early decaydance meeting [2005, colourized]
A note:
When I first posted this artwork in May of 2022, I didn't know that the design on the hoodie I chose to draw Pete wearing was a depiction of the Rising Sun flag.
Even though I was aware of the Rising Sun's historical context, I was, unfortunately, not aware enough to recognize it in the hoodie's artwork.
And for that, I'm sorry.
The Rising Sun is a symbol of imperialism and hatred.
It was the flag flown by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, as they violently colonized Korea, Taiwan, Manchuria, and numerous other regions of Eastern Asia. The populations of these regions were stripped of their cultures, dehumanized, and massacred. This history is recent. The consequences and impact of these atrocities are still being felt today.
Yet, despite the militarism and genocide the Rising Sun represents to Korea, China, and more, it is still used in Japan. Its recent history is disregarded, due to it having existed for hundreds of years prior to WWII. (It's also used in other countries, like the United States, where the history isn't common knowledge, and it simply "looks cool".)
This article, written by Lauren Oh, offers perspective on the way the symbol's usage in the US continually affects her as a Korean American. To her, it is a constant, painful reminder of how her heritage was damaged, and how millions of people suffered, just because they were Korean. And yet, the flag continues to be printed on T-shirts.
(The Wikipedia for the Rising Sun also delves into the extended history of the symbol, for those looking to find out more.)
It is crucial that we understand that the Rising Sun is deeply offensive.
It is crucial that we recognize it when we see it, that we educate others, as to actively help prevent its usage.
The Rising Sun should be viewed in the same way as the Swastika, or the Confederate flag; it is a hate symbol.
Reblogs have been turned off on the drawing, in an effort to prevent the image from being spread any further. I figured that it would be better to leave it up with this note attached to it, as a lesson, as opposed to trying to erase it entirely.
To my fellow artists, and to bandom in general: please do not make the same mistake as me. Learn to recognize the Rising Sun, and do not represent it in your artwork.
Don't draw Pete in the hoodie. Don't draw Andy in the shirt he was styled in at the VSFS. Don't draw Frank with the elbow tattoo he used to have, because "being accurate" doesn't actually matter. Don't reblog works that has the symbol depicted, reach out and let others know about the history. Be proactive.
Listen to East Asians. If you actively choose not to, even after reading all of this, you are being racist. You are excusing imperialism. You are enabling hatred, even if you think you aren't.
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Adriana Lima backstage at VSFS 2005 ♡
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Adriana Lima
victoria secret angel 2005-2018🦢
Victoria Secret ángel icon Adriana Lima, a beautiful Brazilian it girl who modeled for victoria secret for years! Adriana definitely made herself memorable as she even had her own goodbye segment in the last VSFS in 2018. I mean i get it, its hard to forget someone when they look like Adriana.
yk u love me.
xo-m💋
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