Journal 8: Globalization and the Public Cartographies of Vietnam Idol

A01

In Globalization and the Public Cartographies of Vietnam Idol, Long Bui contrasts between Vietnam Idol and Western Idol. Although both have the same concept and goal to inspire the youth, there are many differences involving because Vietnam Idol receives less circulation and prestige than Western-based shows. I enjoy watching these shows like X Factor, and American Idol, but this article made me think of why I didn’t watch Idols in Asian countries, even though I was aware of its existence. Instead, I always stuck with idol shows in America or Britain. In the article, Bui notes that Vietnam Idol has a large variety of “musical range and repertoire of contemporary Viet music” while most English language coverage gives no evidence of the significance of this. I agree to Buis statement because most of the songs sung in Western Idols have less variety even though America is largely made of minorities and people with different cultural backgrounds and musical ranges. Even if a minority appears on America or UK’s idol, they sing American songs even though they know different languages (for example, Fourth Power), probably because it is considered more appealing to the company and increases the shows ratings.