women, threat to patriarchal society”
JENNIE said her album and song “celebrate girl power and inspire every woman”
THE MANTRA IS COMING #JENNIE is coming#JENNIE_Mantra pic.twitter.com/b5f2HN7R2l
— by ᴼᴬ (@pooIpul) October 3, 2024
Jennie was accused of CA for using the mantra as the title of her song by Desi Armys and then decided to put up an entire billboard of her song in the capital of India 😭 pic.twitter.com/Gbp632M6k7
— ִ (@rubiologist) October 3, 2024
In fact, Jennie’s billboards for “Mantra” are also put up in India, proving that it is not problematic at all.
RELATED ARTICLE: BLACKPINK Jennie Addresses Rumors About Her Father’s True Identity: “We Want to Clarify…”
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this item.
Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
