When talent is no longer everything
Tran Thanh once cried and said that gaining fame in showbiz is not simple or easy. According to Tran Thanh, artists suffer more than ordinary people because they are always under the scrutiny of the public. When ordinary people get into a private scandal, only a few people involved know, but if a famous person gets into a scandal, the whole country knows.
The case of comedian Hoai Linh has witnessed an unprecedented reversal of the public, from a most beloved actor, Hoai Linh has become the "sinner" who is most heavily criticized after the slow disbursement of charity money was exposed. Singers Jack or Hien Ho are almost unable to return to showbiz after their personal scandals. As soon as they release a product, they will be heavily criticized.
According to media experts, when a scandal occurs, most artists do not know what to do, do not know how to handle the crisis, only choose to remain silent, and in many cases even act rashly, fueling public anger.
The showbiz environment is complicated, so it is urgent for artists to maintain their image. In 2023, the Ministry of Information and Communications announced that it would compile a list of artists who violate ethical standards and codes of conduct. From this list, the ministry will coordinate with units to limit the artists' image and activities. The banning of artists involved in scandals from broadcasting and performing has received public support.
In this context, the question arises, should education and training of “soft skills” from lifestyle, ethics, behavior to handling media crises become subjects taught at art schools such as the University of Theater and Cinema, Vietnam National Academy of Music, Vietnam Dance Academy, Military University of Culture and Arts... where students will become future artists.
Training on ethics, conduct and crisis management
Student Cao Thuy Quyen (character's name has been changed) - Musical Actor major, Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema - said: "We don't have soft skills subjects, no specific lessons on handling media crises, or dealing with scandals... At school, we are mainly trained in professional skills, to develop our abilities and talents as much as possible."
According to this student, formalizing specific subjects about lifestyle, behavior, ethics, how to deal with fame and scandals is a good idea, and should be taught in art schools.
Student To Phuong Anh - Vietnam Dance Academy - also affirmed that at school there are no such "soft skills" subjects, students are taught messages about lifestyle and ethics in professional lessons.
Speaking to Lao Dong reporter, Principal of the Military University of Culture and Arts - Colonel, musician Ho Trong Tuan affirmed that education, orientation on lifestyle, career, avoiding scandals... are becoming more and more practical and important.
“We have been paying more and more attention to this issue. Our school always emphasizes the orientation and education of art students - future musicians and singers - in how to behave, avoid scandals, and build personal brands with both talent and personality,” said Colonel Ho Trong Tuan.
Meanwhile, Dr. Meritorious Artist Bui Nhu Lai - Vice Principal of Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema - said that the school currently highly values moral education and lifestyle for students, but many subjects on "soft skills" such as handling media crises, facing scandals... are not yet available.
“To introduce new subjects into teaching, there needs to be a roadmap. There must be curriculum, experts, lecturers... And that will be a story of the future, we need time to prepare” - Dr. Meritorious Artist Bui Nhu Lai said.
