Is Using BL to Sell Products Exploitative?

[@ayme2572]

Honestly hetero K-dramas and C-dramas do the same thing too (looking at you Goblin, Meteor Garden and Well Intended Love). It’s annoying but it brings money in, which in turn helps production value... More $$ means better quality. Lol you would think Koreans only eat Dominos and Subway 😹

[@zelulu1000]

I don't buy the products i see in bl or straight dramas. Seriously sometimes this so ridiculous i can't even. Sale phone for everybody in a drama? That's so unrealistic. In my own home of 5 people no one has the same phone. I couldn't stand to see a bottle of Roco drink beverages at one point because i thought it was the only beverage drunk in China... The level of ridiculousness of the product placement in Asian dramas really deter me of buying the product more than anything

[@philliprumans753]

As a gay man, I see nothing wrong with it. They do it in every genre. Super hero movies, comedies, etc. I personally am not enticed by product placement at all. So does not bother me.

[@AlexS-il7zm]

As long as it is something that we can clearly understand as a product "commercial" I am ok with it. All entertainment industries use commercials to fund their shows. It is a necessity in order to make money to pay the actors, camera people, script writers, etc etc. If not then we have to pay to watch it. I like watching things for "free". As a consumer you just need to be aware of the commercials and differentiate between reality and fantasy.

[@zelulu1000]

Seriously they go too overboard with products placement in BL dramas. But I guess in this capitalistic society this helps to financed bl dramas. I have never, ever once wanted to buy a product seen in these dramas because that irritate me so much to see 10 time the same product thrown in my face in the most unorganic way possible

[@leslieshE]

I think for the Offgun's case, it was sort of an arrangment for both parties. Cornetto people needed popular actors for visibilty and the working team around Offgun know the fans want to see them work together again in a series. They want to make sure we still follow Offgun for some time more, and have to give us the fans something. So I guess they were just helping each other out, and did this for money and content the fans for the time being. To be honest I don't really know what to think of all this. It is manipulation on their part but at the same time, we want more of our ships and they provide. It's complicated when you think about it. And they shouldn't use the lgbt cause to sell their products. They must "use" lgbt content to give their audience a message of tolerence. It shouldn't feel forced or like it's fanservice. All this aside, I really miss Offgun too and am hoping for a season 2 or a special episode. Ps : love your vids.

[@sleepyoongi6424]

Another great video as always!💞 and as of my opinion on this; I know Bl shows kind of have a necessity to promote products on their show due to a lack of funding and to just support the show which I think is completely okay. However I can see how this concept is a little exploitative when targeted towards fans of bl which may be easily influenced as to support anything that is to do with the actors we love. I'm certainly not an expert on this area but I believe the product placement in bl shows is something we shouldn't deter as this is what funds the show and the actors in it; without the advertisements we wouldn't have these shows at all. 💜

[@TravelCoffeeAndy]

I do agree with you overall, and yes, I do see "exploitation" as you mentioned. However, from my 52-year-old eyes, I see a significant change in the society towards the LGBTQ+ society. I remember growing up during college, not having internet, or apps that help me meet other gay people in the community. There weren't any "gay" characters on TV. Actors didn't want to do any gay characters because that would tarnish their reputation. etc, etc. When I look at any other CM, they "exploit" someone's popularity (beautiful and popular models, current actors that are successful, etc). I don't see any regular dude like myself, being asked to be in a CK commercial. Because I can tell you right now, no one will buy that product. LOL In my mind, I think it's a great step that these companies are using BL successes and popularity to sell their products. This means to me, that these companies are supportive and are comfortable with their products being associated with the LGBTQ+ community. I feel that the BL popularity is also doing a lot of good for our community, in opening up eyes and minds of many around the world, and in many ways, undoing the negative stereotype reputation associated with the LGBTQ+ community. It certainly has opened up eyes towards issues that I had not been aware of. I truly hope these "exploitations" will open up more eyes and spread through other countries such as Japan (I use Japan as an example because I am a Japanese-Canadian, and I see so many challenges there to compare with Canada). Thanks for reading! 😊

[@skylight8236]

Hi, I honestly never comment however I really love your videos. I've been following you for a while with my other account and I really like your take on things. I don't always agree with your points of view but the way you are able to fully develop them is amazing. I wanted to tell you that as well as to thank you because this video has inspired my semester's finance and communication project. keep up the amazing work, absolutely love it.

[@andrelapearl3568]

Me, as someone who can see things from business sides and economic sides, i dont think this is something that deep. Idk.. i think the companies is just doing what they can to get profits. I mean, that's the very basic thing when you make a company. Get as much profit as you can. And I think as long as they dont do something that disrespectful, i mean towards the ACTORS, I think that's okay...

