X. How BTS Performance Fueled "Scammy" Trends on Twitter
The term "scammy" has been trending on Twitter following the 2021 Grammy Awards, and the reason isn't far to seek: the global superstars BTS. The band, known as Armys to their devoted fans, entered the Grammy race like a force of nature, making history with numerous achievements and skyrocketing popularity.
BTS was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit song "Dynamite," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks. Despite not claiming the award, they broke records and set precedents, becoming the first Korean pop band to perform to their own Korean song during the Grammy Awards in 2021. Group leader RM explained their choice of language, emphasizing: "We don’t want to change our identity or our genuineness to get the no.1."
As Armys celebrated BTS's achievements, the excitement was palpable. However, the band's performance and the subsequent trending of "scammy" on Twitter also drew significant attention to the broader issue of authenticity and cheating.
III. Cricket Cheating: The Shadow Practice Scandal
The term "scammy" isn't just a buzzword in pop culture. It has roots in another highly publicized cheating scandal, the 2018 ball-tampering incident involving Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft. During a test match against South Africa, the trio deliberately altered the ball to gain unfair advantage. The Australian Cricket Board imposed a one-year suspension on all three, marking a significant blow to the nation's cricket reputation.
A similar cheating scandal occurred in 2020 during the third test match against India. Steve Smith, despite leading the team, employed a form of cheating known as "shadow practice," where the guard mark on the batsman's pads was tampered with. Although Smith's face was not captured, his jersey number "45" was visible, making it clear who was involved.
A tweet from a user capturing this moment during the 2020 test match reads:
On 9th January 2020, during drinks, Rishabh Pant was scoring very well. After drinks when nobody was there he quietly removed the guard mark using shadow practice. Dishonorable to change the game like that. Only shows how dishonorable Aussies are when a foreigner plays in their country. I say give the respect they deserve.
This incident, along with numerous other instances of cheating in cricket, has resurfaced the question of ethics and integrity in the sport. The term "scammy" has become a way to describe both the actions of cheating and the individuals involved, highlighting the stark contrast between the two.
IV. Cheating in Sports: A Global Concern
The term "scammy" is not unique to cricket or BTS; it's a global concern that has long pervaded competitive sports. Athletes, teams, and even entire nations sometimes resort to cheating to win at all costs, but this rarely goes unnoticed. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, become a platform for fans and critics alike to voice their opinions and scrutiny.
The message "Once a cheater, always a cheater" is often prevalent, reinforcing the idea that once someone is caught cheating, they have no choice but to continue doing so to stay relevant or successful.
Such trends highlight a significant divide between what the public expects from professional sports and what is often seen as acceptable behavior. The popularity and global reach of sports like cricket and BTS only serve to magnify these issues, bringing them into sharp focus for audiences around the world.
V. Conclusion: Navigating Authenticity and Integrity
The term "scammy" might be emerging as a trending topic, but it serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding authenticity and integrity in sports. As fans and critics continue to scrutinize and debate these matters, it is crucial for athletes and their organizations to uphold the highest standards of integrity to rebuild and maintain trust.
Whether it's the captivating performance of BTS or the scandals of cricket cheating, the discussions surrounding "scammy" are more than just a momentary trend. They reflect deeper societal values and expectations, making them worthy of ongoing examination and debate.