ARMYs Have Mixed Feelings About William Shatner’s Attempt To Recruit Their Help, Here’s Why
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On December 27, Canadian actor William Shatner, best known for portraying Captain Kirk in Star Trek, mysteriously tweeted that he would require the BTS ARMY’s assistance in trending a hashtag.
#btsarmy I will need your help tomorrow to trend a hashtag.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
You wouldn’t expect to see the words “Star Trek” and “BTS” in the same sentence every day, but this wouldn’t be the first time they have been. Previously, Jungkook did the Vulcan salute created by actor Leonard Nimoy, a.k.a. Mr. Spock, accompanied by the blessing: “live long and prosper.”
This one means ‘live long and prosper.’ I invented it, and Star Trek learned it from me. How is that possible? Because Star Trek takes place in the future.
— Jungkook
Your browser does not support video.Jungkook | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/YouTube
Shatner, of course, loved the nod to the franchise in which he starred.
I can agree with that logic! @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/wpJ3tw6qp5
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 26, 2021
Not only that but Shatner always wishes each member a “happy birthday” on Twitter. Here are all his birthday posts from him this year…
@BTS_twt Jin! ????
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 3, 2021
@BTS_twt Jimin
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 12, 2021
@BTS_twt RM!!!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 11, 2021
@BTS_twt Happy Birthday Jung Kook!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 31, 2021
@BTS_twt SUGA!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 8, 2021
@BTS_twt ???? J-Hope!!!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 17, 2021
And, he’s been doing this for a few years now. There’s quite a bit so, here’s just a few…
@BTS_twt Jin
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 3, 2019
@BTS_twt 생일 축하합니다 V!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 29, 2019
@BTS_twt Happy 25th Birthday Taehyungie!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 29, 2020
#KimNamjoon 2⃣
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 11, 2019
It became clear he was not ARMY himself as he referred to RM as “Rap Monster” years after he changed his stage name.
@BTS_twt Rap Monster!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 11, 2020
In fact, Shatner didn’t really know much of BTS and their fandom until 2019.
Happy Birthday to Jungkook but I don’t think that was the reason. https://t.co/v9N12wjUS5
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 31, 2019
He actually found out most of his information due to Jungkook’s birthday that year as it was trending so much it “broke Twitter.”
These comments are adorable. I assume Army is a Fan Club? to you as well! https://t.co/W0c6fJWgEg
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 31, 2019
Since then, he has been posting to celebrate the members whenever it’s their birthday. That is until now…
As we mentioned before, Shatner had tweeted the post below @ ARMY.
#btsarmy I will need your help tomorrow to trend a hashtag.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Many were quick to support as if one’s captain had ordered their own army. Puns totally intended there.
I’m ready to go where no man, er BTS ARMY has gone before!! pic.twitter.com/CKyLFWxDH7
— ◡̈ MAGGIE ∞⟬⟭⟭⟬ YOU GOT THIS MY LOVES (@IAmTaetaesHoney) December 28, 2021
I await your orders Captain pic.twitter.com/ZvlVTo41yX
— Synelg (@hoberng3) December 28, 2021
Meanwhile, others were suspicious. ARMYs pointed out that we shouldn’t blindly follow just anyone’s demands. Instead, we should wait until Shatner’s official post to see if it aligns with our values.
No offense but I don’t trust anyone on here except for our Tannies #BTS so I’ll wait to see what the tag is first and what it’s for pic.twitter.com/9FDfMPv9Qy
— Christi ⁷ (@hotchoco875) December 28, 2021
If it aligns with my ARMY morals, then possibly pic.twitter.com/3o8T6o6XC0
— TarynOT7 (@TarynlovesTae) December 28, 2021
Everyone wants us, but only BTS can command us.
— biastapes⁷ (@biastapes) December 28, 2021
#BTSARMY pic.twitter.com/oETr3IIQ0D
— BitchyEyebrow AMA11/21,SoFi11/28,12/1,12/2,YT11/27 (@BitchyEyebrow) December 28, 2021
Only here for BTS sorryyyy. Lets see whats it abt first
— ⟭⟬ K O O K (꾹) ⁷ (@trusfratedafff) December 28, 2021
Things immediately were off to a bit of a rocky start with Shatner after that. While he requested help from another fandom rather than his own, he responded to such comments, saying, “You are free to do whatever you want,” with an annoyed eye roll emoji.
You are free to do whatever you want. https://t.co/LssKSQN3Fe
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He assured the willing ARMYs that the tweet would be posted at 6 AM PST the next day.
Tomorrow 6am Pacific time my tweet goes out. https://t.co/XqaZrsUIWr
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
As promised, his tweet went out, and it was definitely not what any of us could have imagined. It ended up being a tweet celebrating the late Stan Lee‘s birthday.
