report topic media representation of male in vietnam

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<b>Hanoi University—---</b>

<b>REPORTTOPIC</b>

<b>IN VIETNAM</b>

<b>Lecturer: Hoang Thao Van</b>

<b>Subject: Psychology of CommunicationStudents: 2201060010 - Vũ Ngọc Anh</b>

2201060013 - Nguyễn Thái Hoàng Bách2201060039 - Chu Cẩm Ly

2201060057 - Bùi Thị Ngọc Sang

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<b>Table of Contents</b>

<b>I. Introduction...3</b>

<b>II. Literature review... 3</b>

1. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media before 1945...3

1.1. Confucianism has a great influence on Vietnamese gender stereotypes... 3

1.2. Concepts of Respecting Men and Despising Women in the Tao of Confucius...4

1.3. Virtues promoted in Confucius culture...5

2. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media from 1946 - 1984 (Before Doi Moiperiod)... 7

3. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media from 1984 - 2005 (After Doi Moi period).93.1. Soldier... 9

3.2. Intellectuals... 10

3.3 Inner emotional...10

4. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media nowadays... 11

4.1. The changes in mindset, behavior, and personality... 11

4.2. The causes of these changes... 11

4.3. The positive changes... 12

4.3.1. Awareness of tasks and efforts to improve... 12

4.3.2. Directly participating in educating children... 12

4.3.3 Appreciation of women in both action and thought... 12

4.4 The negative changes... 12

4.4.1. The tendency to be single for life... 12

4.4.2. Domestic violence and alcoholism... 13

<b>III. Conclusion... 13</b>

<b>IV. References...14</b>

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<b>I. Introduction</b>

The image of the Vietnamese man has undergone transformation and diversitythroughout historical periods, reflecting the changes in society, culture and history of thecountry. Through each period, the aspects and roles of Vietnamese men have becomedifferent and diverse.

During the ancient and medieval periods, Vietnamese men were often associated withimages of soldiers and soldiers. They demonstrate virtue and courage in protecting theirfamily, society and country. The image of men during this period was built on national heroessuch as Hung Vuong and Ly Thuong Kiet, characters who symbolized the courage and loyaltyof the Vietnamese people.

Before the country achieved independence, Vietnamese men had to face war andterrorism from rival entities. During the colonial period and the war period, the image of menwas associated with fighting and sacrificing for the country. This was the period whennational heroes such as Vo Nguyen Giap and Nguyen Van Troi became symbols of courageand love for the country, encouraging the spirit of struggle and freedom.

On the journey of innovation and modernity, the image of Vietnamese men hascontinued to become more diverse and richer. Men in this era were often considered hardworkers, pursuing success and contributing to the economic development of the country.They participate in the fields of industry, commerce, science and technology, construction andsocial development. Vietnamese men also take on the role of husband, father and head of thefamily, responsible for nurturing and protecting the family, creating favorable conditions forthe development and happiness of all members. family member.

In contemporary culture, the image of Vietnamese men is expressed through manydifferent aspects and social classes. There were successful men in business, creative artists,social leaders, active citizens and champions of community rights. This image demonstratesthe development and progress of society, where men play an important role and activelycontribute to the development and progress of society.

However, it should be remembered that it is impossible to generalize the image ofVietnamese men into a single model. The role and image of men in society depends on manyfactors, including culture, family, education and economics. Each man has his owncharacteristics, dynamism and will, contributing to the diversity and richness of the image ofVietnamese men throughout the country's development process.

Above all, the image of a Vietnamese man has a deep and multidimensional meaning.In addition to the traditional role of protector of family and country, man also became amultifaceted individual, with a creative social role and contributing to the development of thecommunity. They are people with responsibility, courage and patriotism, always trying tobuild a good future for Vietnam and the world.

<b>II. Literature review</b>

<b>1. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media before 1945.1.1. Confucianism has a great influence on Vietnamese gender stereotypes</b>

Confucianism has had a great and profound influence on definition in Vietnam since itwas spread to the country. The position and role of Confucian ideology cannot be denied in

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the fields of life, literature and accepted views in traditional society. However, the assessmentof this influence, whether it is positive or negative in promoting the development of society,depends on the historical period and perspective of each period.

The goal of Confucianism is to create a good society, but the method to achieve this isnot only based on eliminating harm and business, but also focuses on inspiring people tocultivate morality. ethics to achieve salary improvement. In Confucianism, caring for andcultivating morality is very important, and most ideal people in this sect are considered heroesand heroines, or models of saints. They act as core forces in daily life, along with the rulingforces, maintaining a harmonious feudal social order. However, sometimes these role modelstend to be morally conservative.

