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Nattatiti Kammoon, Thammasat University, ThailandAbstract
The debut of BNK48, a Thai female idol group, in 2017 introduced Thai society to Japanese idol culture and brought public attention to the phenomenon of Wotas, male fans who actively engage in idols' fan activities. While engagement with female idols is not unprecedented in Thai fan culture, Wotas stand out because of their participation which reflects a form of devalued masculinity in mainstream society. Wotas face stigmatization and marginalization, reinforcing stereotypes that subject them to ridicule and exclusion, ultimately positioning them as marginalized men within society. However, they engage in the process of constructing a masculine identity despite facing social condemnation and a lack of acceptance. This study investigates the masculinity of six Thai Wotas through the theoretical lens of R.W. Connell's concept of masculinities. The study examines how they construct their masculine identities within a hierarchical system that stratifies multiple forms of masculinities. Finding reveals that Wotas utilizes a 'big brother-little sister' relationship to define their relationship with idols. The big brother role posits Wotas as supporters and protectors who assist their little sister in achieving their success while devoid of romantic or sexual implications. They use this relationship to legitimize expression of fan engagement that often criticized by society. Thus, the adoption of a big brother identity serves as a mechanism for the construction of an asexual identity in men, one that embraces the responsibilities of caregiving, support, and nurturance within the idol fan community.
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