I know, it’s been too long-but I really have been struggling
to come up with some great new culture shockers. I don’t really think we
have been here that long (now over 2 years!!), but more the general habit of
ignoring what is going on versus the open mouthed gaping that we have slowly
grown out of. However, recently I was reminded of a MUST post
update.
I'm sure your first thought of Asian tourists is tangled
with large cameras constantly clicking away, taking pictures of anyone and
anything. This is not a stereotype-trust me... The practice of picture taking
is something of a necessity here and good luck staying out of the camera lens
if you are camera shy or are tragically not photogenic. (Though I have some
suggestions for that a little later).
I would say I probably average smiling for multiple pictures a day if I
am in the company of Asians. What they do with all these pictures aside from
posting them on Facebook I really have no idea.
There was recently an
entertaining article in one of the local expat magazines about the fanatical
photography amongst the Vietnamese and continual posting of these often
slightly scandalous pictures online (largely through social media such as
Facebook). The pictures are
generally taken of just one individual in any number of poses, but always
strategically posed. (See the suggested poses here in case you needed a few
more ideas. This I took directly from suggestions given in the article, so
obviously it’s legit.) It’s a bit of pipe dream for any Vietnamese girl
age 12-60 to model. I suppose you could consider all these pictures practice? When
the magazine writer asked a few locals why they take so many pictures of
themselves, they said things like "everyone else also does it, I want to
as well" or "why wouldn't I want to take many pictures of myself if I
think I'm pretty". It seems to reason then that there would be a lot
of little Narcissus clones peering at their reflections in the water and jumping
off bridges as well.
On most every occasion I find myself thinking...you have
got to be kidding me...are they for real?! But yes, apparently it's totally
normal to want to take only pictures of yourself (strategically posed of
course). While I find myself shooing other people away from beautiful vistas to
get a non-inhabited photo, you would find the exact opposite here in Asia. What
is more beautiful than a spotless expanse of beach? A picture of you plopped
smack in the middle of it in a sultry pose of course! How about an ancient
temple? Duh-so much more idyllic with someone standing in front of it. Now, I'm
not saying that its ridiculous to do ANY pictures with people in them, but if
you find yourself in the exact same pose in front of EVERY landmark...then I
think we might label that a severe case of ridiculousness. At times
though I do have to admit that I am also guilty of standing in front of a
landmark-how else am I supposed to prove that I went to Soi Cowboy in Bangkok?!
Just don't go jumping off any bridges around HCMC-I have seen couches
floating down the rivers before and I think that would really mess you up if
you hit one...
The temptation to document this
though is often far too great and on a number of occasions we have found
ourselves taking a picture of others taking pictures... If nothing else, just
to prove that this really happens!
You will notice that I have caught not one but 2 couples taking pictures
(this was in HCMC during the TET festival). I cropped it into multiple
different pictures, so you could see the close up! (You are welcome) This was
likely only one of 100’s of pictures that they took of each other that day.
I really don't feel badly posting these either because I'm sure if they
knew their pictures were here they would be thrilled to get them published on
the internet.
If faux modeling is your thing, then be sure to plan your
next trip to Asia! You will fit right in ;)