[@aadhya9698]

I have to say as a BL fan I enjoy these commercials so we can see them together just for few minutes or so.. I never thought about over exploitation of them just to make money.. you are absolutely right.. I feel guilty about it and hope it is not hurting the sentiments of gay people..

[@millysuter3387]

I kinda agree, but many other dramas have done this as well. I understand that the sponsorship is needed, I just feel like the filming of it could be done better. I think one of the best product placements that worked well in a scene and even added to it was in Why R U when Fight was getting Tutor to tell him what the products were. It was funny, wasn't too in your face and it still matched their dynamic without it feeling to awkward.

[@kerrel09]

I think your view is from your perspective, I'm from the west where many companies and individuals still believe they should be able to deny service to LGBTQ people. The fact that Thai BLs (especially) have this product placement is also a public stand from companies, they should be rewarded for that support because the dramas that they are supporting have world wide impact even with any flaws. The world since Stone Wall has changed so much that we forget alot of the rights and privileges the community now enjoys are transformative. We need to strive to be better but not forget how far we have already moved. I'm happy to have some many companies put there money where their mouths are. Homphobes are also a commercial demographic but most of these brands would never sponsor their material, where you spend your dollar says something about where your support lies.

[@adambelrock2554]

Don't worry I have also asked this questions a lot of time in mind to myself and finally someone is openly talking about it . I'm glad you did talk about this .

[@1096-m8m]

i still remember that scene when can explained that purple drink thing and how it contained vitamins that good for your body to tin in LBC 2 🙈 i was like, WTF 😂

[@goldgoddess_gg]

Your point is really interesting and your analysis is great

[@Otorres1]

My issue with it all is that there is so little equality for gay people in countries where BL is popular. It is offensive to only use same-sex desire to sell things to straight girls. In the USA, there is monetization of gayness, but it is to attract gay money, the billions that gay men and women have to spend. For BL advertising, homosexuality in real life seems beside the point. You are being disregarded while be used at the same time. Being seen without being understood. I definitely have a love/hate relationship to BL.

[@angysuarez0205]

TBH I love product placement because it's so silly sometimes so I don't mind but sometimes I do be wanting to buy some stuff

[@Anie1987]

Every drama I've ever seen, aside from period dramas like The Untamed, has SOME sort of product placement. Some more heavily than others. I can think of at least three hetero K-dramas that are basically Subway ads. Same with various makeup brands. Subtle product placements are fine, but super blatant ones always make me snort laugh. I was annoyed that WinTeam on UWMA was like 40% Lays advertising, so I really hope they get their own miniseries at some point without talking about chips every third scene. But besides that, it's normal for there to be some level of advertising in series. The only time I've seen something wrong with it was WinTeam, like I mentioned.

[@tmdsb2655]

It also depends on culture honestly. In China, product placement is like glaringly obvious. Most ppl don’t mind it cuz hey, their favorites are getting paid to do this.

[@Pad929]

What I wonder about companies that sponsor gay-related content is what support and benefits do they give their employees, and do they use their influence to make the lives of LGBTQ...people better in society outside of the sponsorship. The example in the video of a US company being an ally at a pride parade but also supporting candidates who go out of their way to make anti-gay laws is what I'm against. I just thought of this: some of those politicians/religious fanatics must be from the BL world--they hate gays but then later they are revealed to be gay. LOL

[@remingtonsvampire9400]

It doesn't make much difference to me, tbh. I'm so broke it doesn't matter!

[@saintnovak7389]

I think the biggest difference is that these companies help fund these lgbt series. By doing these commercials and ads, they gain money for the main company and also help studios keep making these types of shows. To me, it doesn’t really exploit gay people at all. (I say this as a gay young man.) Infact, it’s enjoyable to me to get to see these same sex “couples” as most commercials are very heteronormative. It allows me to better relate.

[@jhonmedina5298]

Queen of facts 👏👏👏 ✨✨

[@thomask9272]

I've been watching BL dramas for a while now, and I mostly don't pay attention to all the product placement. I only recently realized the drinks they keep advertising don't even have Thai-sounding names. (Oishi and Lactasoy... Hehe!) Am I, as a gay man, offended? :O No. It's just a stupid advertisement. :P

[@imgonewiththewindfab]

In the Philippines we don't have brands shown on any soap operas.. Its blurred out or label removed. *not bl

[@almirakamagutchi6362]

Why am I so happy that the pride month is the same month of my birth day.. I feel like bl fans are gayer than gay. Lol I have a gay friend and he didn't even know any bl.. He told me that I'm gayer than him maybe its true.. Lol. Nothing's wrong with being gay you know

[@flossymarshall5512]

I am glad you brought up this situation! As part of the LGBTQ+, I find it disrespectful and disgusting. People have died for us, so for companies to take advantage of the fact... it’s just upsetting 😡 However, I am not blaming the directors and producers of the drama’s bc like you said they need some source of income to produce the shows we have.

