The talent performance of Miss Vietnam Vo Thi Thanh B at Thai Hoa Palace - where the throne of the Nguyen Dynasty kings was located, not only caused controversy because of her dancing and standing on the tea table, but also related to the limits of beauty and the cultural responsibility of young people when participating in public performances.
No one denies that beauty, especially beauty associated with talent, always needs to be honored. But that beauty will become stifling if put in the wrong context. Dance, whether an artistic creation or a talent competition for contestants in a beauty pageant, also needs to be performed in a suitable space, where historical, cultural and spiritual values are respected.
In this case, climbing a tea table in front of the papal court - a space associated with the ceremony and power of the royal court, was an act of performing in the wrong place, causing dissatisfaction in the eyes of the public.
Cultural heritage, especially spaces like Thai Hoa Palace, are not simply ancient architecture or beautiful backgrounds for creative products. It is a symbol of history, a common memory of the nation, a place to crystallize traditional values through many generations.
Using these sacred spaces without consideration, whether for artistic or promotional purposes, can lead to cultural emotional damage.
The candidate's public apology shows an open-minded attitude, knowing how to listen to public feedback - which is very necessary in the era of strong media coverage.
However, the incident also poses a more serious requirement for individuals participating in the fields of culture and entertainment, especially beauty contests, where contestants not only represent beauty but also give the image of a modern Vietnamese woman, knowledgeable, cultivated and courageous to integrate.
Responsibility or apology does not stop at the performer's personal actions. The organizing committee of the competition also needs to review the content orientation process of the talent competition. Because this incident clearly shows a loophole in censorship and guiding candidates when using iconic locations for filming.
Dancing and standing on the tea table at the Thai Hoa Palace yard of Miss Vietnam contestant Vo Thi Thanh B aims for a "cultural exchange" between generations.
But unfortunately, not everyone, at any time, can stand dancing in the middle of the heritage space to "interact with culture". But in some cases, sometimes the opposite effect is offensive and "cultural degradation". And this is another lesson, first of all for young people.
To measure the talent of a beauty queen contestant, in addition to performance style or viral status online, there must also be depth of awareness and behavior towards lasting values.
