Bringing Countries Together

The basis of the article discusses the effect of Vietnam Idol and how, although, unpopular, it has had a much larger impact on the country as a whole. The author talks about how television shows like this bring all the nations of the world together on a much greater scale, all of them relating due to the fact that they all partake in reality TV that singing and competition focused. A similar concept to this is things like rap music, a genre in which most countries have made some kind of addition to. Another key response to having a show like Vietnam Idol is that it brings much more attention to smaller, less privileged countries like Vietnam into the spotlight, possibly having a chain effect in which the social and political issues of this country may also begin to be discussed. I think it is a good thing that under represented nations can receive more recognition through shows like Vietnam Idol, but at the same time it is evident that shows like these have often disguised real national issues under gilded images of what the certain region is like. I bring this up in reference to the United States, a nation that has time and time again been the greatest oppressor of the planet but its images of Hollywood and celebrity have often made it seem as though it is a level that other countries should aspire to achieve to. So, while gaining attention through reality TV can be good, it is important to not censor or create superficial images through these programs so that the true struggle of the masses is not overlooked.