<b>1.2. Concepts of Respecting Men and Despising Women in the Tao of Confucius</b>

Tran Trong Kim once commented that "The Tao of Confucius is the Tao of agentleman, whose purpose is to teach people to be completely virtuous and have nobledignity, so many of Confucius's teachings and studies all focus on building a gentleman.Confucius' personality model is also the pride of Confucianism and feudal society." [19]Therefore, when discussing cultural behavior according to gender, we can see that inConfucian feudal society, there always exist unfair and extreme concepts towards women,associated with the Priority is given to men and pushes women to a lower position in thefamily and society.

These concepts, such as "At home, obey the father, when married, follow the husband,the son follows the son" (

"Tại gia tòng phụ, xuất giá tòng phu, phu tử tòng tử"),

, orthe concept of favoring men over women such as "The first male must be present, the tenthfemale must be non"(

"Nhất nam viết hữu, thập nữ viết vô")

, have created injustice anddiscrimination between men and women, leading to placing women in the lowest position inthe family and society. These concepts not only influence people's thoughts and actions butare also reflected in literary works:

● Folk songs from ancient times include: Being wise is like a woman, even beingclumsy is like being a man.(Khôn ngoan cũng thể đàn bà, Dầu rằng vụng dại cũng làđàn ông);

● Men are shallow and open wells, women are profound and store betel. (Đàn ông nôngnổi giếng khơi, Đàn bà sâu sắc nha cơi đựng trầu)

● Men with wide mouths are luxurious, women with wide mouths destroy homes. (Đànơng rộng miệng thì sang, Đàn bà rộng miệng tan hoang cửa nhà.)

Right from these folk songs, we can clearly see the concept of the roles of men and women inold society. Women have long been viewed as fragile, dependent and lacking a voice infamily and society. These concepts have become customs and practices and are associatedwith ethics such as "divine duty", "sacrifice", "femininity" and "denial". Women are assignedresponsibilities such as "when they are young, they take care of cultivating women's virtues,when they are married, they take care of "worshiping" their husbands and raising children",and this has become common and not considered a problem.

In addition, gender stereotypes in Confucianism also believe that men are thebreadwinners of the family and the ones who do great work:

● Men build houses, women build homes. (Đàn ông xây nhà, đàn bà xây tổ ấm.);

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● Men take care of the house, women take care of the kitchen. (Đàn ông lo cái nhà, đànbà lo cái bếp)

From folk songs about women and men in old societies, we can see that Confucian society isstill undeniably. It cannot be denied that in the past, gender-based behavioral culture inConfucian feudal society has created injustice and discrimination between men and women.However, it is worth noting that society and cultural attitudes have changed over time. In themodern era, we have seen progress and changes in the concept of gender roles.

Today, cultural behavior according to gender is no longer limited by ancient concepts.Women have achieved many achievements in areas such as education, economics, politicsand society. Women's rights are recognized and protected by law, and disparities between menand women have been reduced.

Currently, the culture of gender behavior is evolving towards more diversity andequality. Personal rights and freedoms are no longer limited based on gender. Most countrieshave implemented policies and laws to ensure gender equality in all areas, from ensuring theright to education and career development for women to ensuring marriage rights, legaltreatment, etc. domestic violence and building a fair and gender-respecting society. Althoughthere still exist some issues and challenges related to gender and behavioral culture, such aswage discrimination, domestic violence and gender discrimination, in general, society isprogressing towards diversity. more diversity and equality in the treatment of men andwomen.

In short, in the past, the culture of gender behavior in Confucian feudal society tendedto discriminate between men and women. However, in the modern era, society has changedand the culture of gender behavior is evolving towards more diversity and equality.Conceptions and values about gender roles are being changed and improved, with thepromotion of policies, laws and social awareness.

<b>1.3. Virtues promoted in Confucius culture</b>

On the other hand, Confucianism also emphasizes the important qualities that peopleneed to have for a better life, which are humanity, propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and faith.Nguyen Trai, a Confucian scholar and moralist, pursued Confucian morality. He applied theConfucian style of "literary proselytizing" , that is, using literature to spread the thoughts andmorals of saints and sages. In his works, he always emphasized loyalty and filial piety, andthe role of men in society. People following Nguyen Trai's philosophy always aim for sacredresponsibility towards family and country. In particular, he was always reminded about twoimportant aspects: loyalty and filial piety.

<b>"Dust has a feeling of delay</b>

<b>The way to be a child is to be the way to be a servant." [20](Non Chi - lesson 1)</b>

("Bụi có một niềm chăng nỡ trễĐạo làm con mấy đạo làm tôi."

