Week 4: The Evolution of Reality TV: Amplified Visibility, Social Media, and Political Discourse in the Case of 'Rap Viet.
Reality TV has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a realm of exaggerated visibility that combines intense emotions and boundary-pushing behavior within a controlled TV environment (Kavka, 2018, p. 7). This transformation has been further propelled by the rise of social media, which has expanded the reach and audience of reality TV shows. In this new landscape, social media platforms have become crucial for reality TV participants to establish an online presence, extending their fame and income potential (Deller, 2019, p. 162). They can share authentic experiences, promote brands, and act as promotional vehicles for upcoming projects, leveraging their online platforms (Deller, 2019, p. 163). This convergence of television and new media has transformed reality TV into a network of interconnected narratives, blurring the lines between real and performed identities, and providing viewers with an interactive and engaging experience beyond traditional TV broadcasts (Arcy, 2018, p. 488). "Rap Viet" serves as an exemplary case of the transformative power of reality TV in the context of rap music. This popular Vietnamese reality TV show focuses on rap battles and showcases the talent of Vietnamese rappers. Notably, participants like Phap Kieu, suboi, etc. utilize social media to livestream, share behind-the-scenes videos, and even some dramas in "Rap Viet" to generate more awareness and engagement. It utilizes social media platforms to extend its reach and engage with a wider audience.
Additionally, reality TV acts as a catalyst for public discussions on politics and societal issues (Graham & Hajru, 2011, p. 29). Web 2.0 technologies and participatory culture have facilitated reality show chat on various online platforms, fostering political talk and public discourse (Deller, 2019, p. 153; Graham & Hajru, 2011, p. 29). "Rap Viet" often addresses social issues, sparking debates on politics, inequality, and youth culture. For instance, MC Tran Thanh's statement about feminism ignited discussions on gender equality and feminism in Vietnamese society, with diverse opinions and fragmentations within the public sphere (Graham & Hajru, 2011, p. 19). The statement received a lot of criticism from communities fighting for women's rights. An analysis of up to 2,100 likes by the Vietnam Organization for Promoting Gender Equality, VOGE, said that Tran Thanh is underestimating the efforts of those who are promoting gender equality for women (Nguyen Hoai, 2020). These discussions showcase how reality TV serves as a platform for citizens to engage in political discourse, bridge knowledge and experiences, and contribute to wider societal debates (Graham & Hajru, 2011, p. 29).
In conclusion, the convergence of television and social media has transformed reality TV into a realm of exaggerated visibility, extending beyond traditional TV broadcasts. "Rap Viet" exemplifies this transformation, leveraging social media to engage a broader audience and redefine the rap scene in Vietnam. Moreover, reality TV fuels public discussions on politics and societal issues, serving as a catalyst for political talk and contributing to the wider political discourse within the public sphere.
Arcy, J. (2018). The digital money shot: Twitter wars, The Real Housewives, and transmedia storytelling. Celebrity Studies, 9(4), 487–502. https://doi.org/10.1080/19392397.2018.1508951
Deller, R. A. (2019). Reality Television in an Age of Social Media. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83909-021-920191007
Graham, T., & Hajru, A. (2011). Reality TV as a trigger of everyday political talk in the net-based public sphere. European Journal of Communication, 26(1), 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/0267323110394858
Kavka, M. (2018). Reality TV: its contents and discontents. Critical Quarterly, 60(4), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/criq.12442
Nguyen Hoai, M. (2020, November 16). Tóm Lại Là: Quyền nữ, sao cứ phải “đòi”? Vietcetera. https://vietcetera.com/vn/tom-lai-la-quyen-nu-sao-cu-phai-doi