The times they are a-changing
I'm not usually one for too much social commentary on a blog, but the following subject is one I feel pretty strongly (and strongly conflicted) about. Strolling around Hoan Kiem last night, I didn't notice until a few minutes into my walk that something was...different. That 'something' was the placement of dozens of lit signs around Hoan Kiem's banks, proudly welcoming APEC 2006 and featuring photographs of Hanoi life (courtesy of Canon). For those of you who have seen Hoan Kiem minus the signs, let us reflect on that beauty and then realize that- even temporarily- it has been sullied by the presence of advertisements.
As someone who studied marketing and who worked in it prior to coming to Hanoi, it's surprising to me that Canon thought this degree of advertising would be a good idea. Our Man has some good pictures of the new developments by the lake. It's not pretty; in fact, it's downright obtrusive. The lake, with all its peace, street vendors, old men playing chess and couples snuggling on benches and motorbikes...all that is now accompanied by poster-size signs. And though the photographs feature scenes of Hanoi, they also proudly feature the Canon logo. Nice subtlety, guys.
Lately, Hanoi has been a-twitter with preparations for APEC, when the world's economic powers will convene to discuss how best to optimize relations between themselves and the Asia-Pacific contigent. The practice runs of Mercedes caravans preceded and followed by police cars and motorbikes. The increased presence of law enforcement at all intersections and popular city areas. New flowers and gardens with landscaped "APEC 2006." City cleansing. All very interesting to watch and be a part of.
I love Vietnam. Anyone who reads this blog or knows me, knows that. Give me the opportunity or bring up the delicate balance of economic development vs. retaining cultural identity and I will not stop. But as much as Vietnam needs the investment, I fear that some of its cultural identity may be lost in the pursuit of development. It happens- it's just a by-product of economic growth. But I hope to God that it doesn't happen to the same degree as other countries, because Vietnam is truly spectacular, and I would hate for that to be lost or muddied in the pursuit of commerce.
At the same time, I enjoy business and the positive effects it can have on a country. There's already been so much growth and investment in Vietnam...and the potential for the future is enormous. Given how much Vietnam is put into APEC and preparations, I hope that it gets everything it needs and wants out of this conference. (And then there's the WTO bid, which is a completely different blog entry/topic of heated debate at the next pub outing.) I cannot argue that bringing in foreign investment will be beneficial to this country.
But Canon, did you seriously need a sign every ten meters on the banks of Hoan Kiem?
As someone who studied marketing and who worked in it prior to coming to Hanoi, it's surprising to me that Canon thought this degree of advertising would be a good idea. Our Man has some good pictures of the new developments by the lake. It's not pretty; in fact, it's downright obtrusive. The lake, with all its peace, street vendors, old men playing chess and couples snuggling on benches and motorbikes...all that is now accompanied by poster-size signs. And though the photographs feature scenes of Hanoi, they also proudly feature the Canon logo. Nice subtlety, guys.
Lately, Hanoi has been a-twitter with preparations for APEC, when the world's economic powers will convene to discuss how best to optimize relations between themselves and the Asia-Pacific contigent. The practice runs of Mercedes caravans preceded and followed by police cars and motorbikes. The increased presence of law enforcement at all intersections and popular city areas. New flowers and gardens with landscaped "APEC 2006." City cleansing. All very interesting to watch and be a part of.
I love Vietnam. Anyone who reads this blog or knows me, knows that. Give me the opportunity or bring up the delicate balance of economic development vs. retaining cultural identity and I will not stop. But as much as Vietnam needs the investment, I fear that some of its cultural identity may be lost in the pursuit of development. It happens- it's just a by-product of economic growth. But I hope to God that it doesn't happen to the same degree as other countries, because Vietnam is truly spectacular, and I would hate for that to be lost or muddied in the pursuit of commerce.
At the same time, I enjoy business and the positive effects it can have on a country. There's already been so much growth and investment in Vietnam...and the potential for the future is enormous. Given how much Vietnam is put into APEC and preparations, I hope that it gets everything it needs and wants out of this conference. (And then there's the WTO bid, which is a completely different blog entry/topic of heated debate at the next pub outing.) I cannot argue that bringing in foreign investment will be beneficial to this country.
But Canon, did you seriously need a sign every ten meters on the banks of Hoan Kiem?
posted by Marianne at
12:56 PM
7 Comments:
They are horrible. I've just written about them too. I'd love to meet the idiot in the Canon marketing department whose idea it was to sponsor them.
Agreed. As someone with a marketing background, I cannot understand how this got approved. "Deface natural beauty? Sure!" Doesn't Canon have a corporate social responsibility officer or something? Bah.
There is always resistance in this world when things change. I can understand the sentiment... but I don't want to be one of them. Let Vietnam change. It's so strange that foreigners are more resistant than the local people here.
Every 10 meters? Are you sure?
Doug
This is a celebration, guys! What are you so serious about?
Year, I enjoy them very much. Something different from usual atmosphere. Why not simply enjoy them.
Hi you,
My name is Huong. I'm working for World Vision International in Vietnam. I live in Hanoi but I work in Hung Yen province now.
I think you know about WV. Our mission is the same your organisation - all the best for children.
Hope to share with you about my Vietnam.
Have fun.
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