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<b>(Non Chi - lesson 7)</b>

("Quân thân chưa báo lịng canh cánhTìm hiểu thêmTình phụ cơm trời, áo cha."

(Ngơn chí - bài 7))

In his works, Nguyen Trai also mentioned kindness, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, andfaith. He lived in a society disintegrated by war, and he was aware of the responsibility of ascholar. He advised people to treat each other based on meaning. In Nguyen Trai's poetry, theconcepts of the three diamonds and five diamonds are often combined together:

<b>"All things depend on God,</b>

<b>Every movement is influenced by the teacher."[22]</b>

("Thủy chung mỗi vật đều nhờ chúa,Động tĩnh nào ai chẳng bởi thầy.")

Even though joy and anger are strong and soft, kindness and courtesy are given, scholars mustbe wholeheartedly loyal to the king and the country, and must spread moral words to help theking, and should not go around and do evil things. harming the country and harming thepeople. He believes that scholars must have the same heart as Wei Zhong of the Tang Dynastyand Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty of China:

<b>"Showing and grumbling about the snow where he studied religionIn court, the word "scarf" means diligence." [23]</b>

<b>(Bao Kinh Realm - Lesson 60)</b>

("Khoe tuyết làu làu nơi học đạoỞ triều khăn khăn chữ trung cần."

(Bảo kính cảnh giới - Bài 60))

<b>"At the pavilion, keep Bao Chung's heart,During funerals, the habit is to disguise yourself."[24]</b>

<b>(Precious realm - Lesson 61)</b>

("Ở đài các giữ lòng Bao Chửng,Nhậm tang khanh thì thói Ngụy Trang."

(Bảo kính cảnh giới - Bài 61))

Similar to Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Khuyen and other Confucian scholars, Nguyen Binh Khiemalways carried in his heart two concepts of centralism. He is always reminded about "Loc isgrateful thanks to the saintly wisdom" (Nom Poetry, lesson 125). He himself, judging by hispersonality type, was a Confucianist. It is important to remember that Confucian philosophyand values are not always applied uniformly in modern society. Each person has the right tofreedom of belief and philosophy, and not everyone follows Confucianism or agrees with thevalues it promotes.

At the same time, Confucianism has also undergone many changes and interactionswith other ideologies and sects during its development. Confucianism has intersected withother religious values such as Buddhism, Christianity and Islam throughout history. Inaddition, the values and principles of Confucianism are discussed and evaluated in light ofmodern perspectives and social, cultural, and scientific advances. Therefore, in modernsociety, the role and influence of Confucianism can change and be diverse. Some people still

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consider Confucianism to be an important part of their ethics, philosophy, and culture, whileothers may not be interested or have different views about Confucianism.

In short, Confucianism is a philosophical and educational system that has a profoundinfluence on Vietnamese history and culture. It promotes values such as loyalty, filial piety,benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust and has had a significant influenceon the philosophy and way of life of many people. However, like any other educationalsystem and philosophy, the role and influence of Confucianism can change in modern societyand be evaluated from many different perspectives.

<b>2. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media from 1946 - 1984 (BeforeDoi Moi period).</b>

Vietnamese Literature continued unveiling the duality of men in the next era as anenduring image of Uncle Ho's soldiers during the War in the period of 1946 and 1984 [16].The period following World War II and the August Revolution of 1945 marked a turningpoint for Vietnam. Having endured decades of French colonial rule, followed by Japaneseoccupation during the war, Vietnam entered a new era characterized by struggle and resilience[15]. This socio-political context heavily influenced Vietnamese literature, particularly in itsportrayal of Vietnamese men as both soldiers and peasants.

Vietnam's path to independence was paved with conflict. The lingering presence ofFrench troops after WWII ignited the First Indochina War (1946-1954). Following a briefperiod of uneasy peace, the country was divided along ideological lines, leading to theVietnam War (1955-1975). This prolonged period of warfare deeply affected Vietnamesesociety, shaping the roles men played within it [15].

