World Video FRONTLINE PBS2

Summary

This video script explores Bhutan, a secluded Himalayan kingdom that maintained its isolation for centuries, preserving its culture and traditions. The country introduced television in 1999, sparking curiosity and challenges as modern influences crept in. The arrival of television exposed Bhutanese to new ideas, leading to both fascination and concern. While some embraced the shift, others worried about consumerism and cultural changes. The script reflects on how global exposure reshaped the Bhutanese worldview, particularly through media like wrestling shows and news of global violence, raising questions about the balance between tradition and modernity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, had been isolated for centuries, preserving its unique culture and traditions.
• 😀 In 1999, Bhutan became the last country to introduce television, marking a significant shift in its cultural landscape.
• 😀 Rinsey Dogy, initially unfamiliar with television, became the first cable operator in Bhutan, offering 45 channels for a very low fee.
• 😀 Despite the low cost, not everyone in Bhutan welcomed television, as some feared the cultural and social impacts of foreign programming.
• 😀 Television provided access to global content, including BBC news and entertainment like Baywatch, but also introduced consumerism.
• 😀 Bhutanese children quickly became captivated by television, with many neglecting their studies and spiritual practices in favor of watching shows.
• 😀 Some parents and elders, like Rinsey's mother-in-law, expressed concerns about the commercialization of Bhutanese society and the negative effects of television.
• 😀 Television introduced new foreign heroes, such as wrestling stars, who quickly became role models for Bhutanese youth.
• 😀 The Bhutanese government urged cable operators to exercise discretion in their programming choices, but controlling content proved difficult due to satellite access.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, television also allowed Bhutanese citizens to appreciate the peaceful nature of their country compared to the outside world.
• 😀 The introduction of television in Bhutan highlights the tension between embracing modernity and preserving cultural traditions, a global issue faced by many countries.

Q & A

Why did Bhutan wait until 1999 to introduce television?

Bhutan had a long-standing policy of cultural protectionism and isolation, aiming to preserve its traditional ways of life and prevent outside influences from disrupting its society.

What was the initial reaction of Bhutanese citizens to the introduction of television?

Many Bhutanese were fascinated by the technology and curious about the outside world, but there were also concerns about its impact on the culture and values of the country.

Who was Rinsey Dogy and what role did he play in the introduction of television in Bhutan?

Rinsey Dogy was a local man who became known as the 'cable guy.' He wired homes for television access, despite having little prior knowledge of the technology. His efforts helped introduce 45 channels to Bhutanese households.

What were some concerns raised by parents regarding television programming?

Parents were worried about the exposure to consumerism, violence, and inappropriate content. They feared that television would negatively affect their children's values and behavior.

How did television affect the daily lives of Bhutanese children?

Television became a major source of entertainment for children, with many getting hooked on shows like Cartoon Network and World Wrestling Federation. Some children even began to imitate characters from these programs.

What were the views of Rinsey's mother-in-law about television?

Rinsey's mother-in-law was skeptical of television, fearing that it would lead to a shift towards consumerism and materialism, which she saw as inevitable but unfortunate for the Bhutanese people.

What impact did television have on Bhutanese children's education?

Television caused some children to become distracted from their studies, with some even admitting to thinking more about TV characters and shows than focusing on their schoolwork.

What role did the government play in regulating television content?

The Bhutanese government encouraged cable operators to exercise discretion in choosing the programs they broadcast, although the increasing availability of satellite dishes made it difficult to fully control the content.

How did Bhutanese people perceive their own country in light of global media exposure?

Some Bhutanese people, after seeing violence and crime in global programming, became more appreciative of their peaceful way of life. Television served as a contrast, helping them recognize the value of the tranquility they experienced.

How did television change the way Bhutanese children viewed themselves?

Television introduced new role models and influences, such as wrestlers and cartoon characters, leading children to adopt new behaviors and identities based on what they saw on screen.