[@valehernandez8894]

I think it is enough to enjoy something knowing that there are things that are not right, if we do not allow ourselves to do this we will not be able to have a good time watching the series that we like or other things, unfortunately we can make everything okay, so let's continue educating ourselve and enjoying things we like

[@pasguy1965]

Very thought provoking video. I am always half tempted to drink a shot when ever I see a product placement! I think we all need to be smart consumers of media and recognize the signs of when we are being manipulated. It does take a lot of money to produce these show. As a bank robber in the US in the 1930s was asked, “Why do you rob banks?”- His answer was “That’s where the money is!” Same can be said for product placement.

[@Thismeekpotato]

Like for me super obvious especially when your hyper aware -product placement is annoying. But BL's mean so much to so many people. This escape or representation needed and comfort found in them. Like Ive seen every Thai BL ever and these things in away I know that's exactly what helps pay for this production. So I'm so unphased by it.

[@jackbean8013]

It's advertising and it's obvious enough that I don't feel it as problematic. Honestly, for some drama I remember counting it (Sotus is full of it lol). Though I admit I was kinda annoyed at gmm youtube channel at first because... Well, there's the KZbin ads, then one at the start of the vid (while each episode is conveniently cut in 4) and then characters are drinking escola, putting on make up... Now, as far as pride and exploitation go... I neither feel exploited nor feel like those dramas (or at least the very vast majority of them) are "supportive" of lgbt. It never seems like an accurate depiction of what life as an lgbt is like in Thailande, everyone's okay with it except perhaps one or two parents or the "b*tch" (who's here to get hated anyway). The best dramas in term of representation for lgbt, in my opinion and only among those I watched, are 3 will be free and Friendzone... The rest of them are mostly fantasy and while it's nice and it shows altersexualities aren't bad, it also make it seems like there's no difficulties to it and so nothing to do to help (cuz no help is needed). And really, it's not their purpose and it's okay. There's a difference between a drama like Sotus or LBC meant to be a romance and something like The Effect which is meant to have a meaning and showcase problems (it's probably not the best exemple, since it really could have been done with an heterosexual couple, but it's the best I could come up with in the Thai bl genre).

[@carlosbonilla1792]

Girl !!!! You are so right ...

[@alexkyun1365]

I ask the same question. I reckon that consumers in general do not seem to understand that purchase of items associated with their favorite actors entails wise buying. I'm not implying you are not allowed to purchase every item in the market, but be sure the reason behind is of use and value to your needs.

[@rattlethestars6016]

I think the only major issue surrounding this topic is when those same companies who appear to "support" the lgbtq+ community by "advertising" and using these actors are the same ones that go and donate and support anti-lgbtq+ organizations like in America. I have this time and time again during Pride Month with the monopolization of pride merch and wear. I know beggars can't be choosy in the sense of the companies, but I would assume the companies and directors would want their actors/actresses and shows to be portrayed and advertised by an ethical company.

[@lestercyrilgacang7008]

I think its not disrespectful because at the first place those product that appear in all bl series is their major sponsors .. major sponsors are the one who help to stands the production or should i say they give budget so that the production and the out come of the series when its aired is great .... in that case so they appear the product in the videos in a way of pay back to then Thats my opinion I hope that you’ll understand 🙏🏼

[@roycc07]

moral compass of a business run ad.... much is said about that

[@aadhya9698]

Sorry out of topic where can I see Kao and Earth's commercial..? I love them

[@moonconsort]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5mrYoena62Xjbs

[@jaceus]

omg are you from pittsburgh too?? i really appreciate your addition of pride and general marketing of the lgbt community because it really frustrates me to see things like pride become a marketing campaign,, i hate how EQT is like plastered over pittsburgh pride ://

[@moonconsort]

Yes, I'm a Pittsburgher! Though I'm not currently living there. :)

[@theprettiestparasiteinthew2191]

For 'cornetto love expert' they used other ships not only bl so I wouldn't call it exploitative in this sense. I for one don't fall for product placements or ads, just enjoying content. And ads or product placements are found everywhere so I guess that's normal, but your words also got me thinking about their intentions if some of them are targeting a certain kind of audience. Honestly the only thing that bothers me is they make it TOO OBVIOUS in shows and series and it gets kinda annoying sometimes :') And one thing that surprised me is when I saw the cornetto add in mo dao zu shi donghua... I don't think I've seen an add in an anime before lmao, but hey I appreciate the creativeness 😂

[@ringtone3578]

Product placement is everywhere though...?

