"Globalization and the Public Cartographies of Vietnam Idol"

Long Bui investigates the negative effects of trying to globalize popular culture while in a state of difficulty. As Vietnam is still in the process of becoming more "westernized," one of the most effective ways, it seems, is to introduce Vietnam Idol, similar to the more popular American Idol, in attempt to move Vietnam forward in development towards the western world. Although this idea is all nice and dandy on paper, the reality of the situation is not very ideal as there are still many steps to go before actually achieving those goals. One of the main problems is that only about a third of the country has access to cell phones and television, something that is required in order to spectate and vote in the television show. Without the proper technological equipment, the amount of participation and viewership is very limited, bringing only those with access the westernizing concepts. Another problem is that even though one of the main goals for the show to accomplish is to bring in the countryside singers to light, the places where the show is hosted are mainly located in the well developed parts of the country, places where it may be difficult for countryside people to travel to. This almost destroys the whole purpose of the show because it would only show the stories and the talents of those who are most likely already westernized enough to understand and participate in these kinds of television shows. Although it is not that big of a deal, not that small either, the gender issue that is present in the selection of the idols is also a traditional quirk that should be eliminated if the show wants to continue to evolve and develop into a show that is similar to its western counterparts. I think that the goal and intent is good, however, when the country is not fully tuned in to the program, the likeliness of westernizing the entire country in rapid succession is not really possible, even though they might eventually it won't be anytime soon.