5/4 thurs

As a Vietnamese American, I had mixed emotions with this article; I felt proud and angry. It is sad to admit that underdeveloped Asian countries are so desperate to gain global recognition, mostly from western countries I assumed.

What was their mechanisms? By imitating western’s popular culture, the American Idol, but Vietnam also claims to revive their own authentic culture. Moreover, it is upsetting that Vietnam acknowledges their Idol is a second copy of the American Idol and they still think that they can recreate a better version somehow; But by keep coping the American idol? This is very ironic. Despite of this delusional mentality, Vietnam idol corporations still try to sell out this sense that “Vietnam idol provides everyone an equal opportunity follow their dreams or to make it.” However in reality, people in rural areas of Vietnam do not have this opportunity and it is sad that they think they do.

Overall, Pan Asian countries attempt to appropriate western cultures within their geographical locations, but failed since their culture and the western culture do not fit well together. I was a little surprise to see this cultural progress had failed. But, if it did not succumb and managed to surpass the western’s culture….But who am I kidding, these Asians countries are trying to beat their oppressor by utilizing the oppressor’s tools. This reminds of Gandhi’s argument, which explains why the oppressed are not oppressed physically, but mentally too. So technically, do the oppressed select their own oppressor?

 Response to 2 in-class videos about Neoliberalism:

The notion of neoliberalism sounds nice on the surface, but it is quite terrifying and dangerous. I would not have imagined it to be a new kind of common sense, the idea self-responsibility or sufficiency. On a simple level definition, this idea means that it is wrong to depend on government assistance and just talk care of yourself, your business, and your problems. I am honestly devastated to see how this ideology plays out in this country through previous readings. However, on the positive note, I am blessed to be educated in this education institution and learn about this rather than keep living in this fake reality. Ignorance is not blissed!