[@laxmik9088]

Reality is not only bl are exploited but also the straight people or any community or country and for sure any sector . the gay commercial for the ice cream you mentioned is also the with famous celebrity. It mainly depends on popularity.

[@ArkaChakraborty93]

I think it's kind of cohabitence. These dramas have a very subtle, slow yet very powerful impact on the society. I think the coming generations who see these kind of dramas being aired on television in prime time gets to normalise to the idea of lgbtq and with time more accepting. We don't have such things in our country and apart from the big cities I can see either homophobia or ignorance. Majority of people doesn't even know about lgbtq. And in order to survive in the showbiz these bl makes must tie knot with these companies. One cannot live without another. If you need your shows running you need sponsorships. And these advertisements showing gay couple also in a was helps lgbtq community to pave into the mainstream.

[@MissKashira]

Capitalism by it's very nature is exploitative. The winners of capitalism aren't the ones who work hard, but the ones who have people working hard /for them/. So yes, capitalizing on gay love to sell chips is exploitative. But so is capitalizing on cheap labor to make shoes. So is buying a home you don't plan to live in and renting it to someone else. That's just a feature of the world we live in and permeates every aspect of it, not just BL. I think the difference with BL is a lack of subtly. They are doing the same thing as everyone else, they are just shameless about it.

[@paulootero9429]

I as a GAY, I dont see anything wrong with it. They usually does this in different types of movies, nothing to be surprised with. Here in my country, they've also done that cornetto ad. in some of those showbiz LOVETEAMS (MxF). Lets just take that as a complement that they are now more open.

[@shawnawood1488]

I think when it comes to the ads it kind of depends. Though the product placement in the shows can get a little cheesy and annoying I see it as no different that what's done here in the west. All the time we have Ford pick ups in Starbucks in shows and movies. This reminds me of Kissa products in WhyRU or that one juice water in Sotus. But when it comes to specific ads made like the ones you mentioned or "My Baby Bright" with Singto and Krist those start to feel a little exploitative to me. They bait you in with the BL only because they are marketing their stuff. Using BL to hit a certain demographic because they know the fujoshis will buy anything involved with BL.

[@dariusa8613]

Personally, i think it would be wrong if companies were solely advertising in bl dramas. But product placements exist everywhere, so it's not exploitative in my opinion.

[@adelalazur3341]

I think it is ok, but only if company really is supporting for LGBT. If it will come out that company don't have much LGBT working for them, or none between higher ups. Then they are using BL really badly. However if they aren't homophobic, then it is the same as using any concept in an advertisement. Like showing a happy familly, suggesting that toffee will bring you all toughener and make you all lovely dovey. Everything can be problematic if you put to it a proper perspective. I think we should work on making LGBT into a norm. If they can monetize family love, why shouldn't they monetize on gay love? Because there are some people who well hurt by intolerance...? How stoping such advertising will help that people? However as I said if company is secretly homophobic than it shouldn't. They monetizing on something that don't belong to them.

[@KimberlyKohn]

Does anyone else remember that commercial/product placement for Toyota in Bones? It's really similar to the pp I've seen in Thai series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXXIapKZbbZ0g5I Personally, the obvious pp doesn't bother me as much as more subtle forms, like the use of Apple products in Western media and how Apple won't allow bad guys to use their products. That feels kinda icky while watching Manow put on eyeshadow in every episode of UWMA is funny (also, she should have ended up with Del, just saying).

[@paulootero9429]

Also, I guess those companies are one of the main reasons to make that BL series you're watching possible.☺

[@knivspit]

i think as long as the intention is to say “we support this community” then why not. but of course we don’t get to know why the company chose to go that route. i honestly think it’s awesome to get to see same sex couples on tv/other platforms. even here in the states you don’t really get to see that as much, even interracial couples are barely on tv. i think companies normalizing the lgbtq+ community is amazing :)

[@JMoonGem]

I am a little late with my comment. Still, love the quick history lesson of LGBTQ+ pride in the U.S. Believe it or not some people in the community, as well as people who support the community, do not know about it. Anyway, I understand where you are coming from but I don't always think too deep about it. The thought has crossed my mind, but then I notice they (Asian series/dramas) do it in both hetero and same-gender shows. Also, when I analyze these things, I am wondering whether these companies actually value and support LGBTQ+ or are they just capitalizing on their stories. I think about this more if I see product placement in the U.S or during pride month because the U.S companies claim they are progressive but I think it's a smokescreen to hide how homophobic many of them are.

