Representations of homosexual characters on Vietnamese TV

(Sorry for this very late post, I wrote this comment at the library and saved it in my thumb drive. I have just found the thumb drive and still post it here) 

I would say that one of the interesting experiences when learning in the U.S. is watching queer-themed shows which have no space on TV programing in Vietnam. Like many other Asian cultures, gay/lesbian topics are still a taboo in Vietnamese culture. Most Vietnamese treat homosexuality as either a mental or emotional disease. Parents usually prevent their children from contact with homosexual people in case homosexual people “transmit” the “homosexual disease” to their children. Like Ellen’s mother, they think that homosexual people need to be treated by doctors. However, because the homosexual issue is controversial and attracts viewers’ attention, broadcasters in Vietnam do not ignore the topic. Recently, broadcasters have woven homosexuality issues into the shows on prime-time, though homosexuality is only a sub-theme of the prime-time shows. 

This week's readings and screenings provide a basic ground for looking deeper into the way TV manages to make use of homosexuality in Vietnam. In the U.S., because homosexuality is somewhat widely accepted, the representations of homosexuality are common and can be made fun of it.  Gays can express their “pride” in their sexuality. Ellen can talk about her homosexuality, although she mentions the emotional difficulties that she has to face. Similarly, but in a more daring manner, the lesbian women in the L-World show their confidence in their sexual identities. The way these queer characters confidently open up their sexuality impresses me, a viewer from a different culture. 

In contrast to the image of a confident Ellen, most representations of homosexual characters on Vietnamese TV are as victims who need their communities’ sympathies. To extend this message, there is a tendency to idealize homosexual characters in TV shows. It is worth noting that there has been no Vietnamese lesbian main characters on television up to now.  Recently, I happened to watch a show on youtube about a gay who is handsome, rich and kind. He has a secret love for his best male friend, who falls in love with another girl. Instead of trying to sway that girl away from his lover, the gay character helps his close friend and the girl to be a couple. His sacrifice is emphasize to make audiences lessen their biases toward homosexual people. The victimization of homosexual people hidden under the so-called humanist will indicates the biases toward homosexuality of TV broadcasters, illustrating Prof. Julia’s point about the power in between the reality and the representation.