A fan dressed as Spider-Man (left) and Stan Lee (right) | @TheRealStanLee/Twitter
While it’s honorable to celebrate a man that has created many of our favorite superheroes, there was still something questionable about this. The photo, as seen below, is an NFT (non-fungible token), which a lot of ARMYs are against due to NFTs’ carbon footprint.
My friends, today @TheRealStanLee would have been 99 years young. I want to celebrate his life and remember him by getting the hashtag #STANLEE99 Trending. Will you help me? BTW isn't the NFT below adorable? #BTS #BTSARMY pic.twitter.com/7OfBUjxm77
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
According to QUARTZ, “Over its lifecycle, the average NFT will accrue a stunning footprint of 211 kg of CO2, equivalent to driving 513 mi in a typical US gasoline-powered car.” Yet, Shatner wanted ARMYs to share an NFT?
Netizens also reminded that William Shatner had tweeted questionable things in the past, many of which are deemed to be ableist. Many are concerned about his continued support of the controversial autism advocacy organization Autism Speaks.
Maybe you should say sorry for being so offensive pic.twitter.com/cc6Ft9MFrY
— Heartman Jin⁷ • TaeTae day (@Akjinbts) December 28, 2021
Listen. I don’t move unless it’s for BTS. And I especially don’t move for ableist individuals. Kindly leave us alone. https://t.co/tkXAd3uanX pic.twitter.com/Jb15PDaTgT
— L ⁷ is busy (@theblueprintbts) December 28, 2021
William Shatner has responded to all tweets against him, defending himself. First of all, he briefly addressed the NFT issue, saying that he was simply sharing the cute design, not attempting to make a profit off of it.
I do love some of these reactions: “Don’t do anything because he supports a charity I don’t like” what does that say about you that you think you can dictate where I donate? “ he used the horrible letters N F& T” The design is on a sold NFT- not for sale. It’s adorbs imo.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
There is no NFT thing. It’s an image from an NFT that was appropriate for the 99th birthday celebration. https://t.co/VMV5mfcuaM
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 29, 2021
It’s an image celebrating Stan’s Birthday nothing more than that. If the fact it was used in an NFT that is upsetting I’m sorry you feel that way. https://t.co/arWmdK2SkF
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He continued to defend his decision to support Autism Speaks. He claimed others make up lies to “suit” one’s “dislike” of the charity.
What exactly did you learn? That someone threatens her “mutuals” that if they support me -she’ll unfriend them? That she doesn’t like one of the largest Autistic charities out there & makes up lies about it to suit her dislike of it? You can support whatever charity; I can too! https://t.co/OZ8d6b6hHJ
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
All trolls want is an opportunity to start a fire and then run away to watch it burn. It’s what they get out of life. It gives them some bizarre enjoyment it works because so many don’t bother to research facts. https://t.co/x6oppOeb0O
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He refuted claims that he supports a “hate group” when speaking of Autism Speaks.
Ok that’s why they continue to do research into Autism to help those who are unable to communicate & need constant care to live better lives while other charities run by autistic people want them to stop helping & stop research. Which, by your definition, is the real hate group? https://t.co/EFn75aZ19c
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He claimed that they do more good than harm. He also defended Autism Speaks’ use of ABA (Applied behavior analysis, also called behavioral engineering).
If you don’t agree with who they want or just state facts that one cannot counter – then they label you. ABA therapy just teaches people basic skills & manners so they people fit into society. That, to some, is deemed torture. Look it up & see what it tries to accomplish. https://t.co/K2ahrFOBJz
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Well you can tell the medical community what your thoughts are on ABA because they say it’s gold standard treatment & it’s not solely for autism. Not everyone responds to every therapy but it works for many: https://t.co/Pp7lO9p82S pic.twitter.com/gUk3S2VQM3
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
It’s described as a scientific technique “with applying empirical approaches based upon the principles of the respondent and operant conditioning to change the behavior of social significance.” Again, the methods are controversial as it attempts to reinforce “desired behavior” and discourage “undesired behavior.” Think of it similar to training one’s child or pet or conversion therapy for LGBTQIA+.
Then tell the medical community, dear. I’m not medically trained to make that determination. Are you? https://t.co/7bGObSNuhB
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Some consider Autism Speaks’ methods equivalent to Gay Conversation Therapy as they seek to change someone for who they are. In fact, Autism Speaks once claimed to be “looking for a cure” for autism. As Shatner pointed out, it has since been removed from the organization’s mission statement.
From the Autism Speaks website: https://t.co/9NHX1eMat8 pic.twitter.com/FqThsnKtuP
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He challenged those criticizing his charity choice. He suggested that they’re not doing their research.
