Journal #8: Globalization and Public Cartographies of Vietnam Idol

Bui touches on how Vietnam has adapted to global entertainment. Their adaptation of Vietnamese Idols is similar to that of American Idol and goes to show how the cultural hegemony of the United States. I think that weak and poor countries such as Vietnam tend to follow the country that’s most prosperous economically and in military might. The reason for this is because we also try to aspire to others because the things they do and what how they function works best compared to others so it would be most logical to follow in their footsteps. Although the style and format of the Vietnamese idol shows are very similar the budgets and equipment are obviously cheaper and not quite as extravagant as that of America. This not only shows the difference in economic wealth but also how they try to redefine their culture similar in the image of America. Instead of songs sung in English by American hip hop artists and songwriters these Vietnamese shows have their contestants sing songs from Vietnamese artists. These subtle cultural idealizations signify which country in the world is considered to be the best and although America doesn’t have the best healthcare, education etc. history has always shown them to be on top thus solidifying their place in history as the most ideal country to become like.