Errors in using indigenous cultural materials
Recently, Phuong My Chi took a set of promotional photos for the song "Chon mat gửi vang", released on August 27.
In which, the female singer wore a stylized dress, using a Piêu scarf at the hip like a skirt hem. On cultural forums, many opinions said that Phuong My Chi's way of using the image of the Piêu scarf was not appropriate.
Sharing with Lao Dong reporters, Mr. Lu Thanh Duc (Thai) - Secretary of the Youth Union of Hung Chan commune, Nghe An - said that Phuong My Chi was reacted to by many people for having a certain lack of respect when using the Piêu scarf.
According to Mr. Thanh Duc, the Thai people consider the Pieu scarf a cultural symbol, the scarf is not only beautiful, but also worn by Thai women to shield from rain and sun.
Looking at the Pieu scarf, one can see the resourcefulness and dexterity of the woman. Moreover, the scarf also carries the sacred meaning of marital love and the connection of yin and yang.
When the mountains are obscured, the scarf is cut in half so that travelers and those who remain can find each other in the afterlife.
The Thai community does not accept the fact that the Piêu scarf is brought down to make a skirt hem like Phuong My Chi used in the new image. Previously, a band used the Piêu scarf as a bra to perform on stage. They were reacted to by the Thai community and had to apologize...", Mr. Thanh Duc said.
Ms. Cam Trang Tho - representative of the "Thai people in Hanoi" group - said that each line and pattern on the scarf carries the sacred breath of Northwest culture.
The Pieu scarf is associated with every rhythm of life of the Thai people. From skillful hands and sophistication in choosing topics, from grass, trees, flowers to birds and animals, Thai women can make a beautiful scarf.
Therefore, Ms. Tho believes that: "Creation in art always goes hand in hand with understanding and respect for the cultural foundation. Therefore, turning an iconic item into decorative details on performance costumes will deeply hurt the Thai community and those who love Thai ethnic culture.
According to Ms. Trang Tho, everyone makes mistakes at times, it is difficult to avoid shortcomings, especially when creating art. But the important thing is that we know how to face reality and dare to admit mistakes to continue moving forward.
Need advice from ethnic minority cultural experts when creating
According to Ms. Trang Tho, artists are very likely to make mistakes when exploiting the cultural material of ethnic minorities, so they must be very careful.
“Don't deliberately justify your mistakes, whether those mistakes come from the designer or from the art council, the highest responsible person at this time is still the artist. With Phuong My Chi's case, at her age, falling or lacking awareness is understandable.
Knowing how to admit mistakes to correct them will not make artists "bad" but will help them move forward in a dignified, self-respecting, civilized and ethical way on the path of art ahead.
The true value and maturity of an artist is not only in how much they shine on stage but also in the courage to recognize mistakes, in the way that artist faces them when hurting others (whether intentionally or unintentionally)" - Ms. Trang Tho said.
Mr. Thanh Duc believes that it is the ease in design, lack of thorough understanding and the absence of ethnic minority cultural advisors that have created wrong products, thereby showing disrespect for national identity.
Mr. Thanh Duc shared: "Young artists may make mistakes because they do not have enough experience. Hopefully over time, they will cultivate their knowledge to have better products, in line with the spirit of traditional culture".
When using indigenous cultural materials of ethnic groups, artists need to research, learn carefully, and have the participation and advice of experts.
Phuong My Chi was born in 2003, became famous in the music scene at the age of 10 after winning the runner-up title of "The Voice Kids Vietnam 2013".
Phuong My Chi has released many MVs and albums that caused a stir. In 2025, Phuong My Chi was active at many competitions. In the middle of the year, she competed in "Sing! Asia" - a music playground in Asia - winning 3rd place. In August, she won the championship of "Em xinh say hi". In addition to singing, she participated in acting in film projects "Hai lua" (2014), "Nha gia tien" (2025), web-drama "Tiem hoa di ghe".