What “extensive research” have you done? Read some person’s blog about AS on how they look for cures? Have no one on their board who is Autistic? Give very little money to “family services” (whatever that is?) It’s all old news that isn’t current or it’s lies. https://t.co/Pu8iYPkoL9
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Sweetheart Ari, Cal and a few others on their board attacked me. Ever see where their money goes? Into their pockets! See line 8- Donations & Line 15 Salaries. They do to help the community. Learn to investigate & learn how helpful ABA can be. https://t.co/6rL2WjBdYd pic.twitter.com/UXiygunpNK
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 30, 2021
Still, others spoke from firsthand experience. They’ve seen how detrimental such methods can be to one’s Autistic family members. Nevertheless, Shatner blamed it on an instructor rather than the therapy itself.
Sounds like you had the wrong instructor. Sometimes teachers make a connection with their students; sometimes they don’t. https://t.co/y461qljKgU
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He ignored these types of comments. Instead, he said that he had known Autistic individuals who had positive experiences with Autism Speaks.
That’s your opinion but I have had many Autistic People laud what a wonderful organization it is. You don’t speak for all autistic people but you use sweeping terms like “ask any autistic person…” only those who haven’t checked facts & believe lies that people put out as truth https://t.co/BGZe2Gp9H2
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Besides this, he considers it a personal choice to support a charity, and people should be free to do what they want. He added, “Neither of us should be attacking the other,” but…
You support whatever charity you want, and I’ll support who I want. Neither of us should be attacking the other over their choice yet that’s what you are doing. https://t.co/oI8YX5NR1d
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
He certainly didn’t seem to refrain from attacking anyone who disagreed with him.
Shhhh!They don’t want to hear that it helps people. https://t.co/7TILC7blIb
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 29, 2021
When seeing many ARMYs deny his request for their help trending his post, he nonchalantly told them that it is everyone’s personal decision whether to participate or not.
This is my understanding as well. You can participate or not. https://t.co/X5Kvqfx3gL
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Nobody said you had to. I asked; you don’t have to do it. Why even bother replying to me? Just don’t do it and go on with your day. https://t.co/GrH20SCjsh
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Shatner also shared that another ARMY requested payment in exchange for sharing and trending his post.
Here’s the tweet looking for payment. https://t.co/zLDlBTecsF
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Other netizens showed up to stand beside Shatner, defending him while also criticizing the K-Pop fandom. Rather than disagree with this, Shatner himself highlighted it and agreed.
I’ve seen some of them in action. When I wish one of the boys a Happy Birthday; some try to start up with me as if I have to ask them for permission to wish the boys a happy birthday. https://t.co/8NzYCFKa3u
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Lots of virtue signaling & adoption of victimhood goes on with social media. https://t.co/ejTqIY4Mgl
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
So, he began to wrap up the celebration turned debate by sharing these few comments that encouraged him.
Apparently so. https://t.co/FbspwIAKdw
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
https://t.co/cYOeoxTtZh pic.twitter.com/1iQWmpmCaD
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 29, 2021
He said he was just trying to honor his friend’s life as it would have been Stan Lee’s 99th birthday. So, while his intentions were maybe initially good, the methods were not so much.
And who is making money? I’m honoring a friend on his 99th birthday. Where have you seen any request for money? https://t.co/Xbv0SRV1u5
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
It will just infuriate them and I was trying to do a good thing to remember a friend on his 99th birthday #STANLEE99 https://t.co/M8CP9RJX1L
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
Still, there’s one thing that remains especially confusing. Why did he choose to single out BTS’s fandom of all fandoms for his project? He didn’t ask his own fandom, Trekkies (Star Trek fans), or Stan Lee’s Marvel fandom.
“Star Trek” cosplayers at convention. | @TeeJee23/Twitter
Despite his friendship with Stan Lee, Shatner claims he has no connection to Marvel fans yet claims one with ARMY.
I don’t have a connection to Marvel Fans. I’ve had very pleasant interactions with BTW Army over the years however. https://t.co/vInR9m4J0a
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
This seems strange since there was actually a Star Trek comic book series in the ’80s published by none other than Marvel Comics.
He believed that Trekkies, already following him, would automatically support him. As for ARMYs, they may have interacted previously due to his posts for the BTS members’ birthdays, but they’re not exactly mutuals.
The #StarTrek world already follows me. #BTSARMY are people I have interacted with over the past several years but they don’t necessarily follow me. https://t.co/G5bLl0HYVM
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 28, 2021
This certainly didn’t become the great birthday celebration for Stan Lee that William Shatner must have imagined. So, this is now the first year in a while that he has also not tweeted for V‘s birthday as his birthday was the day after these events…
Considering he’s taken the time even now to continue responding to many posts related to ABA as well as the always controversial Star Trek vs. Star Wars debate, it’s safe to say his days of acting friendly with BTS and ARMY are over.
Yes, and you must choose a side. Let me unbiasedly assist you… https://t.co/iYZyaADIXK pic.twitter.com/gDPNZYfT9M
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 30, 2021
Anyways, stan Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).
You can read about the controversy surrounding NFTs below:
HYBE Is Doing NFTs, Here’s What That Means And Why Some Fans Are Concerned
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