The announcement by VTV2 – the education and science channel of state-run national broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) – that it will begin airing an adult American TV series late at night next Monday has been met with mixed reactions.

>> 18+ adult films to regularly go on Vietnam TV channel next month

A channel representative said late last week that “Sex and the City” will air at 11:00 pm three days a week – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

The show will be labeled 18+ and intended for adults only, the representative noted.

“Sex and the City” is a 94-episode American romantic TV series sitcom which won seven of its 54 Emmy Award nominations, eight of its 24 Golden Globe Award nominations, and three of its 11 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.

Vietnamese film directors, producers and, scriptwriters have sent in their opinions, while almost 100 readers of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper also have provided their comments on the issue.

While many, particularly young readers, are receptive to and supportive of VTV2’s decision, others, especially parents of teenage children, have expressed caution and concern.

In support

Vu Nguyen, a Tuoi Tre reader, commented that Vietnamese people, just like many Asians, tend to shy away from sexual matters and gender education, which is partly responsible for Vietnam’s alarming abortion rate – which is among the world’s highest.

Quynh Trang, another reader, said that there is nothing wrong or inappropriate about VTV2 – a science and education channel – airing such shows late at night and helping to promote sex education.

Another reader, Dinh Quoi, even suggested that VTV2 editors not interfere with the series’ content by omitting culturally inappropriate scenes in order not to ruin the entire sitcom. 

Director Xuan Phuoc, who has produced several TV dramas focusing on youths, expressed his delight at VTV2’s receptiveness to sensitive films, which have long gone unnoticed on local TV channels.

Director Nguyen Quang Dung – who was behind several commercially successful movies – and seasoned artist Kim Xuan concurred that VTV2’s planned airing is compatible with current global and regional trends.

Xuan noted that adults should not make such a fuss about the forthcoming broadcast, which may add to teenagers’ undesirable curiosity.

Veteran scriptwriter Chau Tho observed that as TV channels are inundating the local market and have similar criteria, segmenting viewers to focus on specific segments is necessary.

“If sensitive films aren’t aired on TV, people will still have ways to access them by turning to the Internet or pirated publications. Learning about sex is an actual, reasonable humanly need, and a contented sex life is integral to nuptial bliss,” she noted.

However, Tho pointed out she supports the airing as long as VTV2 completely controls the content, aims at wholesome sex education, and does not use sex to lure viewers and draw advertisers.

Meanwhile, People’s Artist and director Tran Ngoc Giau called for more caution to make sure the show does more good than bad.

Airing the shows from 11:00 pm onward can only deter elementary students from watching them, while junior and senior high schoolers generally stay up late and many have their own rooms, he worried.

“Sex education through art must be accompanied by ethical and esthetic criteria, as not every sex scene is artistic enough to distract viewers, particularly pubertal teens, from earthly love-making,” Giau elaborated.

The artist proposed that VTV2 should air the TV series on a pilot basis and closely monitor viewer feedback. Surveys or sociological studies should also be launched alongside the broadcasting, Giau said.

Nguyen Thi My Linh, who has a master’s degree in psychology, finds the airing of such shows necessary now that many Vietnamese students under 18 have had sexual intercourse and a number of college students are co-habiting.

“Those under 18 generally live with their families, who are mainly responsible for what their children should and shouldn’t watch,” she stressed.

Against

Though VTV2 has assured that culturally inappropriate scenes and even entire episodes will be cut if needed, many TV viewers, especially those whose children are in puberty, have voiced serious concerns.

Xuan Canh, a Tuoi Tre reader, is strongly opposed to the airing, which he considered mainly a ploy to lure views and draw commercials and a way to “poison” the young.

Readers Nguyen Huu Thai and Hoai Tam said “Sex and the City” should not be aired on national television, which is open to everyone.

Tam urged that the films should only be broadcast on on-demand channels, to which viewing is restricted, as viewers can “lock” certain programs.

Director Nham Minh Hien said that if the series does not provide beneficial education, it should not be broadcast in any time frame on TV.

Lawyer Nguyen Van Hau, vice chair of the Ho Chi Minh City Lawyers Association, noted that he has handled a number of rape cases in which underage perpetrators lost control after watching such adult films.   He pointed out that in many countries, those who watch films or read comics with adult content must be 18 years old and register for paid accounts with their own codes.

“Our current law on care and protection of children stipulates that children are entitled to absorbing beneficial information and culture. Media managers should thus have full control over information that is published widely,” Hau stressed.

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