[@emmanuelaadebisi5743]

Do any of you guys know any good gl dramas btw?

[@frankiebrysonious9446]

I actually think doing a stonewall history deep dive video would be amazing. A lot f your viewers and bl viewers are you an dlikely don’t know anything about it. I myself am pretty uneducated about it too. Just a thought but if you’d be willing I think that’d be an awesome video

[@carmelitovallecera5107]

That's part of a series..they need sponsors to give life the series. I am gay. not the same as straight roles because they had all bugdets to run the drama.

[@livviex837]

i don't watch other thai drama's (non-BL) so i guess if they don't use product placement in the same way then the exploitation is definitely an issue when it comes to BL dramas but if this happens in all thai shows for funding then i mean it's not as deep...? lots of other asian and some western dramas do the same thing (BL and non-BL) so i think it purely is based on if its just a norm in the thai tv industry... (oop sorry for being late to the discussion)

[@sasutomato]

Ummm is it bad that I started to buy these products? Those taokaenoi snacks are hella good . And I recently bought Myss lip stain and the lip colors are brighter than my future. I love them but...it is getting outta hand. I appreciate the support these companies give to make these BL projects possible but they don't even subtlety advertise. The show turns into a brief commercial hell some shows feel like an entire commercial. It makes me wonder if these products are the reason series are made because some are so lacking. I feel smothered and brainwashed sometimes like I can't enjoy anything without being harassed for my money. It's not just BL btw the hetero series do it too. HELL MUSIC VIDEOS TOO! These boy groups our BL boys be making is it just to challenge their abilities or just another way to sell products WE DON'T NEED half the time? Makes me wonder is there anything pure and expressed with love and creativity anymore or is it all just about making money? You made some good points too. Nice video. Also to add I have been educated in skincare because of these products but..yeah there are like so many positives and negatives about this subject matter

[@97linemy89]

Buying the fucking biscuits,chocolate,Yoghert drink just because of the wanna one face on !raise you hand 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Brit15102]

I’m fine with Bl it’s that same as hetero my only thing is that there’s never really any actually gay men playing the characters. 9/10 times the guy is straight and has his career boosted for acting in a bl because it’s a high selling point at the moment.

[@nenedje5822]

i dont think it is exploitative cos thats quite negative. But i do think they se the popularity BL brings to push their products and thats what adverts do. i recently bought a pair of sneakers simply because i saw one of my favorite idols wear it. he wasnt advertising it. i just wanted to have something he had. ive also wanted to try Oishi honey lemon, thats the way adverts work. BL is very popular especially in Thailand. them promoting the products also makes them more known to the public which could help not only their careers but maybe help make seeing homosexual couples not to be different but normal.

[@phxlkhen6326]

Personally, I don't find it as exploitative. However, I find it cringey seeing 2 or 3 scenes where products are shown. Take the case of #2gethertheseries where I have seen the energy drink, glutathione capsule, etc. I just tell myself that 'it's another indirect advertisement'.

[@danratilla8936]

same with that wannaone thingy😄😄😄😄

[@fenty2331]

It's just how capitalism works. I'm not saying that makes it okay, but corporations using popular "trends" to advertise their products no matter how problematic it is is nothing new🤷🏾‍♂️ still annoys me sometimes tho

[@TajMDPhd]

This pandering to “Gay Dollar” as advertisers in the west would call it. Marketing strategists see a revenue that could be made in promoting their products to the gay market. With regards to product placement in the series, I don’t mind as long as it is subtle.

[@hilmanh3852]

Well, is BL drama exploits LGBTQ people? Cause they use gay story to essentially gain money? (Most of the actor straight too) BL community has preferences, by than I mean, if you're BL fans, big change is you will not actively search for straight couple drama. Aside for being ethical or not, I think it a basic economic principal of demand and supply

[@mpj5676]

Not that deep, as product placement even happens in straight movies. Like the watches and cars seen in big action movies. It's a common practice everywhere. So why not do product placement in BL shows. It's marketing, it just brings awareness to the product to an audience.

[@queenapryllm8454]

I just wish it was bit less blatant

[@delroyafonsoewa8796]

Bitch so real

[@mintthanapon3913]

I thought I was the only one who think all of this .