Archive > The Amazing Race 22
TAR 22 Ep 5 "Your Tan IS Totally Cool"
Magnus:
Apparently this episode is getting some media attention: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/03/21/amazing-race-episode-set-in-hanoi-sparks-outrage/
I didn't really get that impression while watching, I thought the communist song was supposed to be a joke. It would have been nice to mention the Americans who died at the plane wreck. They have taken moments like that before at other locations.
georgiapeach:
I also found it odd that the B-52 was not mentioned.
The song did not bother me, I saw it as a glimpse at a cultural Vietnamese offering...in fact it seemed to me that TAR made it slightly tongue-in-cheek.
I did not see anything which I took as offensive to Vietnam Vets, but would like to hear more if any were offended. I still remember Ian's reaction to seeing VietNam again in Tar 3...and how touching that was.
Hooky:
--- Quote from: Magnus on March 21, 2013, 01:42:56 PM ---Apparently this episode is getting some media attention: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/03/21/amazing-race-episode-set-in-hanoi-sparks-outrage/
I didn't really get that impression while watching, I thought the communist song was supposed to be a joke. It would have been nice to mention the Americans who died at the plane wreck. They have taken moments like that before at other locations.
--- End quote ---
So I was right:
--- Quote from: Hooky on March 18, 2013, 06:19:52 PM ---On a note that is only somewhat related, that ridiculous performance they had to watch could definitely be said to be propaganda in the U.S.
--- End quote ---
Ultimately, however, for it to be officially defined as propaganda, it must be proven that the task was featured on the show specifically for the purpose of promoting a political ideology. I don't know that that could be proven in this case. More likely it was featured simply to reveal the culture of the country.
It doesn't really bother me as much as it probably seemed when I first posted (my mistake for using emphatic language), but it is interesting nevertheless.
walkingpneumonia:
--- Quote from: Hooky on March 21, 2013, 04:33:28 PM ---
--- Quote from: Magnus on March 21, 2013, 01:42:56 PM ---Apparently this episode is getting some media attention: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/03/21/amazing-race-episode-set-in-hanoi-sparks-outrage/
I didn't really get that impression while watching, I thought the communist song was supposed to be a joke. It would have been nice to mention the Americans who died at the plane wreck. They have taken moments like that before at other locations.
--- End quote ---
So I was right:
--- Quote from: Hooky on March 18, 2013, 06:19:52 PM ---On a note that is only somewhat related, that ridiculous performance they had to watch could definitely be said to be propaganda in the U.S.
--- End quote ---
Ultimately, however, for it to be officially defined as propaganda, it must be proven that the task was featured on the show specifically for the purpose of promoting a political ideology. I don't know that that could be proven in this case. More likely it was featured simply to reveal the culture of the country.
--- End quote ---
I really don't think much thought was put into the significance of the B52 memorial in Hanoi. I think if someone at WRP had actually read the plaque there they wouldn't have used it.
The plaque reads in full:
--- Quote ---HISTORICAL VESTIGE
Huu Tiep Lake and the Wreckage of B52 Bomber
Ngoc Ha Pricinct - Ba Dinh District - Ha Noi
At 23.05 on December 27th 1972, the Battalion No 72 - Air Defense Missile Regiment No 285 shot down on the spot a B52G of the US imperialist violating Ha Noi air space. A part of the wreckage fell in to Huu Tiep Lake - Ngoc Ha Pricinct, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi.
The outstanding feat of arm contributed to achieving the victory 'Dien Bien Phu in the Air': defeating the US imperialist's strategic air raid with B52 bomber against Ha Noi at the end of December 1972 and creating an important change that led the Vietnamese people's anti-US resistance for national salvation to the complete victory.
--- End quote ---
If it had been a memorial to fallen American airmen, I don't see a problem - but its not. The usage of the B52 site was in the very least insensitive the US Vets.
On the other point - I don't recall the song mentioning communism at all - maybe I need to re-watch it.
It did extoll the virtues of socialism if I recall correctly. :lol3:( http://www.diffen.com/difference/Communism_vs_Socialism )
Nothing wrong with socialism if its done right.
And before anyone says anything, I know that despite Vietnam's official name being the "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" it really is a communist country. well maybe Marxist-Leninist but lets not split ideological hairs...
Plaidmoon:
I also thought having the blind U-turn next to the B-52 wreck was rather insensitive and probably not well thought out by the production staff. The song about socialism and the glorious future of Vietnam didn't bother me at all. However, I fully expected outrage from some people once the episode finished. I'm frankly surprised at how little reaction there has been and that it took until Thursday to come to light.
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