The Controversial Map: Bobby Movie Faces Bans in Vietnam and the Philippines

 Title: The Controversial Map: Bobby Movie Faces Bans in Vietnam and the Philippines

Introduction :

The release of the upcoming movie Bobby has garnered attention for all the wrong reasons. While fans around the world eagerly await its premiere on July 21st, residents of Vietnam and the Philippines face disappointment as the film has been banned in Vietnam, with the Philippines considering a similar move. The question arises: why are these countries taking issue with a seemingly innocent movie centered around dolls? The answer lies in a controversial map depicted in the film featuring the disputed South China Sea, portraying it as part of China. This article explores the historical context, political sensitivities, and the broader implications that have contributed to the bans.

Background:

The South China Sea has long been a contentious area with multiple countries claiming sovereignty over its waters. China claims approximately 90 percent of the sea, including areas disputed by Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. This territorial dispute has escalated with China's increased military patrols and the construction of artificial islands in the region, making it a political tinderbox. Against this backdrop, Bobby, a Warner Brothers production, with its scene featuring the controversial map, has ignited tensions and prompted bans.

Hollywood's Surrender to Chinese Market :

The bans on the Bobby movie shed light on the growing influence of the Chinese market on Hollywood productions. China's ascent as the world's largest box office in 2020, surpassing North America, created economic pressures for Hollywood. With escalating budgets and the need for blockbuster success, filmmakers had to cater to the Chinese audience. However, accommodating the Chinese market comes with a significant caveat - the stringent Chinese censorship guidelines.

Examples of Self-Censorship:

Several noteworthy examples highlight Hollywood's compliance with Chinese censors. In the movie Doctor Strange (2016), the original Marvel comic portrayed the protagonist with a Tibetan mentor. However, in the film adaptation, the character's mentor was changed to a Celtic one, likely influenced by the sensitivities surrounding Tibet in Chinese politics. Similarly, the zombie movie World War Z altered its storyline, removing any mention of China as the source of the outbreak in its later versions.

 

This pattern of self-censorship extends beyond individual movies. Red Dawn (2012), a film depicting an invasion of the United States, originally featured Chinese flags. Yet, in post-production, these flags were digitally transformed into North Korean flags, avoiding potential Chinese backlash. Even the blockbuster franchise fast and furious has faced controversies when actor John Cena apologized in Mandarin for referring to Taiwan as a country during promotional activities, highlighting the fear of losing Chinese market access.

The Concerns with Self-Imposed Censorship:

The voluntary compliance of Hollywood with Chinese censorship raises concerns about the consistency of American values, such as LGBTQ rights and representation on the global stage. While Hollywood celebrates diversity and advocates for equal representation, many Chinese releases strip away any references to homosexuality or LGBTQ themes. This creates a significant contradiction between the industry's activism in certain arenas and its silence or compliance in others.

Conclusion:

As the Bobby movie release faces bans in Vietnam and potential bans in the Philippines, it serves as a reminder of Hollywood's growing relationship with China. The economic pressure of China's booming movie market has led to self-imposed censorship and alterations to cater to Chinese sensitivities. While the pursuit of profit is a valid motive, it raises questions about the consistent promotion of values and the resulting impact on American soft power globally. With the production of Barbie dolls shifting to China and the Hollywood industry seemingly tailored to Chinese interests, the American flagships have become entwined