Amidst the countless glorious pages of our nation's history, the image of Uncle Ho'ssoldiers during the French Resistance War stands as a perpetually cherished and sacredsymbol, forever etched in the hearts of every Vietnamese citizen. They were the finest sonsand daughters of our homeland, hailing from humble, rustic backgrounds, bearing the burdensand hardships of life, yet carrying within them an unwavering, indomitable spirit. Fromstrangers, upon joining the ranks, they forged an unbreakable bond of camaraderie, a sacredfellowship [14]. They stood shoulder to shoulder, sharing the tribulations of war, and fightingside by side against foreign invaders. The imagery has become an enduring emblem of thesoldiers' profound solidarity. [17]

<b>"Súng bên súng đầu sát bên đầuĐêm rét chung chăn thành đôi tri kỷ”</b>

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their comrades, they grew even more determined in their fight, vowing to avenge those whohad fallen. This unwavering resolve wasn't fueled by mere anger, but by a deep understandingof the cost of colonialism. They had seen their villages ravaged, their families displaced, andtheir way of life threatened. They fought not just for a flag, but for the very essence ofVietnam. Despite the harsh realities of war, these soldiers weren't solely defined by hardship.They possessed remarkable resilience, adapting to the most grueling conditions withingenuity and resourcefulness. They found solace and laughter in shared experiences, singingsongs under the stars, and forging a unique kind of family with their fellow soldiers. Thisspirit of camaraderie and optimism provided a powerful counterpoint to the darkness of war,reminding them of the life and beauty they were fighting to protect.

However, the Vietnamese literature also revealed hidden corners and dark aspects ofman’s image during this period of time. Nam Cao “Sống Mòn” (1956) and Nguyễn MinhChâu "Chiếc thuyền ngoài xa" (1983) serve as prime examples of these hidden factors. WriterNam Cao achieved success in vividly depicting the spiritual tragedy of Thứ, as well as that ofimpoverished intellectuals in pre-1945 society, who were known as the "suffering scholars."These intellectuals possessed a profound awareness of the value of life and human dignity,harbored aspirations, dedication, and talent, and aimed to build noble spiritual careers.However, they were burdened by the struggles of daily life and suffocated by oppressivesocial conditions, leading them to a state of spiritual decay, feeling useless and superfluous insociety. The writer vehemently criticized the inhumane aspects of society that strangled lifeand destroyed the human soul. Simultaneously, he voiced the longing for a meaningful andworthy human existence. Nam Cao depicted truthfully and sometimes brutally, dissecting thelayers of human complexity. Just as in life, where petty selfishness sometimes triumphs, inmost cases, the character of Thứ with his inherent honesty and profound self-examination stillaspired towards goodness and righteousness. In the excerpt, from the family meal scene, weglimpse the deep-seated goodness within Thứ, who lives responsibly for his family, his wife,and children. Even in moments of self-indulgence with a good meal or watching a movie, wecan understand these as legitimate desires of someone who has labored tirelessly. While theman in the second literature emerges with the brutal act of domestic abuse against his wife,evoking feelings of anger and despair in the reader. The image of the violent, abusive man,diametrically opposed to the expected image of a loving husband and father, exposes theprevalence of domestic violence in Vietnamese society at the time. These works not onlyexpose the darker aspects of the Vietnamese man's image but also serve as a wake-up call tosociety. They are reminders of the importance of family responsibility, the necessity ofcondemning and combating domestic violence. Simultaneously, they are calls for change, fora society where men are not merely material pillars but also loving and responsible husbandsand fathers. The portrayal of the Vietnamese man as the family pillar is a timeless theme,reflected in various forms throughout Vietnamese literature. While traditional depictions oftenemphasize the positive attributes of this role, works like “Sống Mòn” and "Chiếc thuyềnngoài xa" challenge us to confront the complexities and darker aspects that lie beneath thesurface. These works serve as powerful critiques of society, urging us to re-evaluate thepatriarchal structure and advocate for a more equitable and just social order, where theVietnamese man truly embodies the ideals of strength, responsibility, and unwavering supportfor his family.

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It's crucial to acknowledge the role of women during this period. While literatureoften focused on men, it's important to remember that women shouldered immense burdens.They kept families afloat, worked the land in the men's absence, and provided emotionalsupport during times of strife. Summarizing the poetry of resistance from the period of 1945 -1975, we gain deeper insights into qualities, souls, and characters in the soldiers, showcasingexemplary actions of national heroes. They are a source of immense pride for the nation,embodying the noblest ideals of heroism in their era. They remain and will continue to be anendless source of inspiration in poetic works.

<b>3. The portrayal of Vietnamese men through the media from 1984 - 2005 (After DoiMoi period)</b>

During the reform period in Vietnam (from the late 19th century to the mid-20thcentury), Vietnamese literature had a significant role in shaping and reflecting societalchanges. The image of Vietnamese men portrayed in Vietnamese literature during this periodexperienced a transformation influenced by various factors, including historical events,exposure to Western ideas, and evolving social norms.

