It’s a disappointing day to be an older ARMY as word has rapidly spread through the fandom that GMA seemed to target younger fans to receive tickets to the Summer Concert Series which BTS will headline on May 15.
At first, ARMYs were very excited to hear that BTS would be headlining Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on May 15. It certainly is a big deal and a great chance for them to gain more exposure with the general public.
Even better is that GMA gives out the tickets for free, giving those who maybe couldn’t afford pricey concert tickets a chance to see the boys live this month while they’re on tour in America.
However, once people started to get confirmations that they received tickets it quickly became clear that a large majority of fans were in their teens to early twenties.
It’s so obvious that there was a cut off of those being picked that ARMYS were able to tell that anyone over the age of 23 seemed to be disregarded for tickets.
At first, some thought that maybe younger ARMYS had simply applied faster. But that doesn’t seem to be the case either as older ARMYs made it clear that they applied quickly as well.
Why does this matter? Firstly, because it’s a clear representation of ageism. It shouldn’t matter what age, gender, or race someone is – all ARMYs should have a fair chance at getting tickets.
Secondly, because if this is true it will only continue to push the narrative that BTS’ fans are all teenagers. Despite the fact that ARMYs are actually very diverse the media keeps on pushing this idea that they’re actually all young girls.
Even though there isn’t anything wrong with young fans, it’s used as a narrative to dismiss BTS’ success.
In addition to this, fans were asked a disturbing amount of questions about their appearances. Which leads many to wonder if they’re trying to portray a specific beauty standard for fans as well.
Dang so I got tickets for GMA just cause I’m 23? Wow. They really didn’t give tickets to older armys? Only those that are 23 and under? To push the “BTS fans are only teens” agenda?! If this is true, I’m disappointed Good Morning America smh
— Angie💜 (@angieerv_) May 8, 2019
okay everyone, my friends and I have a sneaking suspicion about something…so, only for those who have confirmed GMA concert tickets, how old are you? (pls rt ty)
— ©️ʷᶦᵗʰ ˡᵘᵛ (@intelliJINce) May 8, 2019
I entered minutes after the notification and didn’t get a ticket. Ask any army who got a ticket how old they are. So far NO ONE over the age of 23 has gotten a ticket. Like I said- there’s a reason the form asked for date of birth. This is bullshit @GMA
— Seeing TXT & BTS in May 💜 (@BtsBoricua) May 9, 2019
GMA is doing online questions about look/age for the BTS concert. Ellen did this too? Apparently this is normal for US tv shows broadcasting? .. and BBMA had seatfillers play the role of screaming fangirl and put them on camera. We try to heal a certain image on fans,
— 🌕 an army with luv (@PlutoMoonchild) May 9, 2019
isnt acceptable for us, and we're gonna make a lot of noise if they dont change it. I really really dont like it
— 🌕 an army with luv (@PlutoMoonchild) May 9, 2019
Fans have also been respectfully asking for answers under GMA’s recent tweets about the concert but have yet to receive any explanation yet.
you’re messed up for not giving the older half of army our tickets. of course i’m going to watch it, but i won’t support your show anymore bud
— Gucci Boy (@fruitylooped) May 9, 2019
For those that are interested, MTV News actually did an excellent job of showing the diversity among AMRYs with their video BTS ARMY: Inside the World’s Most Powerful Fandom.
All that Good Morning America‘s representatives had to add was that, “ticket applicants are required to provide their age because guests must be 16 years or older to attend.” And that, “there is a ‘casting profile’ which is optional (not required) and that is if you want to be cast in a show. That is NOT for applicants who want to attend our summer concerts.”
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