Singapore Idol

I choose to highlight the Singapore Idol phenomenon as an example of globalization. The franchise is a local adaptation of American Idol, a hugely popular show in the US. Most of the key elements of the original American Idol are preserved in the local version: the audition process, the format of public voting via SMSes, elimination format of contestants, programme arrangement (weekly themes of song genres), down to the marketing strategies employed. These similarities are intended and are required as part of the licenses held by localized versions of the American Idol show, such as Singapore Idol.

More interesting is the social response towards Singapore Idol, which is comparable to that in the US towards American Idol. The viewing public in the US accepts the show as a nationwide talent search, and an opportunity to rise to fame quickly. Singaporeans picked up their cues from watching American Idol and show similar enthusiasm in participating in the show. The appearance and success of quirky characters in the auditioning process such as William Hung in American Idol has spurred many similarly "quirky" individuals to participate not only in subsequent American Idol auditions, but also in Singapore Idol, in the hopes of catching an elusive five seconds of fame. Examples of such characters in Singapore Idol include the "Careless Whisperer" and a kung-fu enthusiast from the heartlands. The audience also interacted with the show in a similar manner to US viewers, voting furiously for their favourite contestants and using banners and customized cheers to show their support in the studios.

Cosplay

Cosplay is coined from the English words "costume" and "play". Originating in Japan from 1984,it is a Japanese subculture centered on dressing as characters from manga, anime, video games or even fantasy movies. Cosplay is also known as simply wearing a costume.


Cosplay is a hobby, a lifestyle - Likeminded people gather to see others' costumes, show of their own elaborate handmade creations, take lots of pictures, and possibly participate in best constume contests.

The Singapore Cosplay Club (SCC) was first set up in 2002; which organizes gatherings and events. Cosfest is the annual event of Singapore Cosplay Club and it is the biggest cosplay event in Singapore. The starting of such a Club in Singapore thus signals the societal's growing acceptace towards this lifestyle and hobby. (http://www.sgcosplayclub.org/)


Cosplay is a product of globalization. It has spread first to parts of Asia, and then around the globe, through mediums such as mass media and the Internet.

Cosplay; a lifestyle of Japan subculture has now been adopted by Singaporeans.
They actively participate in Cosplay events and also interact socially and competitively within the community. The Premier Singapore Cosplay Kingdom is an online community where Cos-members socialize, create Cosplay Teams, organise outings, share photos etc.

Although the registered Cosplay community is still relatively small (approximately 650 registered members); the social response has been positive. The existence of an online forum and community and also Cosfest, an annual event indicates that Singaporeans are accepting this lifestyle and their participation in such activities, competitions and events signal their keen interest in this growing phenomena.