Before the reform period, Vietnamese literature often described men as heroic figureswho had qualities such as loyalty, filial piety, and bravery. These characters were oftenassociated with the Confucian ideals that dominated Vietnamese society at the time. Theywere portrayed as defenders of the nation, upholding moral values and serving their countryand communities.

<b>3.1. Soldier</b>

After the spring victory in 1975, Vietnamese history opened a completely new page.Peace was restored in all regions of the country, and the country entered a period of recoveryand development. Economic and social changes have led to changes in ideology and culture,requiring literature to respond promptly and appropriately. [7] The change in literature is mostclearly shown through an image that has permeated the previous painful historical period -Uncle Ho's soldier. A series of novels appeared, especially after 1986, making a big splashwhen looking back at the war, looking back at the past, placing soldiers in peace as well asilluminating the hidden corners of war. The transformation of literature in the concept ofhumanity has become a hotly discussed topic through research works, articles, topics as wellas being taught and analyzed in high school programs and university

In terms of soldiers, literature during this period fulfilled its task of bridging the deepgap within the individuals who had once held guns. When they were fortunate enough toreturn to civilian life, they realized that they carried the tragic burden of their own fate. Thisis a distinct residue of physical and mental pain, accompanied by unfulfilled desires in presentlife.

During wartime, due to the circumstances, individuals were not able to expressthemselves naturally. [8] Instead, they existed as fighting beings, and the social aspect ofhumanity emerged as a central figure in revolutionary literature. War, by its very nature, isabnormal, and it deprives people of the most ordinary aspects of their humanity. Therefore,during peacetime, natural human beings (through their instincts for survival and desires) wererestored in the truest sense, leading to a reexamination of the soldier's image with different

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characteristics, shades, and extremes in the relationship between war memories and everydaylife today.

<b>3.2. Intellectuals</b>

One significant change was the emergence of male characters who were portrayed asintellectuals, scholars, and revolutionaries. These characters sought to challenge the statusquo and advocate for political and social change. They engaged in political movements,fought against colonialism, and advocated for modernization and equality. Writers such asPhan Boi Chau and Nguyen Ai Quoc became prominent figures during this period,embodying the ideals of Vietnamese men who were active in the pursuit of nationalliberation.

In the novel "The History of the Loss of Vietnam" (Việt Nam vong quốc sử), [10]Phan Boi Chau describes the male characters as intellectuals and nationalists, driven by aburning desire to liberate Vietnam from colonial rule people. Through action and dialogue,Chau's characters convey a strong sense of patriotism and a commitment to challenging thestatus quo.

As regard Nguyen Ai Quoc, his writings and speeches played a key role in shaping theimage of Vietnamese men during the reform period. In the novel “The Protracted Struggle"(Trường kỳ kháng chiến), Ho Chi Minh presents male characters as dedicated revolutionaries,fighting against colonial oppression and fighting for the rights of the Vietnamese people.These characters demonstrate a spirit of resistance and determination, inspiring readers to jointhe fight for independence.

<b>3.3 Inner emotional</b>

Another notable shift during the reform period in Vietnamese literature was theexploration of the inner emotional lives of male characters. Traditionally, Vietnamese literarytradition placed emphasis on the collective identity and societal roles, often downplaying theindividual experiences and emotional depth of male characters. [7] However, as the reformperiod unfolded, authors began to challenge these conventions and ventured into thecomplexities of human emotions, including those experienced by men. This shift allows for amore nuanced and introspective portrayal of Vietnamese men as individuals with their owndesires, aspirations, and struggles.

One novel that exemplifies this exploration of male emotions is "Dumb Luck" (Số đỏ)by Vu Trong Phung. Published in 1936, "Dumb Luck" is a satirical novel that delves into thepsychological and emotional turmoil of its male protagonist, Xuan. [11] Through Xuan'sstory, Phung brings to light the internal struggles faced by Vietnamese men during a time ofsocietal change. Xuan's desires, frustrations, and anxieties are vividly depicted, challengingthe traditional stoic portrayal of male characters in Vietnamese literature.

By delving into the inner emotional lives of male characters, Vietnamese literatureduring the reform period provides a richer and more humanistic depiction of Vietnamese men.[17] This shift allows readers to connect on a deeper level with the characters, as theirexperiences and emotions resonate with the complexities of real-life individuals. It alsochallenges the notion that men must conform to rigid gender roles and allow for a greaterunderstanding and empathy towards the diverse range of human experiences.

Overall, Vietnamese literature during the reform period witnesses a transformation inthe image of Vietnamese men. From traditional depictions of heroic figures upholding

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